Stir-Fried Tofu with Vietnamese Five-Spice and Peanuts

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

A vibrant vegetarian stir-fry featuring crispy tofu tossed with fragrant Vietnamese five-spice, crunchy peanuts, and fresh herbs for a balanced, flavorful dish. This Vietnamese-inspired vegetarian recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs firm tofu, vegetable oil, garlic cloves 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: 10 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 nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz pressed and cubed firm tofu and cook for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden and crispy.
  2. Step 2: Push tofu to the side and add 4 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle 1 tsp Vietnamese five-spice powder over tofu and garlic, stirring to coat evenly.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp hoisin sauce, and 1 tsp brown sugar. Stir and cook for 2 minutes until sauce thickens and evenly coats the tofu.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1/3 cup roughly chopped roasted peanuts, 2 sliced green onions, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes if using.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately with 2 lime wedges on the side to squeeze over for brightness.

Frequently asked questions

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

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 Five-Spice and Peanuts?

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 Peanuts 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 Five-Spice and Peanuts 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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