Vietnamese-Inspired Lemongrass Tofu Stir-Fry

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

A vibrant, plant-based stir-fry featuring fragrant lemongrass, tofu, and crisp vegetables tossed in a tangy, savory sauce. This vietnamese-inspired vegan ready in about 30 minutes pairs firm tofu, lemongrass stalk, garlic cloves 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.

★ 4.5 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Vietnamese 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 skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz firm tofu cubes and cook for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden and slightly crispy.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 finely minced lemongrass stalk and 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet with the tofu. Stir-fry for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Toss in 1 sliced red bell pepper, 1 julienned large carrot, and 3 sliced green onions. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp brown sugar, and 1/4 tsp chili flakes (if using). Pour the sauce over the tofu and vegetables, tossing to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, and serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Vietnamese-Inspired Lemongrass Tofu Stir-Fry 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 Vietnamese-Inspired Lemongrass Tofu Stir-Fry?

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 Vietnamese-Inspired Lemongrass Tofu Stir-Fry?

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 Vietnamese-Inspired Lemongrass Tofu Stir-Fry 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 Vietnamese-Inspired Lemongrass Tofu Stir-Fry 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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