Spicy lovers will enjoy this savory, tangy, and spicy balsamic tofu with green peas recipe. No long meal prep needed—just crispy cubes of tofu and vegetables in a few minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This spicy balsamic tofu with green beans recipe is both vegan and vegetarian. The veggies are easy to find, and the steps are simple to follow. Plus, it only takes a few minutes to prepare this dish.
Tofu is made from soy beans that provide plant-based protein and calcium. Green peas have vitamins and fiber. Together, they make the dish healthy, filling, and satisfying.
What I like most about this easy meal is that I can adjust the spice. I personally love spicy food. But if you like it mild, just put in a few chilies or add red pepper, snap peas, fresh ginger, sesame seeds, or other herbs for extra flavour. Cook the vegetables until crisp-tender so they stay fresh and slightly crunchy.
Ingredients
Listed below are all the ingredients you will need:
- tofu
- oil
- garlic
- onion
- siling labuyo (chili)
- green peas
- soy sauce
- balsamic vinegar
- brown sugar
- salt
- black pepper
- water
See the recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Prepare and Fry the Tofu
Pat the tofu very dry with a clean cloth or paper towels. Then cut it into even cubes.
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. After that, add the tofu in a single layer.
Cook until golden and crispy on all sides, then remove and set aside.
Cook the Aromatics
Next, add a little more oil if needed. Add the garlic, onion, and siling labuyo.
Then cook until fragrant and the onion starts to soften.
Add the green peas and stir for about 1 minute. Cook just until they are heated through.
Make the Balsamic Sauce
Next, add the soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, and brown sugar.
Season with salt and black pepper, then stir until the sauce is well combined.
Coat the Tofu
Return the crispy tofu to the pan and toss gently in the sauce.
Cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens and coats each piece.
Add up to ¼ cup water if you want more sauce. Stir gently and cook until everything is hot and well coated.
Serve
Lastly, turn off the heat and serve the tofu warm.
Pair it with steamed white rice for an easy and filling meal.
Substitutions & Variations
- Ingredient Swap
Use edamame, broccoli, or chopped green beans if you don't have green peas. - Variation
Swap the vinegar for a small bowl of rice vinegar and add a little extra sweetener for a different flavor. Adjust the chili based on your spice preference and add more sugar if you prefer a sweeter balance. - Mistake to Avoid
Don't add wet tofu to hot olive oil. Pat it dry before frying to avoid oil splatters.
Don't overcrowd the pan to keep the tofu crispy.
Storage Tip
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the cooked tofu for up to 1 month.
FAQs
BEST Spicy Balsamic Tofu with Green Peas
Ingredients
- 1 block firm tofu drained and cubed
- oil for frying
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 small onion sliced
- 2-3 siling labuyo (chili) chopped
- 1 cup green peas pre-cooked
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1-1.5 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1-2 tablespoons brown sugar
- salt and black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup water optional, to adjust sauce
Instructions
Fry the Tofu
- Pat the tofu very dry with a clean cloth or paper towels. Then cut it into even cubes.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. After that, add the tofu in a single layer.
- Cook until golden and crispy on all sides, then remove and set aside.
Cook the Aromatics
- Next, add a little more oil if needed. Add the garlic, onion, and siling labuyo.
- Then cook until fragrant and the onion starts to soften.
- Add the green peas and stir for about 1 minute. Cook just until they are heated through.
Make the Balsamic Sauce
- Next, add the soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, and brown sugar.
- Season with salt and black pepper, then stir until the sauce is well combined.
Coat the Tofu
- Return the crispy tofu to the pan and toss gently in the sauce.
- Cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens and coats each piece.
- Add up to ¼ cup water if you want more sauce. Stir gently and cook until everything is hot and well coated.
Serve
- Lastly, turn off the heat and serve the tofu warm.
- Pair it with steamed white rice for a filling meal.
Watch The Recipe Video!
You Might Also Like:
Recipes for Every Moment
Only 15 minutes to turn simple ingredients into a flavorful dinner? Spicy balsamic tofu with green peas is the perfect dish. It gives you bold sauce and crispy tofu in one satisfying meal!
