Tofu Stir-Fry with Cashews and Bok Choy
Crispy baked tofu and fresh bok choy in a savory-sweet ginger-sesame sauce, topped with toasted cashews for a satisfying vegan meal. This asian-inspired asian (vegan) ready in about 35 minutes pairs firm tofu, cornstarch, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 cup bok choy
- 1/2 cup unsalted cashews
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp ginger
- 1 garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
- Step 1: Toss 14 oz pressed and cubed tofu with 2 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated. Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 1 minute).
- Step 2: Add tofu in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy; remove and set aside.
- Step 3: Heat remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil in skillet over medium-high heat, then add 1 cup chopped bok choy and stir-fry for 2 minutes until bright green and slightly wilted.
- Step 4: Add 1/2 cup unsalted cashews and cook for 1 minute until toasted, then stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1/2 tsp grated ginger, and 1 minced garlic clove; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 5: Return tofu to skillet, add 1/4 cup water, and stir in cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water). Cook for 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tofu Stir-Fry with Cashews and Bok Choy take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Tofu Stir-Fry with Cashews and Bok Choy?
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 Tofu Stir-Fry with Cashews and Bok Choy?
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 Tofu Stir-Fry with Cashews and Bok Choy 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 Tofu Stir-Fry with Cashews and Bok Choy 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
- ★★★★★
The flavors in this tofu are incredible.
- ★★★★★
Perfect asian recipe for a weeknight dinner.
- ★★★★★
My partner, who's usually picky, absolutely loved this.