Tofu Vegetable Stir Fry

The Tofu Vegetable Stir Fry is a vibrant and nourishing dish that combines golden, crispy tofu with an abundance of colorful vegetables like bok choy, cabbage, mushrooms, and snow peas. Each bite is layered with umami from soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil—making it a perfect fusion of textures and flavors. Rooted in Filipino home-cooking, this stir-fry is an excellent plant-based option for anyone seeking a satisfying yet healthy meal. It’s easy to prepare, nutrient-dense, and perfect for pairing with a bowl of freshly steamed rice. Whether you’re new to tofu or a lifelong fan, this dish will earn a spot in your regular meal rotation.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

12 oz. extra firm tofu, cubed
1 cup cooking oil (for frying and sautéing)
1 onion, sliced
4 cloves garlic, crushed
6 shiitake mushrooms, sliced
1 carrot, sliced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
15 snow peas
1 Knorr Chicken Cube
1 cup water
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
½ head cabbage, sliced
1 bunch baby bok choy, sliced
¾ cup green peas
½ teaspoon sugar
Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon cornstarch
3 tablespoons water (to mix with cornstarch)
2 teaspoons sesame oil

Directions:

Heat 1 cup of oil in a small pot. Deep-fry tofu cubes until golden brown. Set aside.
In a wok, heat 3 tablespoons of the same oil. Sauté sliced onion and crushed garlic until the onion softens.
Add mushrooms and carrot slices. Pour in soy sauce. Sauté for 2 minutes.
Add snow peas, chicken cube, and water. Let it boil.
Stir in oyster sauce, then add cabbage, bok choy, and green peas. Toss well. Cover and cook for 3 minutes.
Add fried tofu. Season with sugar, salt, and pepper.
Mix cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of water. Pour into the wok. Stir and cook until the sauce thickens.
Finish with sesame oil. Transfer to a serving bowl and serve with rice.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 551 kcal | Servings: 5 servings

A Delicious Dive into Filipino-Inspired Tofu Vegetable Stir Fry

Tofu Vegetable Stir Fry isn’t just another stir-fried dish—it’s a celebration of balance, color, and culture. This vibrant medley of golden tofu and fresh vegetables isn’t only pleasing to the eye and the palate, but also nourishing to the body. With its roots in Filipino home cooking and its appeal in both Asian and Western kitchens, this dish is quickly becoming a go-to for anyone looking to create a satisfying, meatless meal.

Cultural Influence and Origin

While stir-frying is a technique closely associated with Chinese cuisine, it has deeply influenced many Southeast Asian cultures, including Filipino cooking. Filipino stir-fry dishes often reflect a hybrid of traditional ingredients and culinary influences from centuries of cultural blending. Spanish colonization, Chinese immigration, and American occupation all contributed layers of complexity to what we know today as Filipino food.

This Tofu Vegetable Stir Fry follows that tradition—it brings together the crispness of fresh vegetables, the earthy richness of mushrooms, the protein punch of tofu, and the unmistakable umami of soy sauce and oyster sauce. The addition of baby bok choy and cabbage is a nod to the country’s agricultural roots, while Knorr Chicken Cube—a pantry staple in Filipino kitchens—adds a familiar depth of flavor for local palates.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

What makes this stir-fry a standout in its category is its perfect harmony of taste, nutrition, and texture. While many plant-based recipes struggle to satisfy in all these areas, this dish delivers on all fronts.

Texture: The tofu is deep-fried to create a golden, crispy outer layer, while the vegetables retain a satisfying crunch, especially the snow peas and carrots.
Flavor Profile: The sauce strikes a delicious balance between savory and slightly sweet, thanks to the blend of soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and sesame oil.
Aromatic Depth: Garlic and onion are sautéed to form the flavor base, a technique common in Filipino cooking known as “gisa.”

It’s a recipe that doesn’t compromise—perfect for weeknight meals yet elegant enough for a dinner party.

Health Benefits of the Key Ingredients

Tofu: A Plant-Based Powerhouse

Tofu, made from soybeans, is one of the most complete sources of plant protein. It contains all nine essential amino acids and is also rich in calcium, iron, and magnesium. For vegetarians and vegans, tofu is a valuable meat alternative, offering a substantial, satisfying base without cholesterol.

