Stir-Fried Spicy Tofu with Bell Peppers

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant and popular stir-fry combining crispy tofu with colorful bell peppers and a spicy soy glaze. This asian-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 30 minutes pairs extra 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 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Drain and press 14 oz extra firm tofu, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Toss tofu cubes with 1 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes and cook for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally until golden and crispy on all sides.
  3. Step 3: While tofu cooks, thinly slice 1 medium red bell pepper and 1 medium yellow bell pepper, mince 3 garlic cloves, grate 1 tbsp ginger root, and chop 2 green onions.
  4. Step 4: Remove tofu from skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp sesame oil, then sauté minced garlic and grated ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Add sliced bell peppers to the skillet and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
  6. Step 6: Return tofu to the skillet. Mix 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sriracha sauce, and 2 tbsp water in a small bowl, then pour over tofu and peppers.
  7. Step 7: Toss everything together over medium heat for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the ingredients. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Frequently asked questions

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

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Spicy 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 Tofu with 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 Spicy 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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