Tofu Stir-Fry Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This tofu stir-fry is packed with colorful vegetables and the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. The tofu is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, soaking up the rich stir-fry sauce. It’s an incredibly customizable recipe—feel free to use any vegetables you have on hand. Whether served over rice, noodles, or on its own, this stir-fry is quick, healthy, and satisfying. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal, making cleanup a breeze!

Ingredients

• 1 block of firm tofu, drained and pressed

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced

• 1 carrot, julienned

• 1 zucchini, sliced

• 1 cup broccoli florets

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave syrup

• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for extra crispy tofu)

• Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

• Green onions, sliced, for garnish (optional)

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

Directions

1. Begin by draining and pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture. Cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes.

2. If you want extra crispy tofu, toss the tofu cubes with cornstarch until lightly coated.

3. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the tofu cubes and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden and crispy. Once done, remove the tofu from the pan and set aside.

4. In the same pan, add the garlic, red and yellow bell peppers, carrot, zucchini, and broccoli. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes until they are tender but still vibrant.

5. While the vegetables are cooking, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, maple syrup, and grated ginger in a small bowl to make the stir-fry sauce.

6. Once the vegetables are ready, return the tofu to the pan and pour the sauce over the tofu and vegetables. Stir gently to coat everything in the sauce.

7. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat everything through.

8. Serve the stir-fry over rice, noodles, or enjoy as is. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 15 minutes

• Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Add other vegetables like snow peas, mushrooms, or bok choy for a more diverse stir-fry.

• For some heat, add a sliced chili or drizzle some sriracha sauce over the stir-fry.

• Swap out the tofu for tempeh or seitan for a different plant-based protein.

• You can also add cashews or peanuts for a crunchy texture and extra flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Store leftover tofu stir-fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• To reheat, simply warm it in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. If the stir-fry seems dry, add a splash of soy sauce or water when reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use soft tofu for this stir-fry?

For stir-frying, firm or extra-firm tofu is best because it holds its shape and gets crispy. Soft tofu will be too delicate for stir-frying.

2. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, to make the stir-fry gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure any other sauces or ingredients are gluten-free.

3. Can I make tofu stir-fry without using oil?

Yes, you can use a non-stick pan or wok and cook the tofu and vegetables with a small amount of vegetable broth or water instead of oil to keep it oil-free.

4. How can I make the tofu extra crispy?

To get crispy tofu, press out as much moisture as possible and toss the tofu cubes in a little cornstarch before cooking. This creates a crispy crust.

5. Can I make tofu stir-fry ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and cook the stir-fry ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s a great make-ahead meal for busy weeks.

6. Can I use frozen vegetables for stir-fry?

Yes, you can use frozen vegetables in a stir-fry. Just make sure to cook them thoroughly to ensure they’re heated through, but be aware that frozen vegetables may release more water than fresh ones.

7. How do I press tofu?

To press tofu, place it on a plate lined with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Place a heavy object (like a can or a pan) on top and let it sit for at least 15-30 minutes to remove excess water.

8. Can I add a different sauce to this stir-fry?

Absolutely! You can try adding a peanut sauce, hoisin sauce, or sweet and sour sauce for a different flavor profile.

9. How can I make the stir-fry spicier?

To make the stir-fry spicier, you can add a chopped chili pepper, a spoonful of sriracha, or red pepper flakes to the sauce.

10. Can I use a different protein instead of tofu?

Yes, you can substitute tofu with tempeh, seitan, or any other plant-based protein you prefer.

Conclusion

Tofu stir-fry is a quick, easy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead. With its crispy tofu, colorful vegetables, and savory stir-fry sauce, this meal is a delicious way to enjoy plant-based protein while getting your daily servings of veggies. It’s customizable, healthy, and packed with flavor—what’s not to love?