Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry Recipe You'll Love

RECIPESDINNER RECIPES

2/25/20254 min read

Stir-fries are the ultimate weeknight dinner—quick, easy, and packed with flavor.

But what if you could take it up a notch with crispy tofu that adds a satisfying crunch to every bite?

That’s exactly what this Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry delivers! With a crispy, golden-brown tofu base, vibrant veggies, and a savory sauce that ties everything together, this dish will have you coming back for more.

If you’re a tofu fan, you already know how versatile it is. If you’re not, this recipe might just change your mind!

The crispy tofu provides the perfect contrast to the tender, sautéed veggies, making each bite a delicious combination of textures and flavors.

Ready to give it a go? Let’s jump into it!

Ingredients:

  • 1 block (14 oz) firm or extra-firm tofu, drained and pressed

  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or any cooking oil)

  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced

  • 1 carrot, julienned

  • 1 small zucchini, sliced

  • 1 cup broccoli florets

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce

  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil

  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar

  • 1 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup for a vegan version)

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated

  • Sesame seeds, for garnish

  • Chopped green onions, for garnish

  • Cooked rice, for serving

Step 1: Prepare the Tofu

Start by draining your tofu. The key to crispy tofu is getting as much moisture out as possible, so press the tofu for about 15-20 minutes. You can do this by wrapping the tofu in a clean kitchen towel or paper towel, placing it on a plate, and putting something heavy on top (like a can or a book) to help squeeze out the water.

Once it’s well-pressed, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes. Transfer them to a bowl and sprinkle with cornstarch. Toss the tofu gently to coat each piece evenly—this is what will make the tofu extra crispy when it hits the pan!

Step 2: Cook the Tofu

Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the tofu cubes to the pan in a single layer. Let them cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden and crispy. You might need to do this in batches, depending on the size of your pan. Once crispy, transfer the tofu to a plate and set aside.

Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan—this will help the tofu crisp up better!

Step 3: Stir-fry the Veggies

In the same pan, add a little more oil if necessary. Toss in the sliced bell pepper, carrot, zucchini, and broccoli florets. Stir-fry the veggies for about 5-7 minutes, or until they’re tender-crisp and slightly caramelized. Keep them moving around the pan so they cook evenly without burning.

While the veggies are cooking, prepare your sauce by whisking together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and honey in a small bowl.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Once the veggies are cooked, add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, pour the sauce over the veggies and give everything a good stir, making sure the sauce coats the veggies evenly.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Add the crispy tofu back into the pan with the veggies and toss everything gently to combine. Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes so the tofu absorbs some of the sauce and everything gets heated through.

The tofu will stay crispy on the outside while soaking up all the delicious flavors from the sauce. It’s magic in the making!

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Once everything is mixed together and hot, it’s time to serve! Spoon the stir-fry over a bed of freshly cooked rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for an extra pop of flavor and crunch.

Conclusion:

This Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry is proof that tofu can be crispy, flavorful, and downright delicious!

With a combination of tender veggies, golden-brown tofu, and a savory sauce that brings it all together, this dish is sure to be a hit at your dinner table.

Whether you’re a tofu lover or a skeptic, this recipe will make you a believer.

Enjoy it as a quick weeknight dinner, or serve it at your next gathering for a meal that’s both impressive and easy to prepare.

Give it a try, and let me know what you think!💖👇🌱