Easy Vegetable Stir Fry with Tofu

A vibrant and nutritious vegetable stir fry featuring colorful vegetables and protein‑packed tofu tossed in a flavorful soy‑ginger sauce. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that’s both wholesome and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & easy – Ready in just 25 minutes from start to finish.
Nutritious & balanced – Includes lean plant protein, a variety of veggies, and complex carbs.
Flavorful sauce – The soy‑ginger mixture offers savory depth with mild sweetness.
Adaptable – Easy to swap in your favorite vegetables or switch sauces.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Tofu:

1 block firm tofu, cubed and pressed

Stir Fry:

2 tablespoons sesame oil
2 cups mixed vegetables (broccoli, bell pepper, carrots)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon hoisin or teriyaki sauce
1 teaspoon grated ginger
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

Serving:

Cooked rice for serving

Directions

Prepare the tofu: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a skillet over medium‑high heat. Add tofu cubes and cook until all sides are golden. Remove and set aside.
Stir‑fry vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tbsp sesame oil. Sauté mixed vegetables for about 4–5 minutes, until crisp‑tender.
Season the stir‑fry: Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger. Add soy sauce, hoisin (or teriyaki), and the cornstarch slurry. Mix well to coat.
Combine tofu and vegetables: Return the tofu to the skillet. Gently toss everything together and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
Serve: Spoon the stir fry over cooked rice. Enjoy while hot.

Servings and timing

Yield: 4 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Swap tofu for tempeh, seitan, or chickpeas for different protein sources.
Vary the vegetables: try snap peas, zucchini, mushrooms, or baby corn.
For extra spice, add a dash of Sriracha or red pepper flakes.
Use gluten‑free tamari and gluten‑free hoisin to adapt the dish for gluten‑free diets.
Garnish with toasted sesame seeds or chopped fresh cilantro for added texture and flavor.

Storage/reheating

Storage: Keep leftover stir fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze in a freezer‑safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it, stirring halfway through so it heats evenly.

FAQs

1. Can I use soft or silken tofu instead of firm tofu?

Firm or extra‑firm tofu is best, as it retains shape and absorbs sauce better. Soft or silken tofu may fall apart during cooking.

2. Do I need to press the tofu?

Yes. Pressing removes excess moisture, which helps the tofu crisp up and soak in the sauce more effectively.

3. Can I make this stir fry ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the vegetables and sauce ahead. Sauté them fresh before serving to retain best texture and flavor.

4. Is this recipe gluten‑free?

Not as written—soy sauce and hoisin often contain gluten. Use tamari and a gluten‑free hoisin substitute to make it gluten‑free.

5. Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, but thaw them first and drain any excess moisture to prevent the dish from becoming watery.

6. What can I serve besides rice?

Serve with quinoa, noodles (rice, soba, or wheat), or cauliflower rice for low carb options.

7. How can I make it spicier?

Add chili garlic sauce, Sriracha, or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for extra heat.

8. Can I add more protein?

Yes. Add cooked shrimp, chicken, or beef strips for a non‑vegan option, or supplement with edamame or cooked chickpeas.

9. How do I prevent soggy vegetables?

Heat the pan well before adding vegetables and cook them quickly over medium‑high heat. Avoid over‑crowding the pan.

10. Is it safe to reheat more than once?

It’s best to reheat only once. Repeated reheating can affect taste and safety. Store leftovers properly right after cooking.

Conclusion

This Easy Vegetable Stir Fry with Tofu is a quick, nutritious, and versatile dish perfect for busy weeknights. With a simple yet flavorful sauce and a flexible base recipe, it’s easy to adapt to your taste preferences. Prep it ahead for even faster dinners, and enjoy a colorful, satisfying meal that’s as good for you as it is delicious.