Stir-Fried Spicy Tofu with Bell Peppers and Sesame
A vibrant stir-fry combining firm tofu and crisp bell peppers in a spicy sesame sauce for a quick vegetarian Asian-inspired meal. This asian-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 22 minutes pairs sesame oil, soy sauce, gochujang (Korean chili paste) 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, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes firm tofu
- 1 medium, sliced into thin strips red bell pepper
- 1 medium, sliced into thin strips yellow bell pepper
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 2 stalks, cut into 1-inch pieces green onions
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add 14 oz firm tofu cubes and cook for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are golden and crisp.
- Step 2: Remove tofu and set aside. Add remaining 1 tbsp sesame oil to the same skillet, then add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1 sliced red bell pepper and 1 sliced yellow bell pepper to the skillet and stir-fry for 3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
- Step 4: Return tofu to the skillet and add 3 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp gochujang. Stir well to coat all ingredients and cook for another 2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Stir in 2 stalks sliced green onions and sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving hot.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Spicy Tofu with Bell Peppers and Sesame take to make?
Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 Sesame?
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 sesame oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Spicy Tofu with Bell Peppers and Sesame?
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 Sesame 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 Sesame 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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