Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu and Spicy Peanut Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A colorful mix of crisp vegetables and pan-fried tofu tossed in a creamy, spicy peanut sauce for a wholesome vegetarian stir-fry. This asian-inspired father’s day (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs firm tofu, pressed and cubed, carrot, julienned, red bell pepper, sliced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz pressed and cubed firm tofu, cooking for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Remove tofu and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil. Add 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp grated fresh ginger, 1 large julienned carrot, 1 sliced red bell pepper, and 1 cup snow peas. Stir-fry for 5 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, whisk together 1/3 cup peanut butter, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp sriracha, 1/4 cup warm water, and 1 tbsp fresh lime juice until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Return the cooked tofu to the skillet with vegetables. Pour the peanut sauce over and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Cook for another 2 minutes until heated through and sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, garnish with 3 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp sesame seeds. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu and Spicy Peanut Sauce 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 Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu and Spicy Peanut Sauce?

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, pressed and cubed from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu and Spicy Peanut Sauce?

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 Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu and Spicy Peanut Sauce 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 Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu and Spicy Peanut Sauce 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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