Make vegan Kung Pao tofu—a bold, spicy, plant-based stir-fry with crispy tofu, vegetables, and rich Asian-style sauce.
⏱ Time
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Serves: 4
🧺 Ingredients
Tofu
- 400 g firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp oil (for frying or baking)
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- ½ cup spring onions
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
Sauce
- 3 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp chili paste or chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- ¼ cup water
Garnish
- ¼ cup roasted peanuts or cashews
- Sesame seeds (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
Firstly, toss tofu cubes with cornstarch until evenly coated.
Next, heat oil in a pan and fry tofu until golden and crispy. Remove and set aside.
Meanwhile, sauté garlic, ginger, and vegetables until slightly tender.
Then, whisk all sauce ingredients together and pour into the pan.
After that, add crispy tofu and peanuts, stirring gently to coat everything evenly.
Finally, cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Garnish and serve hot with rice or noodles.
🌟 Tips & Variations
- Baked Tofu: Bake tofu at 200°C (400°F) for 25 minutes instead of frying.
- Extra Spicy: Add dried red chilies or extra chili paste.
- Nut-Free: Replace peanuts with roasted chickpeas.
- Veggie Boost: Add broccoli, zucchini, or snow peas.
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari and gluten-free hoisin sauce.
🌿 Benefits of Vegan Kung Pao Tofu
Firstly, tofu provides high-quality plant-based protein.
Secondly, vegetables supply fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Moreover, homemade sauce reduces excess oil and sodium.
In addition, this dish is cholesterol-free and heart-friendly.
As a result, you enjoy bold flavor with balanced nutrition.
Finally, it’s a filling meal that supports a plant-based lifestyle.
🧒 Kid-Friendly Version
- Firstly, reduce or skip chili paste for mild flavor.
- Then, cut tofu into smaller cubes for easier chewing.
- Next, add a touch more maple syrup for sweetness.
- Finally, serve with plain rice or noodles kids love.
🧮 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 320–360 kcal
- Protein: 18 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Sugar: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
