Stir-Fried Garlic Tofu with Colorful Vegetables

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Firm tofu stir-fried with crisp bell peppers, carrots, and snow peas in a savory garlic-soy sauce, perfect for a quick vegan meal. This asian fusion-inspired stir fry (vegan, gluten free option) ready in about 30 minutes pairs vegetable oil, garlic cloves, minced, medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 330 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 3 Asian Fusion cuisine 330 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz cubed extra firm tofu and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are golden and crisp. Remove tofu from skillet and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp vegetable oil and 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 thinly sliced red bell pepper, 1 thinly sliced yellow bell pepper, 1 large julienned carrot, and 1 cup snow peas. Stir-fry vegetables for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp maple syrup, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 2 tbsp water until smooth.
  5. Step 5: Return tofu to the skillet, pour the sauce over tofu and vegetables, and toss gently. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1 tbsp sesame seeds and 2 sliced green onions on top before serving over steamed rice or noodles.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Garlic Tofu with Colorful Vegetables take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Colorful Vegetables?

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 vegetable oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Garlic Tofu with Colorful Vegetables?

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 Colorful Vegetables 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 Colorful Vegetables vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan, gluten free option based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

Related recipes