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Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry Recipe Easy Healthy Veggie Dinner Ideas

crispy tofu stir-fry - featured image

A quick and easy crispy tofu stir-fry with vibrant vegetables, perfect for a healthy and comforting weeknight dinner. This recipe delivers a perfect balance of crunch and fresh flavors with simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 14 oz (400 g) firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder
  • 2 tbsp vegetable or avocado oil
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup snap peas, trimmed
  • 1 medium carrot, julienned
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
  • 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Drain the tofu and press it for at least 20 minutes to remove excess moisture.
  2. Cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes.
  3. Toss the tofu cubes gently with cornstarch in a bowl until each piece is lightly coated.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, sesame oil, and chili flakes. Set aside.
  5. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  6. Add tofu cubes in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy on one side, then flip and cook another 3 minutes. Repeat until all sides are crispy. Transfer tofu to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
  7. In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Toss in garlic and ginger; sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  8. Add sliced onion, bell pepper, carrot, and snap peas. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until veggies are tender but still crisp.
  9. Return tofu to the pan and pour the sauce over everything. Toss gently to coat and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  10. Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top.

Notes

Press tofu well to remove moisture for crispiness. Cook tofu in batches to avoid steaming. Adjust sauce sweetness or saltiness to taste. If sauce is too thin, mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and stir in during last step to thicken. Use tamari for gluten-free version. Baking tofu at 400°F for 25-30 minutes is an alternative to frying.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy tofu stir-fry, tofu recipe, healthy dinner, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, quick stir-fry, easy tofu recipe, plant-based protein