Stir-Fried Tofu with Spicy Vegetables

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crispy tofu and vibrant bell peppers in a savory-sweet sauce with a gentle kick of chili oil, ready in 20 minutes. This asian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 35 minutes pairs firm tofu, medium bell peppers, medium onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

★ 3.9 (13 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press 14 oz firm tofu on paper towels to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Toss the tofu cubes with 1 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated, then set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and crispy, then remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tsp sesame oil and heat over medium heat. Add 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger and 3 minced garlic cloves, and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 sliced medium onion and 1 sliced medium bell pepper, and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
  5. Step 5: Return the cooked tofu to the skillet, then add 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tsp chili oil. Stir to combine and cook for 2 more minutes until the flavors meld.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with 2 sliced green onions and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Spicy 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 Spicy 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 Spicy 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 Spicy 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.

What goes well with Stir-Fried Tofu with Spicy Vegetables?

Asian vegetarian 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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