Stir-Fried Sesame Tofu with Colorful Bell Peppers
A vibrant stir-fry featuring crisp bell peppers and golden sesame tofu in a savory soy glaze, perfect for a quick, satisfying vegetarian meal. This asian-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs 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 280 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
- 1 medium red bell pepper
- 1 medium yellow bell pepper
- 1 medium green bell pepper
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2, sliced scallions
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Press 14 oz firm tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1-inch cubes and toss with 2 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy, then remove and set aside.
- Step 3: Slice 1 red, 1 yellow, and 1 green bell pepper into thin strips. In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp sesame oil, then sauté 3 cloves minced garlic and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add the bell pepper strips and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Step 5: Stir together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tbsp honey in a small bowl, then pour over the bell peppers. Return tofu to the skillet and toss everything gently to coat in the sauce.
- Step 6: Cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the tofu and peppers.
- Step 7: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 sliced scallions over the top before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Sesame Tofu with Colorful 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 Sesame Tofu with Colorful 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 firm tofu from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Sesame Tofu with Colorful 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 Sesame Tofu with Colorful 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 Sesame Tofu with Colorful 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.
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