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Quick Tofu or Tempeh Stir-fry with Peanut Sauce – Vegan & Easy

Looking for a plant-based dinner that's high in protein and bursting with flavor? This Quick Tofu/Tempeh Stir-Fry with Peanut Sauce is a weeknight winner! It’s fast, customizable, and the savory-sweet peanut sauce takes everything to the next level. Whether you're a tofu lover or tempeh fan, this dish has you covered.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Course: Main Course, Vegan
Cuisine: Indian
Keyword: Quick Tofu Stir-fry with Peanut Sauce
Servings: 4
Cost: 100

Ingredients

For the Stir-Fry:

  • 1 block 200–250g extra-firm tofu or tempeh, cubed
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch optional, for crispy texture
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil or vegetable oil
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, snap peas
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp ginger minced
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
  • Cooked rice or noodles for serving

For the Peanut Sauce:

  • 3 tbsp natural peanut butter
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup or agave
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tsp sriracha optional
  • 2 –3 tbsp warm water to thin

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Tofu or Tempeh

  • Pat dry and cube tofu or tempeh. Toss in cornstarch (optional) for crispiness.

Step 2: Cook Protein

  • Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat. Pan-fry tofu or tempeh until golden brown (about 6–8 minutes). Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Stir-Fry Veggies

  • In the same pan, add a touch more oil if needed. Sauté garlic, ginger, and mixed vegetables. Cook until just tender but still crisp.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

  • In a small bowl, whisk all peanut sauce ingredients until smooth. Adjust thickness by adding warm water as needed.

Step 5: Combine & Serve

  • Add tofu/tempeh back to the pan. Pour over peanut sauce and toss everything to coat. Cook for 2–3 minutes until heated through. Serve over rice or noodles.

🧡 Why You'll Love This Recipe

    ✅ High-protein vegan meal

      ✅ Done in 25 minutes

        ✅ Uses pantry-friendly ingredients

          ✅ Sweet, salty, nutty, spicy flavor

            ✅ Great for meal prep and leftovers

              🧊 Storage Tips

              • Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
              • Reheat: Microwave or reheat in a skillet with a splash of water.
              • 🌱 Make It Your Own
              • Swap tofu/tempeh with chickpeas or mushrooms
              • Add toppings: chopped peanuts, green onions, lime wedges, or cilantro
              • Use zoodles, brown rice, or rice noodles