THAI SWEET AND SPICY TOFU STIR-FRY
This Thai Sweet and Spicy Tofu Stir-Fry is the perfect answer for a fast, satisfying vegetarian meal that doesn’t skimp on flavour. With just five simple ingredients, this dish highlights the rich texture of tofu, chilli paste, crisp bell peppers and a bold soy sauce that hits sweet, salty and spicy notes. Thai cuisine is known for its quick pan-fry, which gives the tofu a lightly golden edge while locking in flavour. The dish is versatile enough to enjoy alone or served over jasmine rice or noodles for a heartier plate. This single-serving recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or meatless Mondays, which are low in fat, high in plant-based protein and ready in under 15 minutes. Thai Sweet and Spicy Tofu Stir-Fry proves that healthy, delicious meals can be simple, bold and utterly crave-worthy.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Main Course
SERVING SIZE
1
CUISINE
Thai
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
Stir-Fry
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
Casual Dinner
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
Vegetarian
DISH TYPE
Tacos & Wraps
INGREDIENTS
Here is a list of ingredients for Thai Sweet and Spicy Tofu Stir-Fry :
- ¼ cup firm tofu, cubed
- ½ teaspoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon chilli paste
- ¼ cup bell peppers, sliced
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 105.9 kcal
- Protein:4 g
- Fat: 5.8 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.8 g
- Carbohydrates: 4.5 g
- Sugars:1.2 g
- Fibre: 2.1 g
- Sodium: 262.3 mg
- Potassium: 221 mg
- Calcium: 115 mg
- Iron: 1.9 mg
PREPARATION
These steps are followed for the preparation of Thai Sweet and Spicy Tofu Stir-Fry :
- Prep The Tofu: Pat the tofu dry with paper towels and cut it into small cubes for even cooking.
- Heat The Pan: Add 1 teaspoon of oil over medium-high heat in a non-stick skillet.
- Cook The Tofu: Add cubed tofu to the pan and cook for 4–5 minutes, turning occasionally until lightly golden on all sides.
- Add Garlic And Peppers: Stir in the minced garlic and sliced bell peppers. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the peppers soften slightly.
- Add Sauce Components: Stir in the soy sauce and chilli paste. Toss well to coat everything in the sauce.
- Simmer Briefly: Lower heat and let it simmer for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the tofu.
- Serve Hot: Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with spring onions or sesame seeds if desired.
PREP TIME
5 minutes
COOKING TIME
8 minutes
TIPS
Here are some helpful tips for Thai Sweet and Spicy Tofu Stir-Fry:
- Press The Tofu: Removing excess moisture before cooking helps achieve a crispier texture.
- Use A Hot Pan: A well-heated pan ensures the tofu sears instead of steams.
- Balance The Sauce: Add a pinch of sugar if your chilli paste is overly spicy or acidic.
- Cut Even Pieces: Uniform tofu and pepper sizes cook evenly and look more appealing.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Cook in batches if doubling the recipe to maintain crisp edges on tofu.
VARIATIONS
- Vegan Option: This dish is naturally vegan, using plant-based chilli paste and soy sauce.
- Add Sweetness: Stir in a dash of maple syrup or honey for more pronounced sweet notes.
- Include More Veggies: Add snap peas, carrots or mushrooms for extra colour and nutrients.
- Spice It Up: Use Thai bird’s eye chilli or sambal oelek for added intensity.
- Use Tamari: Swap soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free version.
- Serve Over Grains: Pair with steamed rice, quinoa or vermicelli noodles.
- Nutty Topping: Garnish with crushed peanuts or cashews for texture and richness.
- Herbal Finish: Add fresh Thai basil or coriander just before serving for freshness.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for best texture. Add a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
- Freezing: Not ideal, as tofu and bell peppers lose texture when frozen and reheated.
- Meal Prep Tip: Cube and press tofu in advance; chop peppers and store separately to save time.
- Make-Ahead Sauce: Mix soy sauce and chilli paste ahead of time and refrigerate to streamline prep.