Tofu Stir-fry with Bell Peppers and Broccoli

Name: Tofu Stir-fry with Bell Peppers and Broccoli
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: chinese_american
Ingredients: 400 g extra-firm tofu (pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes); 250 g broccoli (cut into small florets); 2 pcs bell pepper (large, mixed colors, sliced into strips); 3 tbsp soy sauce (reduced-sodium); 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tsp sesame oil (toasted); 2 tsp cornstarch; 2 tbsp vegetable oil (divided); 4 pcs garlic (cloves, minced); 1 inch ginger (peeled and grated); 3 tbsp water; 0.5 tsp salt; 1 pinch red pepper flakes; 2 pcs green onion (thinly sliced, for garnish)

RATING

4.6/5(98)

TASTE SCORE

8/10

A quick, colorful stir-fry loaded with crispy pan-fried tofu, tender-crisp broccoli, and sweet bell peppers. Everything is coated in a savory garlic-ginger soy sauce that caramelizes beautifully. This is a weeknight dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes.

PREP

10m

COOK

15m

SERVES

1 CUP

222 cal

SERVINGS

METHOD · 8 STEPS

prep · ~5 min
Press and cube the tofu.
1.Wrap extra-firm tofu in paper towels and press under a heavy object for 5 min.
2.Pat dry and cut into 1-inch cubes.
TIPPressing tofu removes excess water so it crisps up instead of steaming.
prep
Chop the vegetables.
1.Cut broccoli into small, uniform florets.
2.Slice bell peppers into thin strips.
TIPKeep broccoli florets small — they need to cook through in the short stir-fry time.
mix · ~1 min
Whisk the stir-fry sauce.
1.In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water.
2.Whisk until cornstarch is fully dissolved and no lumps remain.
fry · ~8 min
Pan-fry the tofu until golden.
1.Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2.Add tofu cubes in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 2 min until bottoms are golden.
3.Flip cubes and continue cooking, turning occasionally, until crispy on all sides (5-6 min total).
4.Transfer tofu to a plate and set aside.
TIPDon't crowd the pan — a single layer ensures browning instead of steaming.
saute · ~5 min
Stir-fry the broccoli and bell peppers.
1.Add remaining 1 tbsp oil to the same wok over medium-high heat.
2.Add broccoli florets and stir-fry for 2 min until bright green.
3.Add sliced bell peppers and stir-fry for another 2 min until peppers soften slightly.
TIPVegetables should be tender-crisp, not mushy — keep them moving in the pan.
saute · ~1 min
Add garlic and ginger.
1.Push vegetables to the sides and add minced garlic and grated ginger to the center.
2.Stir-fry until fragrant (30 sec).
saute · ~2 min
Combine everything with the sauce.
1.Return the fried tofu to the wok.
2.Pour the sauce mixture over everything and add salt and red pepper flakes.
3.Toss continuously for 1-2 min until sauce thickens and evenly coats all ingredients.
TIPKeep tossing — the cornstarch thickens fast and can burn if it sits still.
garnish
Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot.

PRO TIPS

What to keep in mind.

6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.

1
Press the tofu for at least 5 minutes to remove excess moisture—this ensures it gets crispy instead of soggy.
2
Cut broccoli florets small so they cook through in the short stir-fry time without getting mushy.
3
Pre-heat your wok or pan until shimmering before adding tofu—this prevents sticking and promotes browning.
4
Don't crowd the pan when frying tofu; cook in a single layer for even golden crust.
5
Stir the sauce again just before pouring it in, as cornstarch settles quickly.
6
Serve immediately after tossing with sauce—the cornstarch-thickened glaze loses its shine if left sitting.

RECIPE VARIATIONS

Adapt it for your goals.

high protein

High-protein

Swap half the tofu for thinly sliced chicken breast or shrimp—cook the protein first, then follow the same steps for a bigger protein punch.

low oil

Low-oil

Skip pan-frying the tofu: toss the pressed cubes directly into the sauce and simmer for 2 minutes. Reduces oil while keeping the dish saucy and quick.

noodle bowl