Easy Vegan Stir Fry Recipe

This vegan stir fry is the perfect mix of crispy tofu and fresh veggies in a rich, savory-sweet sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a quick, healthy, and flavorful alternative to takeout. Packed with vibrant vegetables like cremini mushrooms, baby corn, and carrots, this stir fry is a delicious and satisfying dish for any time of the week. Whether you’re following a vegan diet or simply craving a healthier meal, this stir fry is a must-try!

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp tamari

  • ½ tsp white pepper

  • 2 tbsp cornstarch

  • 16 oz extra firm tofu, pressed and cubed

  • 2 tbsp avocado oil

  • 4 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced

  • ½ of a 14 oz can baby corn

  • ¼ onion, sliced

  • 1 cup broccolini florets

  • ½ red bell pepper, sliced into strips

  • 2 carrots, peeled and thinly sliced

  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)

  • Red pepper flakes (for garnish)

  • Rice (for serving)

For the Sauce:

  • 1 tbsp cornstarch

  • 2 tbsp water

  • ¼ cup vegetable broth

  • 3 tbsp tamari

  • 1 to 2 tbsp brown sugar

  • ½ tbsp rice wine vinegar

  • ½ tsp sesame oil

  • 2 tsp fresh ginger, minced

  • 1 large clove garlic, minced

Directions

  1. In a medium bowl, gently toss the cubed tofu with tamari, white pepper, and cornstarch. Set aside.

  2. In another bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients.

  3. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the tofu in a single layer. Brown for 2 to 3 minutes on each side.

  4. Push the tofu to one side and add the mushrooms, onion, broccoli, bell pepper, and carrots to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently until the veggies are starting to soften.

  5. Pour the sauce into the skillet and mix well. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens.

  6. Top with green onions and red pepper flakes. Serve over rice and enjoy!

Nutrients (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 340

  • Carbohydrates: 45g

  • Protein: 14g

  • Fat: 14g

  • Saturated Fat: 2g

  • Cholesterol: 0mg

  • Sodium: 730mg

  • Potassium: 756mg

  • Fiber: 5g

  • Sugar: 9g

  • Vitamin A: 205%

  • Vitamin C: 80%

  • Calcium: 120mg

  • Iron: 3mg

The Perfect Balance of Texture and Flavor

One of the key elements that makes this stir fry so satisfying is the balance of textures. The crispy tofu acts as the foundation of the dish, providing a rich, hearty texture that contrasts beautifully with the fresh, crunchy vegetables. The tofu is seasoned with tamari and white pepper, then coated in cornstarch to achieve that crisp exterior. When it’s cooked in hot oil, the tofu becomes golden brown and crispy on the outside, while remaining soft and tender on the inside.

The vegetables in this stir fry, including broccolini, carrots, red bell peppers, and cremini mushrooms, add a variety of textures ranging from crunchy to tender. Each vegetable absorbs the savory-sweet sauce, ensuring that every bite is full of flavor. The combination of freshness from the vegetables and the crispiness from the tofu makes this stir fry a delightful experience with each forkful.

The Savory-Sweet Sauce That Ties It All Together

No stir fry is complete without a delicious, flavorful sauce, and this recipe features a savory-sweet sauce that’s both rich and balanced. The sauce is made from a combination of tamari, vegetable broth, rice wine vinegar, and brown sugar. The tamari provides a deep umami flavor, while the rice wine vinegar offers a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the brown sugar. The sesame oil, garlic, and ginger add an aromatic complexity that brings the whole dish together.

What sets this sauce apart is how well it coats the tofu and vegetables. As the stir fry simmers, the sauce thickens, creating a glossy, flavorful coating that makes each bite more indulgent without being overwhelming. The beauty of this sauce is in its simplicity—it’s both savory and sweet, enhancing the natural flavors of the tofu and veggies while adding a bit of depth and richness to the dish.

A Quick and Easy Meal

One of the standout features of this Vegan Stir Fry is how quickly it comes together. In just 30 minutes, you can create a healthy, satisfying meal that rivals anything you might order from a takeout restaurant. The stir fry technique ensures that everything cooks fast, while also preserving the freshness and crunch of the vegetables. The key to this speed is prepping all the ingredients beforehand, so that when you’re ready to cook, everything is ready to go.

This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen but still want a meal that is both healthy and flavorful. It also works great for meal prepping. You can prepare the tofu and vegetables ahead of time, and when it’s time to eat, simply heat everything together and finish off with the sauce. It’s a great option for busy professionals, students, or anyone looking for a quick, plant-based dinner.

Packed with Nutrients for a Healthy Meal

The Vegan Stir Fry is not just tasty; it’s also loaded with nutrients. The tofu is a great source of plant-based protein, which helps to build and repair tissues and keep your body functioning properly. It’s also an excellent source of iron, which is essential for carrying oxygen throughout the body. The variety of vegetables in this dish provides an array of vitamins and minerals. Carrots are high in vitamin A, which supports eye health, while broccolini is rich in vitamin C, which boosts immunity.

The addition of baby corn, mushrooms, and red bell peppers further enhances the nutrient density of the dish. These vegetables are packed with fiber, which aids in digestion and helps you feel full longer. The green onions used for garnish add an extra burst of flavor and contribute to the overall nutritional profile of the meal. The avocado oil used for cooking adds healthy fats, which are essential for heart health and help your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins.

A Versatile and Customizable Dish

Another great feature of this stir fry is its versatility. While this recipe calls for specific vegetables, you can easily swap them out for whatever you have on hand or prefer. If you don’t have broccolini, you can substitute it with regular broccoli or even snow peas or zucchini. If you want to add more protein, you can toss in some edamame, chickpeas, or tempeh.

For those who enjoy a bit more spice, you can increase the red pepper flakes or add sriracha to the sauce for an extra kick. The sauce is flexible and can be adjusted based on your preferences. If you like it sweeter, add more brown sugar, or if you prefer it tangier, increase the amount of rice vinegar.

The Vegan Stir Fry is a great canvas for creativity, allowing you to use whatever vegetables are in season or on sale. It’s a recipe that can easily adapt to your tastes and dietary preferences, making it a great addition to any meal plan.

Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers

The Vegan Stir Fry is not only a great option for a quick meal, but it also stores well, making it perfect for meal prep. You can prepare a large batch of the stir fry and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring that you have healthy meals ready to go throughout the week. Simply reheat the stir fry in the microwave or on the stovetop, and you’ll have a quick, nutritious meal in minutes.

This stir fry also freezes well, so you can make a double batch and store it in portions for later use. The tofu and vegetables freeze beautifully, and the sauce will hold up well when reheated, making it a great option for those who like to plan their meals in advance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Vegan Stir Fry is a quick, healthy, and flavorful dish that is perfect for anyone looking for a delicious alternative to takeout. Packed with crispy tofu, vibrant vegetables, and a rich savory-sweet sauce, this stir fry offers the perfect balance of texture and flavor. Whether you follow a vegan diet or simply crave a healthier meal, this dish is a must-try for any occasion. It’s easy to make, highly customizable, and full of nutrients, making it an excellent addition to your regular dinner rotation. With its versatility, vibrant colors, and bold flavors, this Vegan Stir Fry will undoubtedly become a favorite in your kitchen.

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