Name: Tofu Stir-Fry with Peanut Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 14 oz firm tofu, drained and pressed; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying); 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 cup broccoli florets; 1 carrot, julienned or thinly sliced; 1/2 onion, thinly sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (optional for sweetness); 1/2 teaspoon chili garlic sauce or sriracha (optional for spice); 2 tablespoons warm water (to thin the sauce); Salt and pepper to taste; Cooked rice or noodles, for serving (optional); Chopped peanuts and cilantro, for garnish (optional)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tofu Stir-Fry with Peanut Sauce is a perfect balance of textures and flavors. The tofu becomes golden and crispy on the outside while remaining soft on the inside, making it a satisfying alternative to meat. The vibrant vegetables provide crunch and color, while the creamy peanut sauce ties everything together with its rich, nutty flavor. The peanut sauce is easy to prepare and can be made spicier or milder depending on your taste preferences. This dish is also versatile—you can swap in your favorite vegetables or even add rice or noodles to make it a complete meal. Plus, it’s quick to make, ready in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients

14 oz firm tofu, drained and pressed
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 cup broccoli florets
1 carrot, julienned or thinly sliced
1/2 onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon lime juice
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (optional for sweetness)
1/2 teaspoon chili garlic sauce or sriracha (optional for spice)
2 tablespoons warm water (to thin the sauce)
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooked rice or noodles, for serving (optional)
Chopped peanuts and cilantro, for garnish (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the tofu: Begin by pressing the tofu to remove excess water. Slice the tofu into cubes or rectangles, depending on your preference. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the tofu and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Remove the tofu from the skillet and set it aside.
Stir-fry the vegetables: In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Add the sliced onion, garlic, bell pepper, broccoli, and carrot. Stir-fry the vegetables over medium-high heat for about 5-6 minutes, until they are tender-crisp. You can add a splash of water to help steam the veggies and ensure they cook evenly.
Make the peanut sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, lime juice, maple syrup (or honey), and chili garlic sauce (or sriracha). Add warm water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed, adding more soy sauce, lime juice, or chili for extra flavor.
Combine: Return the crispy tofu to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the peanut sauce over the tofu and veggies, and toss everything together until evenly coated. Let the stir-fry cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Serve: Serve the tofu stir-fry with cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro if desired. Enjoy!

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

Add more vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, snap peas, or baby corn to your stir-fry. The more variety, the better!
Spicy peanut sauce: For a spicier peanut sauce, increase the amount of chili garlic sauce or add a bit of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
Tofu alternative: If you don’t like tofu, you can substitute it with tempeh, seitan, or chickpeas for a different protein source.
Noodles: Serve the stir-fry over cooked noodles (like soba, rice noodles, or udon) for a more filling meal.
Nut-free: If you’re allergic to peanuts, you can substitute peanut butter with almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover tofu stir-fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the stir-fry in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or vegetable broth to help loosen the sauce. You can also reheat it in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tofu for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen tofu, which can give it a more spongy texture after it’s thawed. Be sure to press out any excess water after thawing.

How do I make the tofu crispy?

To get crispy tofu, make sure to press out as much water as possible before cooking. Use firm tofu, and fry it in a hot pan with enough oil to allow the tofu to crisp up on each side.

What type of peanut butter should I use?

Use creamy peanut butter for the sauce. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can use crunchy peanut butter, but it will give the sauce a different consistency.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the tofu and peanut sauce ahead of time, and store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, stir-fry the vegetables and combine everything. The tofu will keep its crispiness if stored separately and reheated gently.

How can I make the peanut sauce thicker?

To thicken the peanut sauce, simply add more peanut butter. If the sauce gets too thick, add a little more warm water to thin it out to your preferred consistency.

What can I substitute for rice vinegar?

If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar, though it may alter the flavor slightly.

Can I add tofu to the peanut sauce in advance?

It’s best to add the crispy tofu to the peanut sauce just before serving. Adding it too early may cause the tofu to lose its crispness.

How do I know when the tofu is cooked through?

Tofu cooks quickly, and you’ll know it’s done when it’s golden and crispy on the outside. It should have a firm texture when you bite into it.

Can I use other nut butters in the peanut sauce?

Yes, you can use almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter for a different flavor. These alternatives will give the sauce a similar creamy texture.

Can I serve this stir-fry with noodles instead of rice?

Yes, this stir-fry can be served with noodles like soba, udon, or rice noodles. You can toss the stir-fry with the noodles at the end or serve the stir-fry on top of the noodles.

Conclusion

Tofu Stir-Fry with Peanut Sauce is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. The crispy tofu, colorful vegetables, and creamy peanut sauce make for a flavorful and nutritious dish that can be customized to your preferences. Whether you’re a tofu lover or new to plant-based meals, this stir-fry is a crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and can be enjoyed on its own or with rice or noodles for a complete meal. Enjoy this hearty yet light dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your weekly dinner rotation!