Stir-Fried Tofu with Cashews and Bell Peppers in Spicy Garlic Sauce

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

Crisp tofu cubes stir-fried with crunchy cashews and colorful bell peppers tossed in a bold, spicy garlic sauce for a satisfying vegetarian meal. This Asian-inspired vegan recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 30 minutes, pairs firm tofu, cashews, red bell pepper 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.

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: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz firm tofu cubes and pan-fry for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are golden and crisp. Remove tofu and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same wok, add 1 tbsp vegetable oil, then toss in 1/3 cup unsalted cashews. Stir-fry for 2 minutes until lightly toasted and fragrant, then remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced ginger to the wok. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 medium sliced red bell pepper and 1 medium sliced green bell pepper. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
  5. Step 5: Mix in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp brown sugar, and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes. Stir well and cook for 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Return tofu and cashews to the wok and toss gently to coat with the sauce. Cook for an additional 1 minute.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions before serving hot.

Frequently asked questions

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

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 with Cashews and Bell Peppers in Spicy Garlic Sauce?

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 with Cashews and Bell Peppers in Spicy Garlic Sauce 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 with Cashews and Bell Peppers in Spicy Garlic Sauce 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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