Rating: 3.61
(104)

Tofu Stir Fry

April 10, 2024

A tofu stir fry is a delicious, quick, and healthy meal that comes together in one pan, making it the perfect dish for busy weeknights. With crispy tofu, a variety of fresh vegetables, and a savory stir-fry sauce, this dish is light but satisfying, offering a wonderful balance of flavors and textures.

The key to a perfect tofu stir fry is getting your tofu crispy. Start by pressing out the excess water from the tofu block, then cut it into cubes. Toss it with a bit of cornstarch, salt, and pepper, then pan-fry in a hot skillet with a bit of oil until each piece is golden and crispy. This crispy texture is the perfect contrast to the tender vegetables that will be added later.

For the vegetables, you can go with whatever you have on hand, bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, snow peas, and mushrooms all make great additions. Stir-fry the veggies for just a few minutes until they’re tender-crisp, preserving their vibrant colors and natural crunch. Feel free to mix and match based on your preferences or what’s in season.

The real magic happens when you add the stir-fry sauce. A simple blend of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a dash of sesame oil gives the dish that classic Asian-inspired flavor. You can sweeten it up with a little honey or maple syrup, and a splash of rice vinegar adds just the right amount of tang. Stir everything together and let the sauce coat the crispy tofu and veggies.

Serve your tofu stir fry over steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles for a complete meal. For extra crunch, sprinkle sesame seeds on top or add a handful of chopped peanuts.

Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just looking for a healthy and flavorful meal, this tofu stir fry is the perfect weeknight dinner. It’s quick, customizable, and full of fresh, vibrant flavors.

Tofu Stir Fry
Tofu Stir Fry
3.61 from 104 votes
A delicious and healthy vegetarian stir fry with tofu, colorful veggies, and a flavorful sauce.
Servings 4 people
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 200 g tofu sliced into cubes
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 red bell pepper sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper sliced
  • 1 carrot sliced
  • 1 broccoli florets separated
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp ginger minced
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste
  • 3 Green onions chopped
  • 2 tbsp sesame seeds

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil until well combined.
  • Add tofu cubes to the bowl and toss to coat them in the sauce.
  • Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  • Add garlic and ginger to the skillet and cook for 1 minute.
  • Add sliced bell peppers, carrot, and broccoli to the skillet and stir fry for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
  • Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and add the marinated tofu cubes to the other side.
  • Cook the tofu for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
  • Season the stir fry with salt and black pepper, to taste.
  • Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
  • Serve the tofu stir fry hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Nutrition

Calories: 230kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 10gFat: 16gFiber: 4g
Calories: 230kcal
Meal Type: Lunch
Cuisine: Indian
Keyword: tofu, vegetables, vegetarian
Cooking Method: Boiled
Time: <30 Min
Level: Easy
Tried this recipe?Mention @coolinarco or tag #coolinarco!
Join the Conversation
  1. User avatar morgan.willms91 says:

    3 stars
    Not bad, but next time I’ll add more ginger. It needed a little kick!

    1. User avatar franchesca.lemke says:

      3 stars
      Adding more ginger? I dunno… last time I tried that, it was too spicy for me. I guess it’s personal taste.

    2. 5 stars
      I think you’re spot on! A bit more ginger could really make it pop. I always love a good kick! 🌶️

  2. User avatar geoWizard says:

    1 star
    This is just meatless hippie food. Give me a steak any day!

  3. User avatar nilda.quitzon says:

    3 stars
    I’m not sure if I did it right… my tofu just ended up soggy. Gonna try again though, maybe less sauce?

    1. User avatar Sabre Cat says:

      5 stars
      Don’t worry! Tofu can be tricky. Maybe try pressing it before cooking to remove excess moisture? It helps a lot! Good luck!

    2. User avatar yi.bruen23 says:

      3 stars
      I dunno, maybe the tofu always soggy. Saw somewhere you gotta dry it with a towel first or something. Just don’t give up!

  4. User avatar theodora.runolfsdottir says:

    5 stars
    Simple and quick! I love how colorful it is! 😍

  5. 4 stars
    Looks good. I made it for my vegan friend, haha, hope they like it! 🥢

  6. User avatar winston.lockman64 says:

    1 star
    Nah, this dish is just bland. Think I’ll stick to meat dishes.

    1. User avatar carson.hahn7 says:

      4 stars
      I used to think tofu was bland too, but this stir fry changed my mind! The soy sauce and sesame oil really bring it to life. Give it another shot!

