If you’re searching for a vibrant, hearty, and utterly delicious vegan meal, this Best Vegan Tofu Stir Fry Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines the wholesome goodness of fresh vegetables with the protein-packed goodness of tofu, all tossed in a savory, slightly sweet sauce that will awaken your taste buds.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, this recipe is easy to prepare, highly customizable, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep.
This stir fry is not only colorful and flavorful but also packed with nutrients, making it a nutritious choice for anyone aiming for a balanced diet. And the best part?
It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal option for busy schedules without compromising on taste. Get ready to enjoy a dish that’s both comforting and exciting, full of textures and flavors that satisfy your cravings while keeping it healthy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan tofu stir fry stands out because it perfectly balances simplicity and flavor. It’s:
- Quick and easy: Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
- Nutritious: Loaded with colorful veggies and protein-rich tofu.
- Customizable: Swap in your favorite veggies or adjust the sauce to suit your taste.
- Rich in flavor: The umami-packed sauce enhances every bite with a delightful depth.
- Great for meal prep: Keeps well in the fridge and reheats beautifully.
Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser — even non-vegans will love this tasty, wholesome meal!
Ingredients
- 14 oz (400g) extra firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (such as canola or sunflower)
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup snap peas, trimmed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tbsp maple syrup or agave nectar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
- Cooked rice or noodles, to serve
Equipment
- Large non-stick skillet or wok
- Mixing bowl
- Tofu press (optional but recommended)
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Knife and cutting board
- Spatula or wooden spoon
Instructions
- Prepare the tofu: Drain the tofu and press it for at least 20 minutes to remove excess moisture. This step helps the tofu crisp up nicely during cooking.
- Cut the tofu: Once pressed, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, and toasted sesame oil. Set aside.
- Cook the tofu: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in your skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Remove tofu from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add vegetables: Toss in the bell pepper, carrot, broccoli, and snap peas. Stir fry for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Return tofu to pan: Add the crispy tofu back into the skillet with the vegetables.
- Add the sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the tofu and veggies. Stir well to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Thicken the sauce (optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Finish and garnish: Remove from heat, sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds on top.
- Serve: Plate your tofu stir fry over cooked rice or noodles and enjoy immediately.
Tips & Variations
Pressing tofu is key to achieving a crispy texture! If you don’t have a tofu press, wrap tofu in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object on top for 20 minutes.
Feel free to swap veggies based on season or preference — mushrooms, zucchini, baby corn, or bok choy work wonderfully.
For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce.
Try marinating your tofu in half the sauce for 15 minutes before cooking to deepen the flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 320 kcal |
Protein | 20 g |
Carbohydrates | 22 g |
Dietary Fiber | 6 g |
Sugars | 8 g |
Fat | 16 g |
Saturated Fat | 2 g |
Sodium | 600 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This tofu stir fry is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Here are a few ideas to elevate your meal:
- Serve over steamed jasmine or brown rice for a classic pairing.
- Try it with rice noodles or soba noodles for a tasty twist.
- Add a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for extra freshness.
- Pair with a side of Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals to boost your greens.
- Enjoy alongside a warm bowl of Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating for a wholesome dinner.
Conclusion
This vegan tofu stir fry is a fantastic addition to your recipe collection — quick, nutritious, and bursting with flavor. It’s proof that plant-based meals can be just as satisfying and delicious as their meat counterparts.
The crispy tofu combined with fresh vegetables and a perfectly balanced sauce creates a harmonious dish that’s ideal for any occasion.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this recipe is sure to impress. Plus, it aligns perfectly with a healthy lifestyle, offering protein and a wealth of vitamins with every bite.
If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also love exploring other vegan delights like the Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners or the comforting Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas.
Happy cooking and savor every bite!
📖 Recipe Card: Best Vegan Tofu Stir Fry Recipe
Description: A quick and flavorful vegan tofu stir fry packed with fresh vegetables and a savory sauce. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT30M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 14 oz firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth
Instructions
- Press tofu to remove excess water and cut into cubes.
- Mix tofu with 1 tbsp soy sauce and cornstarch; set aside.
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Add tofu and cook until golden on all sides; remove from pan.
- In the same pan, add sesame oil, garlic, and ginger; sauté for 1 minute.
- Add bell pepper, broccoli, and carrot; stir fry for 5-7 minutes.
- Return tofu to pan; add remaining soy sauce and vegetable broth.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Garnish with green onions and serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 280 kcal | Protein: 18 g | Fat: 16 g | Carbs: 15 g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Best Vegan Tofu Stir Fry Recipe”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A quick and flavorful vegan tofu stir fry packed with fresh vegetables and a savory sauce. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT15M”, “totalTime”: “PT30M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“14 oz firm tofu, pressed and cubed”, “2 tbsp soy sauce”, “1 tbsp sesame oil”, “1 red bell pepper, sliced”, “1 cup broccoli florets”, “1 medium carrot, thinly sliced”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated”, “2 tbsp vegetable oil”, “2 green onions, chopped”, “1 tbsp cornstarch”, “1/4 cup vegetable broth”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Press tofu to remove excess water and cut into cubes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Mix tofu with 1 tbsp soy sauce and cornstarch; set aside.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add tofu and cook until golden on all sides; remove from pan.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In the same pan, add sesame oil, garlic, and ginger; saut\u00e9 for 1 minute.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add bell pepper, broccoli, and carrot; stir fry for 5-7 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Return tofu to pan; add remaining soy sauce and vegetable broth.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Garnish with green onions and serve hot.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “280 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “18 g”, “fatContent”: “16 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “15 g”}}