Tofu Veggie Stir-Fry with Cashews

This recipe is from friend and cookbook author, Aimee Wimbush-Bourque, who wrote The Simple Bites Kitchen Nourishing Whole Food Recipes for Every Day and owns the Simple Bites blog.

Why We Love This Recipe For Tofu Veggie Stir-Fry with Cashews

The star of this tofu cashew stir fry is by far the savory, sweet and tangy sauce. It has that umami-thing going on in spades with lime juice, tamari, honey and one of my all-time favorite ingredients, sesame oil. I love the fact that it comes together in under 30 minutes and is veggie packed with snow peas and bell peppers. The cashews also add a nice meaty texture, along with the tofu which gets thinly sliced and nicely browned.

Key Ingredients to Make Tofu Pepper Stir Fry

• Firm Tofu: I prefer to use firm tofu, which is also what the recipe calls for specifically. You could also use extra-firm.
• For the stir fry: Snow peas, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, garlic and canola oil.
• For the Sauce: Tamari or soy sauce, sesame oil, honey (or maple syrup to make it vegan), cornstarch and lime.
• Raw Cashews: Cashews are best here but if you are not a fan you could use peanuts instead (or no nuts if an allergy is present.)

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Tofu Veggie Stir-Fry Recipe

Step 1: Prepare tofu

This veggie stir-fry with tofu and cashews is insanely easy to make. You first need to slice the tofu into strips that are about ½ inch (1 cm) thick and 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide. Then lay tofu on a paper towel and pat dry. Press the tofu with another paper towel to remove excess moisture.

Step 2: Marinate tofu

Once that’s done, in a medium bowl, mix together a marinade of the juice of ½ lime, 1 tablespoon (15 mL) tamari, 1 tablespoon (15 mL) sesame oil and cornstarch. Add the tofu and toss gently to coat. Marinate for 15 minutes while you prepare the vegetables.

Step 3: Prepare vegetables

To prep the veggies, you simply have to trim the stem from the snow peas and de-seed and slice the bell peppers into ½-inch (1 cm) strips.

Step 4: Make tamari sauce mixture

Whisk together a sauce with the juice from the remaining ½ lime, the remaining 2 tablespoons (30 mL) tamari, 1 tablespoon (15 mL) sesame oil and honey. Stir in minced garlic and set aside.

Step 5: Cook tofu

Then you’re ready to drain the tofu from the marinade and pat it dry. Cook it in a well-oiled skillet until it’s golden brown (in batches, if necessary). The tofu will need a few minutes on either side to brown properly, so don’t try to rush this part of the recipe! You want the tofu slightly crispy on the outside for this veggie stir-fry. Once golden, transfer the tofu to a plate.

Step 6: Stir-fry vegetables

Once the tofu’s a nice golden brown color, remove it from the pan and toss in the veggies. The veggies need only a few minutes in the pan to soften slightly. You’ll know when it’s time to add the tofu back into the pan when the veggies are fragrant and turn brighter in color. 

Step 7: Finish cashew tofu stir fry

After you’ve added back in the browned tofu, toss in the cashews and remaining marinade as well. Continue cooking the stir-fry until the sauce has thickened slightly. Remove from the heat and serve immediately. If you have any leftovers from this veggie stir-fry recipe, I recommend reheating them in a skillet with a little water or marinade (this will prevent the stir-fry from drying out and the tofu from turning rubbery). 

FAQs and Expert Tips

More Easy Vegetarian Dinner Recipes

• I’ve been making a variation on this recipe for about 25 years and I still love this Curried Couscous with Roasted Red Peppers and Tofu
• Making Air Fryer Tofu is a quick and easy vegetarian protein source. 
• If you have yet to get an instant pot, now is the time, because this Vegetarian Burrito Bowl recipe is a one pot wonder thanks to the magic of the IP! Don’t delay! 
• Give pizza night a twist and make Potato Rosemary Pizza. It’s shockingly good! 
• If you’re a flavor hound, and always too busy for your own good (I’m guilty of both) then you’ll adore this Instant Pot Veggie Curry recipe. It’s super fast but hella tasty!