Almond Butter Tofu Stir-Fry
Ingredients
- 1 12-ounce package extra firm tofu
- 2 Tbsp sesame oil
divided
- 4 Tbsp reduced-sodium tamari
or soy sauce if not GF
- 3 Tbsp maple syrup
- 2 Tbsp almond butter
or sub peanut butter
- 2 Tbsp lime juice
- 1-2 tsp chili garlic sauce
or 1/2 tsp red pepper flake // or 1-2 Thai chilies, minced // amounts as original recipe is written
- 1 pound green beans
trimmed
- 2-3 small spicy peppers
I used cherry bomb – use bell peppers for less heat
- Brown rice*
white rice*, or Cauliflower Rice
Directions
- 1
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (204 C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Also wrap tofu in a clean, absorbent towel and set something heavy on top – like a cast-iron skillet – to press out excess moisture.
- 2
Once oven is preheated, unwrap tofu and cut into small cubes. Arrange on the lined baking sheet in an even layer and bake for 25-30 minutes or until puffy, dried out, and slightly crispy on the edges (see photo). This step helps crisp up the tofu. The longer you bake it, the firmer and crispier it will get, so adjust cooking time accordingly.
- 3
In the meantime, to a small mixing bowl, add half of the sesame oil (1 Tbsp as original recipe is written // adjust if altering batch size), tamari, maple syrup, almond butter, lime juice, and chili garlic sauce/red pepper flake/Thai chilies. Whisk to combine. Then taste and adjust flavor as needed, adding more almond butter for creaminess / nuttiness, tamari for saltiness, lime juice for acidity, or chili garlic sauce for heat. Set aside.
- 4
If serving with rice, prepare at this time (see notes).
- 5
Add baked tofu to the almond butter-tamari sauce and let marinate for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it marinates, the more intense the flavor, but I find 5-10 minutes to be sufficient.
- 6
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the tofu, leaving most of the marinade behind (this will be added to the vegetables for flavor).
- 7
Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides and slightly caramelized. Remove from pan and set aside.
- 8
To the skillet, add remaining sesame oil (1 Tbsp as original recipe is written // adjust if altering batch size), green beans and peppers and 2-3 Tbsp (30-45 ml // amount as original recipe is written // adjust if altering batch size) of the marinade. Cover to steam for about 4-5 minutes or until green beans are slightly tender. Then remove lid, increase heat to medium high, and add remaining marinade and the tofu. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently. Then remove from heat.
- 9
Serve as is or over cooked rice or cauliflower rice. For more heat, serve with chili garlic sauce or Sriracha.
- 10
Best when fresh. Store leftovers in the refrigerator up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot.
Almond Butter Tofu Stir-Fry
Similar Recipes
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2305269-8a3aacb0f1a240a08143548baf65c04f.jpg)
Ratings & Reviews
Based on 141 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Tired of bland plant-based meals that leave you wanting more? This Almond Butter Tofu Stir-Fry delivers vibrant flavors and satisfying textures in an easy, 9-ingredient recipe perfect for any weeknight dinner.
Why This Stir-Fry Shines
The magic starts with extra firm tofu that's baked to perfection, giving it a wonderfully chewy texture without the need for deep frying. It's then coated in a rich, savory-sweet almond-tamari sauce that’s bursting with tangy lime and a hint of chili, making it anything but boring. This combination elevates simple ingredients into a truly memorable dish.
What to Expect
You can expect a delightful harmony of flavors—nutty almond butter, savory tamari, bright lime, and a subtle sweetness from maple syrup, all balanced by a gentle kick from the chili garlic sauce. The baked tofu achieves a fantastic, firm texture that readily soaks up the flavorful sauce, contrasting beautifully with crisp green beans and peppers. It’s a truly satisfying, plant-based meal that feels light yet substantial, making it an ideal choice for a wholesome and delicious dinner.
Customization & Variations
This versatile stir-fry is easy to make your own. Swap the almond butter for peanut butter if that's what you have on hand, or use regular soy sauce instead of tamari if gluten-free isn't a concern. Adjust the heat to your preference by using bell peppers for a milder taste instead of spicy cherry bombs, or substitute the chili garlic sauce with red pepper flakes or minced Thai chilies. Serve it with brown rice, white rice, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter, grain-free option.
Serving & Context
Serve this vibrant Almond Butter Tofu Stir-Fry hot alongside your chosen rice and a generous portion of the crisp green beans and peppers for a complete and flavorful meal. It’s a fantastic choice for a casual dinner or meal prepping during the week.