Stir-Fried Tofu with Shishito Peppers and Garlic Soy Sauce

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

A quick Asian fusion stir-fry combining crispy tofu cubes with blistered shishito peppers in a savory garlic soy glaze. This Asian Fusion-inspired vegetarian recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs firm tofu, drained and cubed, shishito peppers, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Asian Fusion cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press and drain 14 oz firm tofu, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes and cook without stirring for 4 minutes until the bottom is golden and crispy.
  2. Step 2: Flip tofu cubes and cook for another 3 minutes until all sides are golden. Remove tofu and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil to the skillet and add 10 oz shishito peppers. Sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peppers are blistered and softened.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium and add 4 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant. Return tofu to the skillet.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp mirin, and 1 tsp sesame oil. Toss everything together and cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the tofu and peppers.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced scallions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Shishito Peppers and Garlic Soy Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Shishito Peppers and Garlic Soy 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, drained and cubed from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Tofu with Shishito Peppers and Garlic Soy 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 Shishito Peppers and Garlic Soy 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 Shishito Peppers and Garlic Soy 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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