Stir-Fried Tofu and Mixed Vegetables with Brown Rice

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

A vibrant and hearty vegan stir-fry loaded with crispy tofu and colorful vegetables served over nutty brown rice for a wholesome, balanced meal. This Asian-inspired healthy bowl recipe (vegan, gluten free), ready in about 65 minutes, pairs firm tofu, brown rice, water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 50 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup brown rice under cold water. In a medium pot, combine rice with 2 1/2 cups water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 40-45 minutes until water is absorbed and rice is tender. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz cubed pressed firm tofu and cook for 6-7 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are golden and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp grated fresh ginger, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 1/2 cups broccoli florets, 1 medium julienned carrot, 1 medium sliced red bell pepper, and 1 cup snap peas. Stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  5. Step 5: Return tofu to the skillet. Add 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 2 sliced green onions. Toss everything together and cook for 2 more minutes until heated through.
  6. Step 6: Serve tofu and vegetable stir-fry over brown rice, garnished with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Tofu and Mixed Vegetables with Brown Rice take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (15 min prep + 50 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 Mixed Vegetables with Brown Rice?

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 Mixed Vegetables with Brown Rice?

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 Mixed Vegetables with Brown Rice for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Mixed Vegetables with Brown Rice vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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