Stir-Fried Tofu with Vietnamese Caramel Sauce and Snow Peas

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

Golden tofu cubes stir-fried with crisp snow peas and coated in a sweet and savory Vietnamese caramel sauce for a satisfying vegetarian dish. This Vietnamese recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 30 minutes, pairs firm tofu, vegetable oil, sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Vietnamese cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz firm tofu cubes and fry for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are golden and crispy. Remove tofu and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 3 tbsp sugar and 1/4 cup water over medium heat. Cook without stirring until the sugar dissolves and caramelizes into a deep amber color, about 5 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Quickly stir in 2 tbsp fish sauce and 2 minced garlic cloves, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 cup trimmed snow peas and stir-fry for 2 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender.
  5. Step 5: Return the crispy tofu to the skillet, toss to coat evenly in the caramel sauce, and cook for another 2 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Sprinkle 2 sliced green onions and 1/4 tsp crushed black pepper over the tofu and vegetables before serving hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Vietnamese Caramel Sauce and Snow Peas take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Vietnamese Caramel Sauce and Snow Peas?

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 Vietnamese Caramel Sauce and Snow Peas?

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 Vietnamese Caramel Sauce and Snow Peas 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 Vietnamese Caramel Sauce and Snow Peas 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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