Stir-Fried Tofu and Bell Pepper with Garlic-Soy Glaze

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant and quick stir-fry featuring crispy tofu and colorful bell peppers coated in a savory garlic-soy glaze. This asian-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 30 minutes pairs firm tofu, medium red bell pepper, medium green 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 firm tofu to remove excess water, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Dice 1 medium red bell pepper and 1 medium green bell pepper into 1-inch pieces. Mince 4 garlic cloves finely.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 3 tbsp water until smooth to make the glaze.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are golden and crisp. Remove tofu and set aside.
  4. Step 4: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp sesame oil, then sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add diced bell peppers and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
  5. Step 5: Return the tofu to the skillet and pour the soy glaze over the mixture. Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the tofu and peppers evenly.
  6. Step 6: Chop 2 green onions and sprinkle over the stir-fry before serving hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Tofu and Bell Pepper with Garlic-Soy Glaze 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 Tofu and Bell Pepper with Garlic-Soy Glaze?

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 Tofu and Bell Pepper with Garlic-Soy Glaze?

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 Tofu and Bell Pepper with Garlic-Soy Glaze 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 Tofu and Bell Pepper with Garlic-Soy Glaze 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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