Additionally, tofu is low in calories and high in isoflavones—compounds known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. These make tofu particularly beneficial for heart health and hormonal balance.

Vegetables: A Rainbow of Nutrients

This recipe uses a variety of vegetables, each contributing different nutritional benefits:

Carrots are rich in beta-carotene and Vitamin A, important for eye health.
Bok Choy is a cruciferous vegetable known for its high content of Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and folate.
Cabbage provides fiber, Vitamin B6, and antioxidants that support digestion and heart health.
Mushrooms bring in selenium, Vitamin D, and a meaty texture that enhances the dish’s umami quality.
Green peas and snow peas are excellent sources of plant protein, iron, and dietary fiber.

Combining all of these in one dish results in a nutrient-dense meal that supports immunity, cardiovascular health, and digestive wellness.

Perfect for Special Diets

One of the best things about this Tofu Vegetable Stir Fry is its adaptability. It’s naturally vegetarian and can be made fully vegan by substituting the oyster sauce and Knorr Chicken Cube with plant-based alternatives.

It’s also:

Dairy-free
Egg-free
Nut-free
Easily made gluten-free with tamari instead of soy sauce and a gluten-free stock cube

For those managing dietary restrictions, this dish offers both peace of mind and a plate full of flavor.

Budget-Friendly and Accessible

Many people assume that healthy eating must be expensive, but this recipe proves otherwise. The ingredients are easy to find in most grocery stores, and many are staples you may already have on hand. Tofu is generally affordable and shelf-stable until opened, and vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and onions are among the most economical, nutrient-rich produce options.

Plus, since tofu absorbs flavors well, you don’t need expensive seasonings or marinades to make this dish taste great. A few everyday pantry ingredients—soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil—go a long way.

Quick and Easy to Make

Time is a valuable commodity, and this dish respects that. With a total cooking time of 30 minutes and minimal prep, it’s an excellent choice for busy individuals or families. The steps are straightforward: fry tofu, sauté aromatics, toss in vegetables, and stir in the sauce. It’s nearly foolproof.

Even better, it cooks in one wok or large pan, which means fewer dishes to wash. And while deep-frying tofu takes a few extra minutes, you can easily bake or air-fry the tofu for a healthier version with less oil.

Versatility and Customization

Another reason to love this dish? It’s endlessly customizable. You can:

Swap shiitake mushrooms for button or oyster mushrooms
Use broccoli or kale instead of bok choy
Add toasted cashews or peanuts for extra crunch
Throw in chili flakes or ginger for a spicy twist
Make it heartier by serving with brown rice, quinoa, or noodles

This flexibility makes the Tofu Vegetable Stir Fry a great recipe for meal planning or using up leftover produce in your fridge.

Perfect for Meal Prepping

If you’re into batch cooking, this dish will become one of your favorites. It stores well in the refrigerator for 3–4 days and even freezes decently. Just store the stir-fry in an airtight container and reheat in a skillet or microwave when you’re ready to eat. It’s great for lunches, dinner leftovers, or quick reheats after a long day.

Appeals to All Ages

Although it’s a vegetable-forward, meat-free meal, this dish wins over picky eaters too. The vibrant colors, crispy tofu, and flavorful sauce are enough to entice kids, teens, and adults alike. The savory sauce makes the vegetables more appealing, and the texture of fried tofu is often loved by those who might not be fans of tofu in other forms.

A Great Introduction to Plant-Based Eating

For those looking to reduce their meat intake or explore vegetarianism, this dish is an ideal gateway. It delivers the satisfaction of a hearty meal with none of the heaviness of animal-based proteins. Eating more plants doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort, and this stir-fry is proof of that.

Conclusion

Tofu Vegetable Stir Fry is more than just a recipe—it’s a lifestyle-friendly, nourishing dish that celebrates the flavors and traditions of Filipino cooking. It’s colorful, full of textures, easy to adapt, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for your family, impressing guests, or prepping meals for the week, this dish checks every box. So the next time you’re searching for a quick, healthy, and flavorful plant-based meal, keep this one at the top of your list. It’s a wonderful reminder that simple ingredients, cooked well, can create something truly extraordinary.