Easy Vegan Crispy Baked Tofu Stir Fry

Stir-fries are the ultimate quick, healthy, and delicious meal option for any day of the week.

This Easy Vegan Crispy Baked Tofu Stir Fry is not only packed with vibrant vegetables and mouthwatering flavors, but it’s also super simple to prepare.

By baking the tofu instead of frying it, you get a wonderfully crispy texture without the need for excessive oil. Whether you’re new to plant-based cooking or a seasoned pro, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthier Alternative: Baking the tofu cuts down on oil while still delivering that satisfying crispiness, making it a lighter choice.
• Packed with Flavor: A savory, slightly sweet stir-fry sauce ties everything together beautifully, ensuring every bite is delicious.
• Customizable: Use your favorite veggies or whatever you have on hand to make this recipe your own.
• Meal-Prep Friendly: Perfect for making ahead and enjoying throughout the week for quick lunches or dinners.
• Family Approved: A hit for kids and adults alike, making it a great choice for family meals.

Ingredients

For the Crispy Baked Tofu:

• 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and cubed
• 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder
• 1 tbsp sesame oil (optional for extra crispiness)

For the Stir-Fry:

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or sesame oil for added flavor)
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup snap peas
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 zucchini, sliced (optional)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
• ½ cup sliced mushrooms (optional)

For the Sauce:

• 3 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp maple syrup or agave nectar
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
• 1 tsp chili garlic sauce (optional for heat)

Optional Garnishes:

• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions
• A squeeze of lime juice

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Tofu

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, toss the pressed and cubed tofu with soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil until evenly coated.
3. Spread the tofu cubes on the baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. For extra crispiness, broil for an additional 2 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Stir-Fry Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, chili garlic sauce, and the cornstarch slurry. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add garlic and ginger, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Toss in the bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, carrot, zucchini, and mushrooms. Stir-fry for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender-crisp and vibrant in color.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Add the crispy baked tofu to the skillet with the vegetables.
2. Pour the stir-fry sauce over the tofu and vegetables, stirring to coat everything evenly.
3. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the ingredients.

Step 5: Serve

1. Serve the stir-fry over steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles for a satisfying meal.
2. Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and a squeeze of lime juice, if desired, for added freshness.

Tips for Success

• Pressing Tofu: Removing excess water from the tofu ensures a firmer texture and better crisping. Use a tofu press or wrap the tofu in paper towels and place a heavy object on top for at least 15 minutes.
• Even Cooking: Cut vegetables into similar-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly and quickly.
• Make It Spicy: Add a splash of sriracha or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick if you enjoy heat.
• Batch Cooking: Double the recipe to have leftovers for meal prep. The tofu and vegetables reheat beautifully.

Variations

• Protein Swap: Use tempeh, seitan, or chickpeas for a tofu alternative to keep things interesting.
• Veggie Swap: Include bok choy, asparagus, or green beans for added variety.
• Noodle Option: Swap out rice for soba noodles or rice noodles to make this a delicious noodle dish.
• Sauce Twist: Try adding a tablespoon of peanut butter to the sauce for a nutty, creamy flavor.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 6g
• Vitamin C: 100% DV (from bell peppers and broccoli)
• Iron: 15% DV (from tofu and broccoli)

This Easy Vegan Crispy Baked Tofu Stir Fry is a delightful, wholesome dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even serving at a casual dinner party.

The combination of crispy tofu, colorful vegetables, and a flavorful sauce ensures that every bite is satisfying and full of plant-based goodness.

Try it out and discover how easy it is to create a delicious and healthy meal that everyone will love!