The Best Tofu Stir-Fry with Cashews
Crispy pan-fried tofu paired with vibrant vegetables and a savory-sweet cashew sauce, making this vegan meal the best you'll ever have. This asian-inspired vegetarian (vegan) ready in about 50 minutes pairs firm tofu, soy sauce, rice vinegar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 310 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.
Ingredients
- 14 oz firm tofu
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/2 cup toasted cashews
- 1 (1 cup sliced) bell peppers
- 1 (1/2 cup julienned) carrots
- 2 cloves (minced) garlic
- 1 tbsp (minced) ginger
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
- Step 1: Press 14 oz firm tofu for 30 minutes to remove excess water, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Toss cubes with 1 tbsp cornstarch and let sit for 5 minutes while preparing sauce.
- Step 2: Whisk 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp maple syrup, and 1 tsp sesame oil in a small bowl. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok over high heat, add tofu cubes, and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden brown on all sides. Remove tofu and set aside.
- Step 3: Add remaining 1 tbsp oil to the wok, stir-fry 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 1 cup sliced bell peppers and 1/2 cup julienned carrots, stir-frying for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender. Return tofu to wok, pour in sauce, and add 1/2 cup toasted cashews. Cook for 2 more minutes until sauce thickens and coats everything.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does The Best Tofu Stir-Fry with Cashews take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (35 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 Tofu Stir-Fry with Cashews?
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 The Best Tofu Stir-Fry with Cashews?
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 Tofu Stir-Fry with Cashews 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 Tofu Stir-Fry with Cashews vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★☆☆
Decent recipe but nothing special. Might try a different version.
- ★★★☆☆
Okay for a quick meal. I've had better vegetarian dishes though.
