A quick and delicious vegetarian stir-fry with tofu makes for a nutritious and satisfying meal. Packed with colorful vegetables and flavorful sauce, this dish is both easy to prepare and full of taste.
It is an ideal meal for those who want something healthy, filling, and customizable without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegetarian stir-fry offers a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and nutrition. The combination of crispy tofu, fresh vegetables, and a savory sauce creates a meal that feels light yet filling.
Unlike complicated recipes, this dish requires minimal ingredients and comes together in less than 30 minutes.
Plus, you can easily customize it based on your favorite vegetables or whatever you have in your fridge. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy meal prep option, this stir-fry is an excellent choice.
Another reason to love this dish is its versatility. You can serve it over rice, noodles, or even quinoa for a complete meal. The sauce brings out the best in each ingredient, enhancing the natural sweetness of the vegetables while adding depth with its savory and slightly tangy flavor.
Additionally, the tofu soaks up the sauce beautifully, making every bite bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Tofu
Cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes and pat them dry with a paper towel. In a bowl, toss the tofu with soy sauce and cornstarch to coat evenly.
Cook the Tofu
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and cook for 4–5 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the same pan. Toss in the bell pepper, broccoli, carrot, zucchini, and mushrooms. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables become slightly tender but still crisp.
Add Garlic and Ginger
Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, maple syrup (or honey), red pepper flakes (if using), and water.
Combine Everything
Return the crispy tofu to the pan. Pour the sauce over the vegetables and tofu, stirring to coat everything evenly. Let it cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top. Serve immediately over rice or noodles.
Tips for the Best Stir-Fry
- Press the tofu properly: Removing excess moisture ensures that the tofu crisps up nicely.
- Use high heat: A hot pan helps the vegetables stay crisp and vibrant.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Stir-frying in batches prevents sogginess.
- Customize your vegetables: Swap or add veggies like snap peas, baby corn, or even more mushrooms.
- Adjust the sauce to taste: Add extra soy sauce for more saltiness or increase the maple syrup for a sweeter touch.
- Use a wok if possible: A wok allows for even heat distribution and better stir-frying results.
- Add a protein boost: If you want to make it even more filling, add cashews, almonds, or even chickpeas to the dish.
- Store leftovers properly: This dish keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Simply reheat in a pan or microwave before serving.
Additional Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with jasmine rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. If you love noodles, try serving it with soba, udon, or rice noodles.
You can also enjoy it as a filling for lettuce wraps, making it a great option for a light and refreshing meal.
Why This Stir-Fry is a Perfect Meal Prep Option
Vegetarian stir-fry with tofu is a fantastic choice for meal prep because it stores well and reheats easily. The flavors continue to develop over time, making it taste even better the next day.
You can make a large batch at the beginning of the week and have healthy, flavorful meals ready to go.
This dish also works well for packed lunches. Simply store individual portions in meal prep containers and pair them with a serving of rice or noodles. When lunchtime rolls around, just heat it up for a satisfying and nutritious meal in minutes.
This vegetarian stir-fry with tofu is a simple, healthy, and delicious meal that fits into any busy schedule.
