This Tofu Stir-Fry with Vegetables is a quick and healthy meal. Crispy tofu combined with colorful veggies makes a tasty, satisfying dish everyone will enjoy. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight meal.
I once added extra soy sauce by mistake and ended up with a salty surprise! Now I keep a little aside so I don’t go overboard again.
This dish tastes great on its own or served over rice. It’s an easy way to get some vegetables in your day while enjoying a flavorful, plant-based option.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Tofu: Use firm or extra-firm tofu for this dish. I like pressing out excess water first; it helps get a better crispy texture. If you’re in a pinch, tempeh or cooked chicken work well as alternatives.
Vegetables (like bell peppers, broccoli, carrots): Cut these into uniform sizes for even cooking. I often use whatever’s fresh in my fridge—snap peas and zucchini are good, too. Frozen mixed vegetables are a quick swap.
Soy sauce or tamari: Adds saltiness and depth. I prefer low-sodium for better control over salt. Coconut aminos is a good gluten-free alternative, offering a slightly sweeter flavor.
Garlic and ginger: They build flavor efficiently. Fresh is best, but jarred minced garlic and ginger are convenient. For milder taste, reduce the amount, or try garlic powder and ground ginger as substitutes.
How do I make crispy tofu?
Press out excess water: Wrap tofu in a towel, place a weight on top, and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. This helps it crisp up better when cooked.
- Cut tofu into cubes or strips after pressing.
- Toss it lightly with cornstarch or arrowroot powder for crispiness.
- Cook in a hot pan with oil, turning occasionally until all sides are golden.
How to Make Tofu Stir-Fry with Vegetables?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 block of firm tofu, cubed
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
How Much Time Will You Need?
Prep time: 10 minutes. Cook time: 15 minutes. Total time: 25 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the tofu
Press the tofu to remove excess moisture. Cut into cubes and toss with cornstarch if using for extra crispiness.
2. Cook the tofu
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a pan over medium heat. Add tofu cubes and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. Stir-fry the vegetables
Add remaining oil to the same pan. Toss in garlic and ginger; cook for 30 seconds. Add vegetables and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until tender but crisp.
4. Combine and sauce
Return tofu to the pan. Pour soy sauce over everything. Stir well and cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.
5. Serve
Serve the stir-fry hot over rice or noodles if desired. Enjoy your tasty dish!
