Stir-Fried Tofu with Spicy Sambal and Crispy Shallots

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

A vibrant Indonesian-inspired stir-fry featuring firm tofu tossed in a fiery sambal sauce topped with crunchy fried shallots. This indonesian-inspired vegan ready in about 35 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes firm tofu, vegetable oil, medium, thinly sliced shallots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Indonesian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add 400 g firm tofu cubes and fry for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden brown and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside on paper towels to drain.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp vegetable oil and 4 thinly sliced shallots. Fry over medium heat for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden and crispy. Remove shallots and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Lower heat to medium-low and add 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 finely chopped red chili peppers to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not burnt.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 diced medium tomato, 1 tbsp palm sugar, 2 tbsp soy sauce, and 1/4 cup water. Stir well and simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the tomato softens.
  5. Step 5: Return the fried tofu to the skillet, gently tossing to coat with sambal sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat, drizzle 1 tbsp lime juice, and season with 1/2 tsp salt. Serve topped with the crispy shallots for crunch.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Spicy Sambal and Crispy Shallots take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Spicy Sambal and Crispy Shallots?

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 vegetable oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Tofu with Spicy Sambal and Crispy Shallots?

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 Spicy Sambal and Crispy Shallots 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.

What goes well with Stir-Fried Tofu with Spicy Sambal and Crispy Shallots?

Indonesian vegan like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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