Thrifty Asian Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant, budget-conscious stir-fry featuring affordable tofu and seasonal vegetables, ready in 20 minutes. This asian-inspired asian (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs firm tofu, vegetable oil, medium carrots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, 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.

★ 3.6 (10 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Asian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press 14 oz firm tofu between paper towels for 10 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1/2-inch cubes. Toss the tofu cubes with 1 tsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the cornstarch-coated tofu and cook for 4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 medium carrots, thinly sliced, and 1.5 cups broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3 minutes until crisp-tender.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 diced bell pepper and 2 minced garlic cloves, then stir-fry for 2 minutes until the vegetables are vibrant and slightly softened.
  5. Step 5: Whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp rice vinegar in a small bowl. Pour the sauce over the vegetables and tofu, then stir-fry for 1 more minute until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with 1 tbsp sesame seeds and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Thrifty Asian Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu 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 Thrifty Asian Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu?

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 Thrifty Asian Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu?

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 Thrifty Asian Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Thrifty Asian Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu 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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