Hey friend! Today I’m sharing one of my favorite stir fry recipes—Crispy Tofu Stir Fry with Garlic-Sesame Glaze & Peanuts! It’s super simple to make, has tons of flavor, and hits all the right notes: crispy, savory, a little sweet, and perfectly saucy.
You don’t even need to be a tofu lover to adore this recipe.
Trust me—my meat-loving friends request this dish every time they visit!
Let’s dive right in and get cooking!
🍽 Serves: 4 people
⏱ Total Cook Time: 30 minutes
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe was inspired by my favorite take-out restaurant. One night, craving crispy, savory tofu, I decided to make my own version. After multiple tasty experiments, this recipe became a staple at my house. Here’s why I’m obsessed with it:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just about 30 minutes!
- Flavor-packed Sauce: Perfect blend of savory, sweet, and garlicky goodness.
- Versatile: Easy to swap veggies based on your preference or whatever’s in your fridge.
- Nutritious: High in protein, fiber, and nutrients without skimping on taste.
What You’ll Need
For the Crispy Tofu:
- 14 oz extra-firm tofu (pressed and cubed)
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable or avocado oil
- ¼ tsp salt
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 carrot, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 3 green onions, chopped (save some for garnish)
- ¼ cup roasted peanuts, chopped (garnish)
Garlic-Sesame Glaze:
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
📸 AI Image Generator Prompt (Ingredients & Tools):
Tools You’ll Need:
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Large non-stick skillet or wok
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Paper towels or clean kitchen towel (to press tofu)
- Spatula
Pro Tips:
- Press your tofu: This removes excess water, creating a crispy, restaurant-quality texture.
- High heat cooking: Cook tofu and veggies at high heat to keep everything crispy and flavorful.
- Prep all ingredients first: Stir-frying goes fast; having ingredients ready beforehand makes cooking smooth.
- Keep veggies crisp: Don’t overcook your veggies. They should stay bright, fresh, and a little crunchy.
Substitutions and Variations:
- Swap tofu with chicken or shrimp for a protein alternative.
- Add mushrooms, snap peas, or zucchini for extra veggies.
- Substitute peanuts with cashews or sesame seeds for variety.
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
Make-Ahead Tips:
- Cut and press tofu, prep veggies, and mix sauce ahead to save time.
- Sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
🥘 Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare Tofu
Press and cut tofu into 1-inch cubes. Toss tofu cubes in cornstarch and salt until evenly coated.
Step 2: Cook Tofu
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook tofu until crispy and golden brown (about 3-4 mins each side). Set aside.
📸 Prompt:
Ultra close-up of crispy, golden brown tofu cubes frying in vegetable oil, sizzling gently in a large skillet on a modern stainless steel gas stove, with all-natural lighting, taken with an iPhone 15 Pro, top-down shot used by recipe bloggers.
Step 3: Stir Fry Veggies
In the same skillet, stir-fry garlic, ginger, bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and green onions for 4-5 minutes.
📸 Prompt:
Ultra close-up of vibrant sliced bell peppers, broccoli florets, carrots, minced garlic, grated ginger, and green onions being stir-fried in a skillet on a modern stainless steel gas stove, with all-natural lighting, taken with an iPhone 15 Pro, top-down shot used by recipe bloggers.
Step 4: Garlic-Sesame Glaze
Mix soy sauce, maple syrup, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water in a bowl. Add sauce to skillet and stir until slightly thickened (about 1 minute).
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Add tofu back to skillet, toss until well-coated. Serve hot topped with peanuts and extra green onions.
Macros Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fats: 21g
- Fiber: 5g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science):
Cornstarch gives the tofu an ultra-crispy crust. The glaze’s cornstarch thickens sauce perfectly, ensuring every bite is flavorful and well-coated.
Common Mistakes:
- Not pressing tofu enough (makes tofu soggy).
- Overcrowding pan (prevents crispiness).
- Cooking veggies too long (they lose crunch).
What to Serve With:
- Steamed white or brown rice
- Quinoa or cauliflower rice
- Asian noodles
FAQ:
- Can I bake tofu? Yes, bake at 400°F for 20-25 mins.
- Can I omit nuts? Sure! You can also substitute sesame seeds.
- Is this gluten-free? Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to make gluten-free.
Leftovers and Storage:
Refrigerate in airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave until warm.
Conclusion:
Now it’s your turn! Cook this tasty Crispy Tofu Stir Fry tonight—I can’t wait to hear how it goes. Leave a comment below to let me know your experience, or ask any questions. Happy cooking! 🍴😊