Description
This Vegan Pepper Steak is a flavorful, plant-based stir-fry featuring crispy tofu or seitan sautéed with colorful bell peppers, onions, garlic, and ginger in a savory and slightly sweet sauce. Perfect for a quick, nutritious dinner served over steamed rice, noodles, or quinoa.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil or neutral oil
- 1 (14-ounce) package extra-firm tofu or seitan, pressed and sliced into strips
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Coat the Tofu or Seitan: Toss tofu or seitan strips with cornstarch until lightly coated to ensure a crispy texture when cooked.
- Cook the Protein: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the tofu or seitan and cook for 6–8 minutes, flipping occasionally, until golden and crispy. Transfer to a plate to keep warm.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Sauté the sliced red and green bell peppers and onion for 3–4 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp, then add minced garlic and ginger and cook for an additional 1 minute to release their aromas.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), water, and cornstarch until smooth and combined.
- Combine and Thicken: Pour the sauce into the skillet with the vegetables. Return the crispy tofu or seitan to the pan, tossing everything together. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the stir-fry evenly.
- Serve: Serve the vegan pepper steak hot over steamed rice, noodles, or quinoa for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the tofu in a tablespoon of soy sauce and garlic before cooking.
- Feel free to use other vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms to vary the stir-fry.
