Vegetarian Stir-Fried Tofu with Mixed Vegetables and Cashews

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

A colorful stir fry featuring crispy tofu, crunchy cashews, and fresh vegetables in a savory garlic-soy sauce, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. This asian-inspired stir fry (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs firm tofu, sesame oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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 cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz diced firm tofu and cook for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and crispy on all sides. Remove tofu and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp sesame oil and 4 minced garlic cloves; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 sliced medium red bell pepper, 2 cups broccoli florets, and 1 julienned large carrot. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: Return the tofu to the skillet along with 3 sliced green onions, 1/3 cup roasted cashews, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tsp brown sugar. Stir to combine.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the tofu and vegetables evenly. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Vegetarian Stir-Fried Tofu with Mixed Vegetables and Cashews 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 Mixed Vegetables and Cashews?

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 Mixed Vegetables and Cashews?

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 Mixed Vegetables and Cashews 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 Mixed Vegetables and Cashews 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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