Vegetarian Stir-Fry with Tofu and Colorful Vegetables

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

A vibrant stir-fry featuring crispy tofu, bell peppers, snap peas, and a savory soy-ginger sauce, ready in just 20 minutes. This asian fusion-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs firm tofu, soy sauce, sesame oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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 Fusion cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Press 14 oz firm tofu between paper towels for 15 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, add tofu cubes, and sauté for 8 minutes turning occasionally until golden and crispy on all sides.
  2. Step 2: Remove tofu from skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp sesame oil, then sauté 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger over medium heat for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 sliced red bell pepper, 1 sliced yellow bell pepper, and 1 cup trimmed snap peas to the skillet. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: Return the tofu to the skillet and pour in 3 tbsp soy sauce, tossing everything together for 2 more minutes until the sauce coats the tofu and vegetables and heats through.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving over steamed rice or noodles if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Vegetarian Stir-Fry with Tofu and Colorful Vegetables 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-Fry with Tofu and Colorful Vegetables?

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-Fry with Tofu and Colorful Vegetables?

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-Fry with Tofu and Colorful Vegetables 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 Vegetarian Stir-Fry with Tofu and Colorful Vegetables 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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