Quick and Delicious Tofu Stir Fry Recipe for Busy Weeknights!

Crispy, golden tofu tossed in a savory, umami-rich sauce with vibrant, crunchy vegetables—this Tofu Stir Fry is the perfect balance of texture and flavor.

Whether you’re a long-time tofu lover or just starting to explore plant-based meals, this dish will quickly become a favorite.

The key to a great stir fry lies in its simplicity. With just a few pantry staples and fresh ingredients, you can whip up a satisfying, protein-packed meal in under 30 minutes.

The tofu absorbs the bold, aromatic sauce while the colorful veggies add freshness and crunch, making every bite incredibly delicious.

Serve it over rice, noodles, or enjoy it on its own—either way, this dish delivers big on taste and nutrition.

Why You’ll Love This Tofu Stir Fry Recipe

This Tofu Stir Fry is more than just a quick meal—it’s a game-changer for anyone looking for a healthy, delicious, and satisfying dish.

• Packed with flavor – A perfect blend of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of spice creates an irresistible sauce that coats every bite.
• Quick and easy – Ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Crispy tofu perfection – A simple cornstarch coating ensures a crispy, golden crust while keeping the inside soft and tender.
• Loaded with veggies – Fresh bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and snap peas add color, crunch, and essential nutrients.
• Customizable – Easily swap in your favorite vegetables, adjust the spice level, or switch up the sauce to keep things exciting.
• Great for meal prep – Stays fresh and delicious when reheated, making it a fantastic option for leftovers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious Tofu Stir Fry, you’ll need a mix of simple yet flavorful ingredients.

For the Tofu:

• 1 block extra-firm tofu (pressed and cut into cubes)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for crispiness)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (for frying)

For the Stir Fry Sauce:

• ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free alternative)
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (or maple syrup for a lighter option)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (for tanginess)
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon sriracha or red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (to thicken)

For the Vegetables:

• 1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or green), sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 carrot, julienned
• ½ cup snap peas or green beans
• ½ cup mushrooms (optional)
• 2 scallions, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Tofu Stir Fry

Step 1 – Preparing the Tofu

Before cooking, pressing the tofu is essential to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crispy texture.

1. Wrap the tofu in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object on top for at least 10 minutes.
2. Cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes.
3. Toss the cubes with soy sauce and cornstarch, coating them evenly for extra crispiness.

Step 2 – Cooking the Tofu

1. Heat sesame oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the tofu cubes in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch.
3. Cook for 4–5 minutes per side, flipping until golden and crispy on all sides.
4. Once done, transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 3 – Making the Stir Fry Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sriracha.
2. Add the cornstarch slurry and mix well. This will help thicken the sauce when cooked.

Step 4 – Stir-Frying the Vegetables

1. In the same pan, add a little more sesame oil if needed.
2. Toss in the bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and snap peas, stirring frequently.
3. Cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
4. Add the mushrooms and stir for another 1–2 minutes.

Step 5 – Combining Everything

1. Return the crispy tofu to the pan with the vegetables.
2. Pour the prepared stir fry sauce over everything.
3. Stir well and cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the tofu and veggies.

Serving Suggestions

This Tofu Stir Fry is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few delicious serving ideas:

• Over Steamed Rice – Serve with jasmine rice, brown rice, or coconut rice for a comforting and hearty meal.
• With Noodles – Toss with lo mein, soba, or rice noodles for a noodle stir fry twist.
• Low-Carb Option – Enjoy it over cauliflower rice or on its own for a light and nutritious dish.
• Topped with Extras – Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped scallions, and a drizzle of chili oil for an extra flavor boost.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

This Tofu Stir Fry is perfect for meal prep and stores well for later enjoyment. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

Refrigeration:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• For best results, store the tofu and vegetables separately from the sauce if preparing in advance.

Freezing:

• While tofu can be frozen, its texture changes slightly, becoming firmer and chewier. If you enjoy that texture, freeze the stir fry in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating:

• Stovetop: Heat in a pan over medium heat for 5 minutes, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
• Microwave: Warm in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until heated through.

Meal Prep Tips:

• Make the sauce ahead: Store in an airtight container for up to a week in the fridge.
• Pre-chop the veggies: Keep them in separate containers for quick cooking.
• Press and cube the tofu in advance: Store it in an airtight container to save time.

Final Thoughts

This Tofu Stir Fry is a simple yet flavorful dish that proves healthy eating doesn’t have to be bland.

Packed with crispy tofu, colorful veggies, and a savory sauce, it’s a meal that satisfies both taste and nutrition.

Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or making a quick weeknight dinner, this dish is a perfect go-to.

With endless customization options, you can tweak the flavors, swap out vegetables, or adjust the spice level to suit your preferences.

Once you try this, it might just become one of your favorite plant-based meals!

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Absolutely! You can swap tofu with tempeh, seitan, or even chickpeas for a different plant-based protein. If you’re not vegetarian, chicken or shrimp also work well.

2. How do I make my tofu extra crispy?

For ultra-crispy tofu, make sure to press out as much moisture as possible before cooking. Tossing it in cornstarch and using a hot pan with minimal oil also helps achieve a golden, crispy exterior.

3. What vegetables work best in a stir fry?

This recipe is highly versatile! Aside from the suggested vegetables, you can add zucchini, bok choy, baby corn, snow peas, or cabbage. Use whatever you have on hand!

4. Can I make this stir fry gluten-free?

Yes! Simply replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, and make sure all sauces you use are labeled gluten-free.

5. What’s the best way to serve Tofu Stir Fry?

It pairs perfectly with steamed rice, quinoa, noodles, or even in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. Add some sesame seeds and scallions on top for extra flavor!