Spicy Kung Pao Tofu

Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this Spicy Kung Pao Tofu, a plant-based twist on the classic Sichuan dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture. Crispy golden tofu cubes, coated in cornstarch and pan-fried to perfection, are tossed with vibrant diced bell peppers, aromatic ginger and garlic, and fiery dried red chilies. A tangy, umami-rich sauce made with soy sauce, hoisin, and a hint of rice vinegar ties it all together, while crunchy roasted peanuts and fresh scallions add the perfect finishing touch. Quick and easy to prepare in just 35 minutes, this protein-packed, vegan-friendly recipe is ideal served over steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying, flavor-packed meal that’s sure to impress. Perfect keywords include "Kung Pao Tofu recipe," "spicy tofu stir-fry," and "easy vegan dinner."

Nutriscore Rating: 83/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams Firm tofu
• 2 tablespoons Cornstarch
• 4 tablespoons Vegetable oil
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Ginger, minced
• 8 pieces Dried red chilies
• 1 cup Roasted peanuts
• 1 medium Red bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium Green bell pepper, diced
• 2 stalks Scallions, sliced
• 3 tablespoons Soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon Rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Sugar
• 3 tablespoons Water
• 1 teaspoon Sesame oil

Directions

Step 1

Press the tofu for 15 minutes to remove excess water. Once pressed, cut it into bite-sized cubes.

Step 2

In a mixing bowl, toss the tofu cubes with cornstarch until evenly coated.

Step 3

Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and fry until golden and crispy on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the tofu and set aside.

Step 4

In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Toss in the minced garlic, ginger, and dried red chilies. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the diced red and green bell peppers to the skillet. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.

Step 6

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, water, and sesame oil to create the sauce.

Step 7

Return the crispy tofu to the skillet. Pour the sauce over the tofu and vegetables, tossing everything to coat evenly. Cook for 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.

Step 8

Stir in the roasted peanuts and sliced scallions. Cook for another 1 minute to combine.

Step 9

Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles, garnished with additional scallions if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1056.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2051.4

Total Fat 164.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 24.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 62.1g
Cholesterol 0.5mg	0%
Sodium 2091.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 89.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 28.9g	0%
Total Sugars 29.0g
Protein 94.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 796.6mg	0%
Iron 12.1mg	0%
Potassium 2658.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 66.8%

Protein: 17.0%

Carbs: 16.2%