Stir-Fried Spicy Garlic Tofu with Bell Peppers

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

A vibrant and flavorful vegan stir-fry featuring firm tofu and crisp bell peppers tossed in a spicy garlic sauce. This asian fusion-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 30 minutes pairs firm tofu, large red bell pepper, large 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 4, 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Asian Fusion cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press and drain 14 oz firm tofu, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Toss tofu cubes with 1 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Dice 1 large red bell pepper, 1 large yellow bell pepper, and 1 large green bell pepper into 1/2-inch pieces. Mince 4 garlic cloves and slice 2 green onions thinly.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes and fry for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally until golden and crispy on all sides; remove tofu and set aside.
  4. Step 4: In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp sesame oil, then add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Step 5: Add diced bell peppers and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften but remain crisp.
  6. Step 6: Mix 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp chili paste, and 1/4 cup water in a small bowl, then pour into the skillet. Stir well and cook for 2 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the peppers.
  7. Step 7: Return tofu to the skillet and toss gently to coat with sauce and vegetables. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
  8. Step 8: Remove from heat, garnish with sliced green onions, and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Spicy 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 Spicy 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 firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Spicy 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 Spicy Garlic Tofu with Bell Peppers for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Spicy 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.

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