Stir-Fried Tofu with Cashews and Bell Peppers in Spicy Garlic Sauce
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 (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes blends block, pressed and cubed firm tofu, unsalted cashews, vegetable oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 3, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 block, pressed and cubed firm tofu
- 1/3 cup unsalted cashews
- 1 medium, sliced into 1/2-inch strips red bell pepper
- 1 medium, sliced into 1/2-inch strips green bell pepper
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp minced ginger
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
- 2 sliced diagonally for garnish green onions
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Step 6: Return tofu and cashews to the wok and toss gently to coat with the sauce. Cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Step 7: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions before serving hot.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Stir-Fried Tofu with Cashews and Bell Peppers in Spicy Garlic Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
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.
