Stir-Fried Spicy Tofu with Bell Peppers and Garlic

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

A vibrant and spicy stir-fry combining crispy tofu cubes with colorful bell peppers and garlic for a satisfying vegan meal. This asian-inspired vegan (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs firm tofu, cornstarch, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

★ 4.3 (15 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 14 oz firm tofu cubes with 2 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot, then add tofu cubes. Cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden and crispy.
  3. Step 3: Remove tofu from skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 sliced red bell pepper and 1 sliced green bell pepper, stir-frying for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  5. Step 5: Return tofu to the skillet, then pour in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp Sriracha sauce, and drizzle 1 tsp sesame oil. Stir everything together and cook for 2 more minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the tofu and peppers.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with 2 sliced green onions and serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Spicy Tofu with Bell Peppers and Garlic 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 and Garlic?

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 Tofu with Bell Peppers and Garlic?

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 and Garlic 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 and Garlic 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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