Stir-Fried Tofu with Vietnamese Five-Spice and Fresh Herbs

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

A fragrant, colorful vegetarian stir-fry featuring crispy tofu coated in Vietnamese five-spice powder, tossed with bell peppers and fresh herbs for a vibrant dish. This vietnamese-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs tablespoons vegetable oil, teaspoon Vietnamese five-spice powder, minced garlic cloves 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: 15 min Serves 4 Vietnamese cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Toss 14 ounces pressed and cubed firm tofu with 1 teaspoon Vietnamese five-spice powder, then add to the skillet and fry for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are golden and crispy.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 medium sliced red bell pepper, and 1 medium sliced yellow bell pepper to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp and garlic is fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 sliced scallions, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon maple syrup, cooking for another 2 minutes until the sauce coats the tofu and peppers and begins to thicken.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and toss in 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves, 1/4 cup chopped Thai basil leaves, 1 tablespoon lime juice, and 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes if using. Mix gently to combine and serve immediately with steamed jasmine rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Tofu with Vietnamese Five-Spice and Fresh Herbs 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 Five-Spice and Fresh Herbs?

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 tablespoons vegetable oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Tofu with Vietnamese Five-Spice and Fresh Herbs?

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 Five-Spice and Fresh Herbs 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.

Is Stir-Fried Tofu with Vietnamese Five-Spice and Fresh Herbs 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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