Recipe

Pepper Lime Thai Tofu Stir Fry with red pepper

Pepper Lime Thai Tofu Stir Fry with red pepper is an easy Thai-style recipe with tofu, green beans, steamed jasmine rice, and a simple pepper lime sauce. The directions are written by minute, heat level, and cookware so the meal is easy to follow.

Yield4 servings
Prep Time16 minutes
Cook Time16 minutes
Total Time32 minutes

Why this easy recipe works

Pepper Lime Thai Tofu Stir Fry with red pepper is built for home cooks who want clear timing and familiar cookware. The sauce gives the dish a balanced sweet, savory, tangy flavor, and the vegetables keep the meal fresh.

Cookware and heat guide

  • Cookware: large wok or 12-inch skillet
  • Heat: medium-high heat
  • Best side: steamed jasmine rice

Helpful answer

Prep the sauce before the pan gets hot, keep the protein in one layer, and add the sauce near the end so it coats the food without burning.

Ingredients

What you need

  • 14 oz extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
  • 2 cups green beans, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1 cup steamed jasmine rice
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil, divided
  • 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely grated
  • 2 tablespoons chopped Thai basil or cilantro
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds or crushed peanuts, optional

Directions

How to make it

  1. Minute 0-5, cutting board and knife: press tofu, pat it dry, and cut it into even cubes. Cut green beans into bite-size pieces.
  2. Minute 5-8, small bowl: whisk sweet chili sauce, lime juice, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a small spoon of sesame oil. Keep it beside the stove.
  3. Minute 8-10, large wok or 12-inch skillet: preheat over medium-high heat until a drop of water sizzles. Add 1 tablespoon oil.
  4. Minute 10-17, large wok or 12-inch skillet: cook the protein in one layer until browned. Brown tofu until the outside is crisp and the center is hot.
  5. Minute 17-22, large wok or 12-inch skillet: add green beans and cook until crisp-tender, stirring every minute.
  6. Minute 22-26, large wok or 12-inch skillet: add steamed jasmine rice and the sauce. Toss until everything is glossy and hot.
  7. Minute 26-30, serving bowl: turn off the heat, add Thai basil or cilantro, taste, and serve right away.

Tips

Make it yours

  • Keep the pan at medium-high heat; lower the heat if the sauce darkens too fast.
  • Cut green beans evenly so the pieces cook at the same speed.
  • Make the sauce before cooking so the final toss takes less than 2 minutes.
  • For meal prep, store the sauce separately and reheat gently.

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