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