Stir-Fried Garlic Tofu with Bell Peppers
A vibrant vegan stir fry featuring crispy tofu and colorful bell peppers tossed in a savory garlic sauce. This asian-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 30 minutes pairs extra firm tofu, medium red bell pepper, medium yellow bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 14 oz extra firm tofu
- 1 medium red bell pepper
- 1 medium yellow bell pepper
- 1 medium green bell pepper
- 4 cloves garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 stalks green onions
- 1/4 tsp red chili flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Drain 14 oz extra firm tofu and press firmly to remove excess moisture. Cut into 1-inch cubes and toss with 2 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and cook for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
- Step 3: Dice 1 medium red, 1 medium yellow, and 1 medium green bell pepper into 1/2-inch pieces. Mince 4 garlic cloves finely.
- Step 4: In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp sesame oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 5: Add the diced bell peppers and cook for 4-5 minutes until they soften but retain a slight crunch.
- Step 6: Return the crispy tofu to the skillet and pour in 3 tbsp soy sauce along with 1/4 tsp red chili flakes. Stir-fry everything together for 2 minutes until the sauce coats the tofu and peppers evenly.
- Step 7: Thinly slice 2 green onions and sprinkle them on top before serving to add freshness and color.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Garlic Tofu with Bell Peppers take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Stir-Fried Garlic Tofu with Bell Peppers?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep extra firm tofu from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Garlic Tofu with Bell Peppers?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Stir-Fried Garlic Tofu with Bell Peppers for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Stir-Fried Garlic Tofu with Bell Peppers vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
