Stir-Fried Tofu with Cashews and Vegetables

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

Crispy tofu and colorful vegetables stir-fried in a savory sauce with toasted cashews for a quick plant-based meal. This asian (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs firm tofu, vegetable oil, broccoli florets for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, 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.

★ 4.3 (11 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 380 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press tofu for 15 minutes, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Toss with 1 tsp cornstarch.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add tofu and cook until golden, 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Stir-fry broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers for 4-5 minutes until crisp-tender.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced ginger, stir-frying 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Mix 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp maple syrup, and 2 tbsp water. Pour over vegetables and simmer until thickened.
  6. Step 6: Return tofu and 1/2 cup cashews to skillet. Toss 2 minutes until sauce clings to ingredients.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Cashews and Vegetables take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Vegetables?

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 Vegetables?

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 Vegetables 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 with Cashews and Vegetables 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.

What others are saying

Related recipes