A Simple Vegetarian Dinner With Tofu and Peppers

A weeknight-friendly meal built on crispy tofu, sweet peppers, and bright vegetables.

There's something deeply satisfying about a dinner that comes together without fuss. Tofu and peppers are a natural pairing—the tofu absorbs whatever flavors you introduce, while the peppers soften into something almost buttery. Add broccoli for texture and a bit of cheese for richness, and you have a meal that feels both nourishing and genuinely delicious.

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Pan-Fried Tofu with Roasted Vegetables and Cheese

Total Time: 25 minutes • Serves: 2

Crispy pan-fried tofu served alongside roasted peppers and broccoli, topped with melted cheese for a quick, nutritious, and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

14 oz firm tofu, pressed and cubed
2 bell peppers, chopped
2 cups broccoli florets
1 cup shredded cheese
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss peppers and broccoli with 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 15-18 minutes until tender and slightly charred.
While vegetables roast, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pressed tofu cubes and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Add garlic and red pepper flakes in the last minute.
Remove roasted vegetables from oven and transfer to a serving plate. Top with crispy tofu, sprinkle cheese over everything, and let sit 1-2 minutes until cheese melts slightly from the heat. Serve immediately.

Quick Variations

Lighter Option

Skip the cheese or use just a whisper of it, and pair your vegetables with crumbled tofu tossed in soy sauce and ginger for a cleaner, more delicate plate.

Hearty Option

Double the cheese, add a grain like rice or farro underneath, and consider a drizzle of sesame oil to deepen the flavors and make it more substantial.

Vegetarian or Flexible Option

The dish is naturally vegetarian as written, but you can easily add ground meat, chicken, or white fish if you'd like protein beyond the tofu.

Simple Substitutions

Protein Substitutes

Tempeh for a nuttier texture
Chickpeas for earthiness
White beans for creaminess
Firm ricotta for a softer richness
Eggs for a quick protein boost

Carb Substitutes

Rice or farro as a base
Polenta for richness
Pasta for comfort
Roasted potatoes for heartiness
Bread for soaking up sauce

Flavor Boosters

Garlic and ginger for warmth
Soy sauce or tamari for depth
Lemon or vinegar for brightness
Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil
Chili flakes or hot sauce for heat
Sesame oil for nuttiness

Common Questions

How do I get tofu crispy?

Press it well to remove excess moisture, then either pan-fry it in a bit of oil until golden, or bake it at high heat with cornstarch for extra crunch.

Can I prep the vegetables ahead of time?

Yes—chop everything the night before and store it in airtight containers. The tofu is best cooked fresh, but you can press it ahead.

What cheese works best here?

Mozzarella, feta, or a sharp cheddar all work wonderfully. Choose based on whether you want mild creaminess or something more assertive.