Tofu Stir-fry with Vegetables
A quick and colorful Indo-Chinese inspired stir-fry featuring crispy pan-fried tofu and crunchy vegetables tossed in a spicy, tangy sauce. The tofu absorbs the bold flavors of soy, chili, and garlic while the bell peppers and onions add a satisfying bite. Perfect for a light lunch or a side dish that comes together in under 30 minutes.
For 4 servings
- prep
Press and cube the tofu.
Wrap the firm tofu in a clean kitchen towel. Place a heavy object on top and press for 10 minutes to remove excess water. Cut into 1-inch cubes.
TIPPressing the tofu removes moisture and helps it crisp up beautifully in the pan. - fry · ~5 min
Pan-fry the tofu until golden.
1.Toss the tofu cubes with corn flour to coat lightly.2.Heat 2 tbsp oil in a wok or wide pan over medium-high heat.3.Add the tofu cubes in a single layer and fry until crisp and golden on all sides (4-5 min).4.Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate. - saute · ~4 min
Stir-fry the aromatics and vegetables.
1.In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tbsp oil.2.Add chopped garlic, julienned ginger, and slit green chilies. Sauté on high heat for 30 seconds until fragrant.3.Add diced onion and bell pepper. Toss and cook for 2 minutes until slightly softened but still crunchy.4.Add broccoli florets and stir-fry for another 1 minute.TIPKeep the heat high and move ingredients constantly to achieve the smoky stir-fry flavor without burning. - saute · ~1 min
Toss everything in the sauce.
1.Return the fried tofu to the pan with the vegetables.2.Pour in the soy sauce, chili sauce, and vinegar.3.Add a pinch of salt and crushed black pepper.4.Toss everything vigorously on high heat for 1 minute until the sauce coats the tofu and vegetables evenly.TIPDon't overcook after adding the sauce; the vegetables should retain a pleasant crunch. - garnish
Garnish with spring onion greens and serve hot.
Transfer to a serving bowl and scatter the chopped spring onion greens on top.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Press tofu for at least 10 minutes to remove excess moisture for a crispier texture when pan-frying.
- 2Coat tofu cubes lightly with corn flour before frying; this creates a thin, crispy crust that absorbs sauce well.
- 3Keep all vegetables and aromatics prepped and ready before you start cooking—stir-frying moves fast.
- 4Use high heat throughout and keep ingredients moving in the pan to develop a smoky wok hei flavor without burning.
- 5Add the sauce at the very end and toss for only 1 minute to keep vegetables crunchy and tofu from getting soggy.
- 6For best texture, serve immediately after cooking; this dish does not reheat well as the vegetables lose their crunch.
Adapt it for your goals.
High-protein
Swap half the vegetables with edamame or sliced mushrooms and add a tablespoon of roasted peanuts or sesame seeds at the end for extra protein and crunch.
Low oilLow-oil
Skip pan-frying the tofu; instead bake the cornflour-coated tofu cubes at 200°C (400°F) for 15 minutes until crisp, then reduce oil in the stir-fry to just 1 tablespoon.
VeganVegan
This recipe is already vegan — just ensure your chili sauce and soy sauce are vegan-friendly (some brands add honey or fish-based ingredients).
Spicy overloadSpicy overload
Add 1 teaspoon of red chili flakes or a teaspoon of sriracha along with the soy sauce, and use a hotter variety of green chili for extra heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Plant Protein
Tofu provides a complete protein source with all essential amino acids, making this dish a satisfying meat-free option.
Vitamin C from Vegetables
Bell peppers and broccoli are excellent sources of vitamin C, which supports immune function and skin health.
Low in Saturated Fat
This stir-fry uses minimal oil and tofu's naturally low saturated fat content makes it heart-friendly.
Fiber for Digestion
Broccoli, bell peppers, and onions contribute dietary fiber that aids digestion and promotes gut health.
Antioxidant-rich Garlic and Ginger
Both garlic and ginger contain bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Frequently asked questions
No, silken or soft tofu will crumble and turn mushy when pan-fried. Always use firm or extra-firm tofu for this stir-fry.



