Stir-Fried Spicy Tofu with Broccoli and Cashews
A vibrant vegan stir fry featuring crispy tofu, crunchy broccoli, and toasted cashews in a spicy garlic sauce. This asian-inspired vegan ready in about 30 minutes pairs cornstarch, vegetable oil, broccoli florets 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.
Ingredients
- 14 oz, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes firm tofu
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 medium, sliced into thin strips red bell pepper
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp fresh minced ginger
- 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha sauce
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/3 cup roasted cashews
- 2, sliced green onions
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Toss 14 oz firm tofu cubes with 2 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy, then transfer to a plate.
- Step 3: Add remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil to the skillet. Sauté 2 cups broccoli florets and 1 sliced red bell pepper for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Step 4: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced ginger; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce, 1 tbsp sriracha, and 1 tbsp maple syrup. Pour sauce into the skillet and stir to coat vegetables.
- Step 6: Return tofu to the skillet and toss gently with 1/3 cup roasted cashews and the sauce. Cook for another 2 minutes until heated through.
- Step 7: Garnish with 2 sliced green onions and serve hot.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Spicy Tofu with Broccoli and Cashews 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 Broccoli and Cashews?
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 cornstarch from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Spicy Tofu with Broccoli and Cashews?
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 Broccoli and Cashews 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 Broccoli and Cashews 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.