    2. 3 stars
      Honestly, tofu is just a vehicle for flavor. If you don’t season it enough, it’s gonna taste bland. Maybe try adding more spices next time?

  7. User avatar albert.weimann says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is a lifesaver! Tofu stir fry has become my go-to dish. Easy to make and healthy! 🍽️

  8. User avatar San Shenlong says:

    2 stars
    I think this needs more flavor. I added chili powder on myself and still blah!

    1. User avatar CTRLplusW says:

      2 stars
      What? This is a classic, you just gotta season it more! Maybe you should’ve let it marinate longer.

    2. 4 stars
      I totally agree! It was kinda bland for me too. Maybe try adding some soy sauce or hoisin sauce next time?

  9. User avatar shu.bashirian says:

    1 star
    Idk man, tofu just ain’t for me. 1 star for trying!

  10. User avatar brittney.carroll65 says:

    4 stars
    This was easy to make, but I had to replace green bell pepper with zucchini. Still tasted gr8!

  11. User avatar milo.klein says:

    5 stars
    2 thumbs up! So good I could eat it every day. 😂

  12. User avatar Lani O'Reilly says:

    2 stars
    Can you use chicken instead of tofu? I think it would taste better with meat. Just sayin’!

  13. 5 stars
    Delicious and healthy! I never thought I could enjoy tofu. Thanks for the recipe!

  14. User avatar adolfo.trantow1952 says:

    4 stars
    Easy and yummy! But I’m not sure what ‘stir fry’ means exactly. Is it when you fry it quick? Lol.

  15. 3 stars
    What’s cornstarch for? I just don’t get it 🤔

    1. User avatar blake.okon24 says:

      5 stars
      Cornstarch helps thicken the sauce and gives a nice texture! It’s super helpful in stir fries! 😊

  16. User avatar Paula Nancy Millstone Jennings says:

    5 stars
    Best stir fry ever!!! I added cashews for crunch 😍❤️

  17. User avatar carter.gaylord1977 says:

    2 stars
    I don’t know about all these veggies… just feels off. Tofu is kinda bland.

  18. User avatar tissues_with_issues says:

    1 star
    This was a total flop! I didn’t like the texture of the tofu, and the sauce was too salty.

    1. User avatar cassidy.wilkinson says:

      4 stars
      I’m sorry to hear that! Tofu can be tricky sometimes. Did you press it first? It might help with the texture!

  19. User avatar sheryl.crooks2004 says:

    3 stars
    Just made this and it was too salty for me. Used low sodium soy sauce but still!

  20. 5 stars
    Delish! Wasn’t so sure about the sesame oil at first but it really made it special.

    1. 3 stars
      Really? I thought it was too strong. Could’ve done without the sesame oil for my taste.

    2. User avatar peter.hyatt says:

      5 stars
      I totally agree! The sesame oil adds a nice flavor. Gonna make this again soon!

  21. User avatar ArabianNights says:

    5 stars
    Dude! This tofu thing is what I’ve been looking for! Just don’t forget to press the tofu!

  22. User avatar phoebe.okeefe3 says:

    2 stars
    Tofu is so bland, how do you make it taste good? This recipe didn’t help me.

  23. 2 stars
    I don’t like tofu at all, but my wife loved this. I guess it’s good for people who like it, lol.

    1. User avatar suspiciousCommentator says:

      4 stars
      Tofu can be really hit or miss! I used to hate it too, but I found that the way it’s cooked makes a big difference. This stir fry does look tasty, though!

  24. User avatar emery.armstrong says:

    4 stars
    Nice balance of veggies. I used whatever I had in the fridge and it still turned out great! Just a tip for others.

  25. 5 stars
    This was so good! I added some chili flakes for a kick, and it was perfect. Will make again!

  26. User avatar Falmer Shadowmaster says:

    3 stars
    Too much veggies for me. Next time I’ll skip the broccoli and add chicken instead.

  27. User avatar Eddie the Computer says:

    5 stars
    This is awesome! I’ve never made tofu before and was surprised how good it turned out! Thanks for sharing!

    1. User avatar anonymous_hacker says:

      5 stars
      I’m so glad you liked it! Tofu can be tricky, but it’s such a versatile ingredient. What veggies did you decide to add?

