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25-Minute Tofu & Veggie Peanut Skillet

Crispy cornstarch-crusted tofu, snappy vegetables, and a creamy peanut-lime sauce — a 25-minute vegetarian skillet dinner served over rice, about 24g protein per serving (estimated).
Prep Time 8 minutes
Cook Time 17 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

For the tofu
  • 2 14 oz blocks extra-firm tofu drained and pressed
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons neutral oil avocado or vegetable, divided
For the peanut sauce
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice about 1 lime
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha plus more to taste
  • 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup light coconut milk or water
For the skillet
  • 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
  • 2 cups broccoli florets cut small
  • 1 cup snap peas strings removed
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 3 cups cooked jasmine rice for serving
  • 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • Lime wedges for serving

Equipment

  • Large skillet (12-inch), cast iron or nonstick
  • Tofu press or heavy pan + clean kitchen towel
  • Small bowl and whisk for the sauce

Method
 

  1. If you haven't pressed it already, wrap each tofu block in a clean kitchen towel, set a heavy pan on top, and press 10–15 minutes while you chop the vegetables. Cut into 3/4-inch cubes and pat very dry — surface moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
  2. Toss the cubes with the cornstarch, salt, and pepper until lightly coated. Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the tofu in a single layer (work in two batches if crowded) and cook undisturbed 2–3 minutes per side, until golden and crisp on most sides, about 8 minutes total. Transfer to a plate. This hot-skillet + cornstarch combination is the crispy-tofu enabler — without it, the tofu steams instead of searing.
  3. While the tofu cooks, whisk the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, sriracha, honey, and coconut milk in a small bowl until smooth. It should be pourable — thin with a tablespoon or two of water if it seems thick.
  4. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the same skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bell pepper, broccoli, and snap peas; cook, stirring, until bright and crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger and cook 1 minute more, until fragrant.
  5. Pour the peanut sauce over the vegetables and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook 2–3 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the vegetables. If it thickens too much, splash in 1–2 tablespoons of water.
  6. Return the crispy tofu to the skillet and toss gently to coat — handle it lightly so the crust stays intact. Spoon over rice and top with peanuts, cilantro, and lime wedges.

Notes

This recipe is vegetarian as written (the site's seventh vegetarian recipe). Tofu is already cooked from the package — the searing is about texture, not safety. Pressing + cornstarch + hot skillet = crispy tofu; the 25-minute enabler is parallel sauce-making while the tofu sears. Swap honey for brown sugar or maple syrup to make it fully vegan. Leftovers 4 days refrigerated; not freezer-friendly. Protein ~24g/serving estimated from USDA FoodData Central; not lab-tested.