Dinner

Salt & Pepper Tofu with Stir-Fried Vegetables Recipe

BySophie Carsel January 6, 2026January 6, 2026

Introduction

Salt & pepper tofu is a deliciously crisp and flavorful dish that combines crunchy tofu with vibrant stir-fried vegetables. This recipe is quick to prepare and makes a perfect light meal or side, bursting with fresh textures and a hint of spice.

A white oval plate holds a colorful dish with seven triangular pieces of golden brown tofu, each speckled with black pepper and seasoning. Under and around the tofu are bright green broccoli florets, thin beige bean sprouts, and slices of red bell pepper, adding vibrant color and texture. A woman's hand with chopsticks is picking up one tofu triangle from the right side while another woman's hand places a white fork near the bottom left of the plate. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with subtle gold dots, with a clear glass of water nearby and small white bowls partly visible around the edges. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

396g pack firm tofu
2 tbsp cornflour
1 tsp Sichuan or black peppercorns, ground to a powder
2 tbsp sunflower or vegetable oil
2 red peppers, sliced
¼ broccoli head, cut into very small florets
100g beansprouts
2 tsp low-salt soy sauce
Sesame oil, for drizzling
Handful of coriander leaves, picked

Instructions

Step 1: Drain the tofu and wrap it loosely in kitchen paper. Place it on a plate and weigh down with a chopping board or cans. Leave to press for 10-20 minutes until the paper feels wet with excess liquid.
Step 2: Cut the tofu in half lengthwise like a book, then cut each half into four triangles. Cut each triangle in half again to make 16 pieces total.
Step 3: On a plate, mix the cornflour, ground pepper, and 1 tsp flaky sea salt. Gently coat each tofu piece in the cornflour mixture.
Step 4: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok over medium heat. Stir-fry the sliced peppers and broccoli florets for a few minutes until slightly softened.
Step 5: Add the beansprouts and soy sauce to the wok. Cook for 1-2 minutes more, keeping the vegetables crisp. Drizzle with a little sesame oil and remove from heat.
Step 6: Heat the remaining oil in a large non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Fry the coated tofu pieces for 5 minutes on each side, until golden and crisp.
Step 7: Serve the crispy tofu on top of the vegetables and scatter with coriander leaves to finish.

Tips & Variations

Pressing the tofu well before cooking helps achieve a firmer, crispier texture.
For more heat, add a pinch of chilli flakes to the cornflour mix.
Swap the coriander for fresh basil or mint for a different herbal note.
Try adding other vegetables like snap peas or spring onions for variety.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently pan-fry the tofu again to restore crispiness and warm the vegetables in a microwave or on the stove. Avoid reheating together to keep textures optimal.

How to Serve

A white oval plate holds six toasted triangular pieces of tofu with a crispy, seasoned outer layer. The tofu pieces are arranged over a bed of colorful vegetables including bright green broccoli florets, thin red bell pepper slices, and light brown bean sprouts. The tofu’s edges are golden brown with darker seasoning specks, giving a crunchy look. A woman's hand with wooden chopsticks is picking up one tofu triangle from the right side of the plate, while another woman's hand with a fork is at the bottom. The plate rests on a white marbled surface with small hints of texture. Nearby, there’s a small white bowl with dark sauce and a glass of water. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use soft tofu instead of firm tofu?

Firm tofu is best for this recipe as it holds its shape and crisps up better. Soft tofu is too delicate and may crumble during cooking.

What can I use instead of cornflour?

You can substitute cornflour with rice flour or all-purpose flour, but cornflour gives the crispiest coating.

Sophie Carsel