  28. User avatar Trin Tragula says:

    5 stars
    Easy recipe! Even my kids loved it, and they’re picky eaters! 👍

  29. User avatar shalanda.ebert1965 says:

    3 stars
    It was okay, but the tofu got too mushy for my taste. I think I cooked it too long. Any tips?

  30. User avatar Draugr Deathlord says:

    2 stars
    Honestly, I found it kinda bland. Maybe it’s just me? I added some hot sauce but still wasn’t feeling it.

  31. User avatar raymond.bayer87 says:

    5 stars
    Best tofu stir fry I’ve ever made! The sauce is perfect. My family loved it!

  32. 5 stars
    So good! My whole family loved it. I added some noodles and it was a huge hit. Will definitely make again!

    1. 5 stars
      So happy to hear that! Adding noodles is a great idea! It sounds like you made it even better. 🤗

  33. User avatar raleigh.hettinger14 says:

    5 stars
    This tofu stir fry was amazing! So simple and delicious. I added some chili flakes for an extra kick! 🌶️

  34. 3 stars
    Good recipe, but I think I prefer my stir fry with chicken. Tofu’s not for everyone!

    1. User avatar johnnie.watsica44 says:

      4 stars
      Tofu can be great, but chicken has that extra flavor! I’m with you on that one.

    2. User avatar rosario.koelpin says:

      3 stars
      I dunno, I think tofu can really soak up the sauce and tastes nice if you cook it right! But hey, chicken is good too.

  35. User avatar fredric.gerhold12 says:

    5 stars
    Absolutely delicious! I made this for dinner and it was a hit with the whole family. The tofu was so crispy!

    1. User avatar mindy.lesch2001 says:

      5 stars
      I’m glad you liked it! The crispy tofu really makes this dish special, doesn’t it?

  36. User avatar sharolyn.block79 says:

    5 stars
    Soooo yummy!!! I put added peanuts too, really adds crunch!!

  37. User avatar rich.landlord says:

    4 stars
    Simple and fast! I’m not a big cook, but I managed this perfectly. Thanks!

    1. User avatar columbus.anderson1971 says:

      3 stars
      Really? I tried it and the tofu got all mushy. Maybe I did something wrong? 😕

    2. 5 stars
      I love how easy this is! I’m not great at cooking either, but this recipe worked out for me too! 😋

  38. User avatar eusebio.gerlach9 says:

    4 stars
    Yum, loved it! Used brown rice instead of white for a healthier twist. Will definitely make again!

  39. 3 stars
    I’m not sure about the cornstarch. Can I just skip it? My mom never uses it.

  40. User avatar hisako.roob51 says:

    5 stars
    Yum! This is the best stir fry I’ve ever made. I added some cashews and it was perfect.

    1. User avatar antonia.hand says:

      5 stars
      Cashews sound great! I bet they add a nice crunch. Can’t wait to try this! 😊

  41. 3 stars
    Just made this, but I forgot the ginger! Still good but I bet it would be better with it. 🤷

    1. 4 stars
      That’s great you still enjoyed it! Ginger does add a nice kick though. Maybe next time?

  42. 2 stars
    Way too much garlic. Like, it was overpowering. Next time I’ll add less.

  43. User avatar lucius.satterfield1967 says:

    3 stars
    Can you use chicken instead of tofu? My husband doesn’t eat that “plant stuff”.

    1. User avatar nidia.cruickshank54 says:

      4 stars
      Sure, chicken would probably work! Just make sure to adjust the cooking time a bit. My husband likes chicken too, so I get it!

    2. User avatar joella.dickens68 says:

      3 stars
      I dunno, isn’t tofu healthier? But chicken’s good too, I guess. Just different flavor, right?

  44. User avatar corina.wuckert says:

    2 stars
    Not sure about the cornstarch… I guess it makes it crispy? But mine turned out kinda mushy.

  45. User avatar King Zora says:

    2 stars
    Tofu? Yuck! Not my thing, but I guess people who like it might enjoy. My husband loved it tho!

    1. User avatar keenan.durgan says:

      4 stars
      Glad your husband enjoyed it! Tofu can be a bit weird for some, but it’s really versatile if you season it right.

  46. User avatar jae.jones1973 says:

    1 star
    Tofu??? Who eats that? Just give me meat!

  47. 3 stars
    Seems kinda healthy, but I prefer meat in my stir fries. Not really my thing.

    1. 2 stars
      Nah, tofu just ain’t the same as meat. This recipe sounds weird to me. I think I’ll stick with beef stir fry.

