Stir-Fried Tofu with Colorful Vegetables and Garlic Sauce

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

A vibrant vegetarian stir-fry featuring firm tofu and a medley of bell peppers and snap peas tossed in a savory garlic soy sauce. This asian fusion-inspired stir fry (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes blends trimmed snap peas, vegetable oil, minced garlic cloves 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 280 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Asian Fusion cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz firm tofu cubes and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden and slightly crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 medium sliced red bell pepper, 1 medium sliced yellow bell pepper, and 1 cup snap peas. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, mix 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tsp brown sugar. Pour this sauce over the vegetables and return tofu to the pan.
  5. Step 5: Stir in the cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water) and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the tofu and vegetables.
  6. Step 6: Drizzle 1 tsp sesame oil over the stir-fry, toss gently, and remove from heat.
  7. Step 7: Garnish with 2 sliced green onions before serving with steamed rice or noodles.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Colorful Vegetables and Garlic Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Colorful Vegetables and 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 Colorful Vegetables and 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 Colorful Vegetables and 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 Colorful Vegetables and 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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