Vegetarian Stir-Fried Tofu with Bell Peppers and Hoisin Sauce

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

A colorful stir-fry of crispy tofu and vibrant bell peppers in a sweet and savory hoisin sauce, perfect for a quick plant-based meal. This Asian Fusion-inspired vegetarian recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs firm tofu, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 3, 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 3 Asian Fusion cuisine 280 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 or wok over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking, then add 14 oz firm tofu cubes and cook for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are golden and crispy.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp grated fresh ginger to the skillet, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 medium red bell pepper sliced into strips, 1 medium yellow bell pepper sliced into strips, and 3 chopped green onions; stir-fry for 3 minutes until the peppers are tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 3 tbsp hoisin sauce, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 2 tbsp water, cooking for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the tofu and vegetables evenly.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Vegetarian Stir-Fried Tofu with Bell Peppers and Hoisin 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 Vegetarian Stir-Fried Tofu with Bell Peppers and Hoisin 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 from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Vegetarian Stir-Fried Tofu with Bell Peppers and Hoisin 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 Vegetarian Stir-Fried Tofu with Bell Peppers and Hoisin Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Vegetarian Stir-Fried Tofu with Bell Peppers and Hoisin 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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