    2. User avatar carter.klein24 says:

      4 stars
      I totally get that! Meat does add a different flavor. Have you tried adding chicken or shrimp instead?

  48. User avatar lyman.lehner1 says:

    2 stars
    Where’s the spice? Needs more kick, I added jalapeños but it still dulled my taste buds.

  49. User avatar terrell.hamill74 says:

    3 stars
    I tried it, but the tofu just wouldn’t get crispy. Maybe I did something wrong? 🤔

  50. User avatar leonor.zemlak1986 says:

    1 star
    Tofu?? Nah, I don’t think this is for me. Not sure how people eat it!

  51. 4 stars
    delish! quick and easy, will be making again!

    1. User avatar ALTplusF4 says:

      5 stars
      I’m glad you liked it! It’s super versatile too. Did you add any other veggies?

  52. User avatar jeffrey.koepp says:

    4 stars
    Super easy and quick! I added some mushrooms since I had them, and it turned out great. Thanks!

  53. User avatar israel.quitzon2 says:

    4 stars
    I just used whatever veggies I had, turned out good! Thanks for the recipe.

  54. User avatar Jewel Block PhD says:

    3 stars
    This was ok but I think I overcooked the veggies. Not bad for a first try but could use improvement.

  55. User avatar trinh.rice4 says:

    4 stars
    Easy recipe, but I didn’t have broccoli. Used some frozen mixed veggies instead. Still turned out okay!

  56. User avatar sara.hill1953 says:

    3 stars
    I tried making this but my tofu fell apart. Is there a trick to keeping it together? 🤔

  57. 4 stars
    Great recipe! I love how colorful it is. I used whatever veggies I had on hand. Turned out fantastic.

  58. User avatar faye.price2001 says:

    3 stars
    I don’t really like tofu, but my friend made this for me, and it was surprisingly good!

    1. 5 stars
      Glad to hear you liked it! Tofu can be really versatile once you give it a shot. It’s all about the seasoning!

  59. User avatar Tahm Kench says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is amazing! I made it last night and my whole family loved it. The tofu was so tasty!

  60. User avatar nathan.ratke83 says:

    4 stars
    Very easy to follow! I used teriyaki sauce instead and it was so good!

    1. User avatar cheryl.schuppe says:

      5 stars
      Teriyaki sauce? That sounds totally yummy! I gotta try that next time. Glad you liked it!

    2. User avatar Glossu "Beast" Rabban says:

      2 stars
      Isn’t this just another stir fry? Doesn’t seem special to me. Tofu is weird too.

  61. 2 stars
    Yum! But isn’t tofu bad for you? I heard it can mess with your hormones. I don’t know, just saying.

    1. User avatar kandis.jacobs43 says:

      4 stars
      I get where you’re coming from! But tofu can actually be a healthy protein choice for many. Moderation is key, right?

  62. User avatar jaimie.leffler81 says:

    5 stars
    So tasty! My whole family loved it, even the picky eaters. I’ll be making this again!

  63. User avatar mathWizard says:

    4 stars
    Easy and quick to make, but I think it needed more flavor. I added some hot sauce at the end. Better! 🌶️

  64. User avatar steve_maga says:

    2 stars
    Tofu? Never again! I tried this last night, and it tasted weird. Not my thing.

    1. 4 stars
      Tofu can be an acquired taste! Have you tried it in different dishes? Maybe a curry or something? It might surprise you!

  65. User avatar laurie.monahan says:

    1 star
    I thought this was kinda bland. I’m used to more spices. Why is everyone so obsessed with tofu??

  66. 5 stars
    I absolutely loved this recipe! The tofu turned out so crispy and delicious! Will definitely make again!

  67. User avatar kendrick.quigley says:

    5 stars
    Just made this! The tofu was perfect!! 😍

    1. User avatar sherilyn.streich says:

      5 stars
      That’s awesome! I love tofu, glad to hear it turned out well! 😄

    2. 3 stars
      Tofu can be tricky to get right, what kind did you use? I’m usually not a fan of it, but this recipe sounds interesting.

  68. User avatar ricki.stracke22 says:

    3 stars
    I followed the steps but ended up with soggy veggies. What did I do wrong?

  69. User avatar trenton.blanda44 says:

    5 stars
    Yessss! This is my new go-to weekday meal! 👏🏼

3.61 from 104 votes
Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Like 295
Close
Coolinarco.com © Copyright 2025. All rights reserved.
Close
Popular Search: