Honey Miso Tofu Stir Fry with Bell Peppers and Sesame Seeds Recipe

Introduction

This Honey + Miso Stir Fry is a delightful blend of sweet, savory, and umami flavors that transform simple ingredients into a delicious meal. Featuring crispy baked tofu and vibrant bell peppers, it’s perfect served over steamed rice for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 14 ounces extra firm tofu (or any protein you want to use)
• 2 small bell peppers
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ¼ cup honey
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon miso paste
• 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch (or arrowroot powder)
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more if you like it spicy)
• 2-3 tablespoons green onion (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
• 1 cup steamed rice to serve with

Instructions

1. Step 1: Remove the tofu from its package and place it on a plate lined with paper towels. Top the tofu with another paper towel, then place a plate on top and weigh it down with a heavier object like a can. This presses out extra liquid for faster baking.
2. Step 2: Cut the pressed tofu into cubes and place them in a large ziplock bag with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Shake the bag to coat the tofu evenly.
3. Step 3: Arrange the coated tofu cubes on a baking sheet lined with a baking mat or parchment paper. Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping the tofu halfway through baking.
4. Step 4: While the tofu bakes, combine the honey, soy sauce, miso paste, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and the remaining 1 tablespoon cornstarch in a small bowl. Stir well to combine and set aside.
5. Step 5: Cut the bell peppers into strips and sauté them in olive oil over high heat until they begin to soften, about 1-2 minutes.
6. Step 6: Add the baked tofu to the pan with the peppers and pour the prepared sauce over everything. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the tofu and peppers evenly.
7. Step 7: Serve the stir fry over steamed rice, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Pressing the tofu thoroughly ensures it crisps nicely when baked.
• For a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes to your taste.
• Try swapping tofu for chicken, shrimp, or tempeh as your protein.
• Use arrowroot powder instead of cornstarch for a gluten-free option.
• Add other vegetables like snap peas or broccoli for extra color and nutrition.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use soft tofu instead of extra firm tofu?

Soft tofu is not recommended for this recipe because it won’t hold its shape well during baking and stir-frying. Extra firm tofu works best for a crispy texture.

Is miso paste necessary for the sauce?

The miso paste adds depth and umami flavor, but if you don’t have it, you can omit it or substitute with a small amount of soy sauce or tamari for a milder taste.

Honey Miso Tofu Stir Fry with Bell Peppers and Sesame Seeds Recipe

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4.7 from 516 reviews

This Honey + Miso Stir Fry is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish highlighting crispy baked tofu coated in a savory-sweet honey and miso sauce, paired with vibrant sautéed bell peppers. Perfect for a quick, healthy weeknight meal served over steamed rice, it combines delightful textures with a balance of sweet, tangy, and umami flavors.

• Author: Sana
• Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 20-30 minutes pressing time)
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 3-4 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Asian-American Fusion
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Tofu

• 14 ounces extra firm tofu (or any protein you want to use)
• 3 tablespoons corn starch (divided: 2 tablespoons for coating, 1 tablespoon for sauce)

Vegetables

• 2 small bell peppers
• 2–3 tablespoons green onion (chopped)

Sauce

• ¼ cup honey
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon miso paste
• 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more to taste)

Cooking Fats & Garnish

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

Serving

• 1 cup steamed rice

Instructions

1. Press and prepare tofu: Remove the tofu from its package and place it between two plates lined with paper towels. Place a heavier object on top to press out excess moisture for faster baking. After 20-30 minutes, cut the tofu into cubes.
2. Coat tofu: Place tofu cubes in a large ziplock bag along with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Shake well until all cubes are evenly coated. Arrange the tofu cubes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a baking mat.
3. Bake tofu: Bake the tofu in a preheated oven at 400°F (204°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping the cubes halfway through to ensure even crispiness.
4. Prepare sauce: In a small bowl or glass, combine honey, soy sauce, miso paste, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and the remaining 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Set aside.
5. Sauté vegetables: Cut the bell peppers into bite-sized pieces. Heat the olive oil in a skillet or pan over high heat. Add the bell peppers and sauté for 1-2 minutes until they start to soften.
6. Combine tofu and sauce: Add the baked tofu into the skillet with the bell peppers. Pour the prepared sauce over the tofu and peppers. Cook together for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and evenly coat the ingredients.
7. Serve: Dish the stir fry over steamed rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired, and serve immediately for best taste and texture.

Notes

• Pressing the tofu is crucial for removing excess water and achieving a crispy texture when baked.
• Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your preferred level of spiciness.
• Use any protein substitute or additional vegetables to customize this stir fry.
• Serve with steamed rice or your favorite grain to make it a complete meal.
• To reduce prep time, tofu pressing can be done ahead of time and tofu stored wrapped in paper towels in the fridge.

Keywords: Tofu stir fry, honey miso sauce, baked tofu, quick vegetarian dinner, easy weeknight meal, Asian-inspired recipe