The Best Ever Vegetarian Stir-Fry

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A colorful and nutritious stir-fry packed with broccoli, bell peppers, and tofu, tossed in a light tamari-ginger sauce. This asian-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs block (14 oz) firm tofu, cut into florets broccoli, sliced bell peppers for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 260 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.

★ 4.3 (9 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 260 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press 1 block (14 oz) tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and let sit for 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add tofu cubes and cook for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy on the outside — flip once halfway through.
  3. Step 3: Remove tofu and set aside. In the same pan, add 2 cups broccoli florets and 2 sliced bell peppers. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 3 tbsp tamari and 2 tbsp grated ginger. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce reduces slightly and coats the vegetables.
  5. Step 5: Return the tofu to the pan and stir to combine. Garnish with 1 tbsp sesame seeds and serve immediately over brown rice or noodles.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does The Best Ever Vegetarian Stir-Fry 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 The Best Ever Vegetarian Stir-Fry?

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 block (14 oz) firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in The Best Ever Vegetarian Stir-Fry?

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 The Best Ever Vegetarian Stir-Fry 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 The Best Ever Vegetarian Stir-Fry 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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