Easy Tofu Stir Fry
Easy homemade tofu stir fry recipe with crispy tofu, fresh vegetables, and savory sauce. Quick, vegan, and gluten-free dinner ready in 38 minutes.
Ingredients
- 14 oz extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 3 tablespoons sesame oil, divided
- 2 medium bell peppers, thinly sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 cup snap peas
- 3 tablespoons tamari or low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons water or vegetable broth
- 3 scallions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 2 cups cooked brown rice for serving
Instructions
- 1
Wrap pressed tofu cubes in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and let sit for 10 minutes to remove excess moisture.
- 2
Whisk together tamari, rice vinegar, maple syrup, red pepper flakes, and water in a small bowl to create your sauce.
- 3
Heat 1.5 tablespoons of sesame oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
- 4
Arrange tofu cubes in a single layer across the hot pan and let them cook undisturbed for 4 minutes until the bottom develops a golden-brown crust.
- 5
Gently stir the tofu and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until multiple sides are lightly browned, then transfer to a clean plate.
- 6
Add the remaining 1.5 tablespoons of sesame oil to the same pan over medium-high heat.
- 7
Sauté the sliced onion for 2 minutes until it begins to soften and become translucent.
- 8
Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 9
Pour in the broccoli florets and bell peppers, tossing everything together and cooking for 4 minutes while stirring occasionally.
- 10
Add the snap peas to the pan and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing all vegetables to become tender-crisp.
- 11
Return the cooked tofu to the pan and pour the prepared sauce over everything, tossing gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- 12
Cook for 1-2 minutes over medium-high heat until the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the vegetables and tofu.
- 13
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more tamari for saltiness or vinegar for brightness.
- 14
Remove from heat and stir in the chopped scallions, then transfer to a serving bowl.
- 15
Divide the stir fry among bowls over fluffy brown rice and garnish generously with sesame seeds before serving.
Variations & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| sesame oil | avocado oil | Avocado oil has a higher smoke point and provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats while maintaining a neutral flavor that doesn't overpower the dish |
| maple syrup | coconut aminos or monk fruit sweetener | These alternatives provide sweetness without spiking blood sugar levels, supporting stable energy and better glucose control |
| brown rice | cauliflower rice or quinoa | Cauliflower rice reduces carbohydrate load for blood sugar management while quinoa adds complete protein; both increase fiber for gut health |
| tamari | coconut aminos with a pinch of sea salt | Coconut aminos naturally contains lower sodium and fewer additives while being nutrient-dense and easier on digestion |
| snap peas and bell peppers | bok choy, mushrooms, and carrots | These vegetables provide greater prebiotic fiber, anti-inflammatory compounds, and support gut microbiome diversity |
Recommended Equipment
Tools that make this recipe easier
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 4)
| Calories | 268 |
| Total Fat | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 420mg |
| Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Fiber | 6g |
| Sugar | 4g |
| Protein | 14g |
This recipe was extracted from the original video source using AI. Nutritional information is estimated and may vary. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice. As an Amazon Associate, AlmostChefs earns from qualifying purchases. Product links are affiliate links — they cost you nothing extra but help support the site. Read full disclaimer
