Stir-Fried Mid-Level Tofu with Mixed Vegetables

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

A balanced stir-fry featuring medium-firm tofu and fresh seasonal vegetables, delivering a satisfying mid-level texture and flavor. This chinese-inspired middle eastern (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs medium-firm tofu, carrot, 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.

★ 4.1 (12 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Chinese cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 400g medium-firm tofu cubes and pan-fry for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy on edges, then transfer tofu to a plate.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced ginger, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 medium julienned carrot, 1 medium sliced bell pepper, and 100g snow peas, stir-frying for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: Return the tofu to the skillet, pour in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, and 2 tbsp water, then stir gently to combine.
  5. Step 5: Add 1 tsp cornstarch dissolved in 2 tbsp water, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and coats the tofu and vegetables, about 1-2 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Season with 1/4 tsp black pepper and sprinkle 2 sliced green onions on top. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Mid-Level Tofu with Mixed Vegetables take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Mid-Level Tofu with Mixed 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 medium-firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Mid-Level Tofu with Mixed 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 Mid-Level Tofu with Mixed 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 Mid-Level Tofu with Mixed Vegetables vegetarian?

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

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