Stir-Fried Regional Tofu with Garlic and Bell Peppers
A vibrant stir-fry featuring firm tofu and crisp bell peppers tossed in a savory garlic sauce inspired by regional Asian flavors. This asian-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs vegetable oil, garlic cloves, minced, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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 firm tofu, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
- 1 medium green bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 scallions, chopped
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz pressed firm tofu cubes and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp vegetable oil, then sauté 5 minced garlic cloves over medium heat for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1 medium sliced red bell pepper and 1 medium sliced green bell pepper. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Step 4: Return the tofu to the skillet. Stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp brown sugar, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Cook for 2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and coats the tofu and vegetables.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 chopped scallions and 1 tbsp sesame seeds before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Regional Tofu with Garlic and Bell Peppers 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 Regional Tofu with Garlic and 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 vegetable oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Regional Tofu with Garlic and 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 Regional Tofu with Garlic and 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 Regional Tofu with Garlic and Bell Peppers 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.
