Vegan Budget Stir-Fry with Tofu

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A quick, flavorful stir-fry using affordable tofu and frozen vegetables for a satisfying meal. This asian-inspired asian (vegan) ready in about 30 minutes pairs soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

★ 4.2 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Asian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, toss the 1/2-inch tofu cubes with 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated. Let sit for 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated tofu and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
  3. Step 3: Remove the tofu from the skillet and set aside. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced ginger to the skillet and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are heated through and slightly tender.
  5. Step 5: Return the tofu to the skillet, add 1/4 cup water, and stir to combine. Cook for 2 more minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and drizzle with 1 tbsp sesame oil. Serve over 2 cups cooked brown rice.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Vegan Budget Stir-Fry with Tofu take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Vegan Budget 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 soy sauce from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Vegan Budget 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 Vegan Budget 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 Vegan Budget Stir-Fry with Tofu 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.

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