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–+ servings

Tofu Stir Fry with Cashew Cream Sauce

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This Tofu Stir Fry with Cashew Cream Sauce is a creamy, protein-packed vegan dinner loaded with colorful vegetables, golden tofu, and a rich dairy-free cashew sauce. Combining wholesome ingredients with satisfying textures and bold flavor, this nourishing stir fry delivers plant-based comfort food that is both healthy and delicious. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, family dinners, or anyone looking for a nutritious vegan meal, this easy stir fry offers a comforting balance of protein, fiber, and vibrant vegetables in every bite.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Soak Time (for cashews) 15 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 Individual Pita Pizzas
Course: dinner
Calories: 490
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cashew Cream Sauce
  • ¾ cup Raw Cashews, soaked in hot water for 15 to 30 minutes, then drain
  • ½ cup Water
  • 2 tbsps Tamari or Soy Sauce
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
  • 1 tbsp Maple Syrup
  • 1 Garlic Clove
  • 1 tsp Ginger, grated or ground
  • 1 tsp Sesame Oil
  • Optional: Pinch of Chili Flakes for heat or 1 tsp Rice Vinegar for tang
For Stir Fry
  • 1 block (375g) Firm Tofu, pressed and cubed
  • 2 tbsps Cornstarch or Arrowroot
  • 1 tbsp Sesame Oil or Neutral Oil
  • 1 Bell Pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup Broccoli Florets
  • 1 Carrot, julienned
  • 1 Zucchini, sliced
  • 2 Green Onions, chopped
  • Optional: handful of Snap Peas or Mushrooms
To Serve
  • Cooked Brown Rice or Quinoa
  • Sesame Seeds
  • Chili Flakes
  • Lime Wedges
  • Fresh Cilantro

Method
 

Tap the time in each step to start a build-in timer and cook with a little more ease and flow. Be sure to have your volume up to hear the timer chimes!

    1. Soak the Cashews:

      Place the cashews in enough hot water to cover for at least 15 minutes to soften.
      Drain before blending.
      🌿 Mindful Moment: Notice how time and warmth soften something firm. Let this be a reminder that gentle conditions can create change.
      👧 Kid Prompt: “Do you think the cashews are taking a warm bath?”
      💬 Reflective Prompt: “What helps you soften when you've had a busy day?”

    2. Make the Sauce:

      In a blender, add the soaked cashews with the water, tamari, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, maple syrup, and sesame oil.
      Blend until completely smooth. Set aside.
      🌿 Mindful Moment: Watch the ingredients transform into something creamy and unified. Notice the colour, texture, and aroma.
      👧 Kid Prompt: “What colour is the sauce? What should we call it?”
      💬 Reflective Prompt: “If this sauce were a feeling, what feeling would it be?”

    3. Crisp the Tofu:

      Toss the cubed tofu with either the cornstarch or arrowroot until lightly coated.
      Heat some sesame oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
      Add in the battered tofu and pan-fry until golden and crisp on all sides (about 6–8 minutes). Remove and set aside.
      🌿 Mindful Moment: Listen to the gentle sizzle. Notice the transformation from soft to crisp.
      👧 Kid Prompt: “Can you hear the tofu saying ‘yes!’ as it turns golden?”
      💬 Reflective Prompt: “What changes do you notice as the tofu cooks?”

    4. Stir Fry the Veggies:

      In the same pan or wok, add in a splash more oil if needed.
      Toss in all the vegetables and stir fry for 5 to 7 minutes, until tender and crisp.
      🌿 Mindful Moment: Notice the colours, sounds, and movement in the pan. Let the rhythm of stirring slow your thoughts.
      👧 Kid Prompt: “Who’s the crunchiest veggie? Who’s the softest?”
      💬 Reflective Prompt: “Which vegetable catches your attention today?”

    5. Combine It All:

      Return the tofu to the pan.
      Pour in about ½–¾ of the cashew sauce (save extra for drizzling later).
      Stir to coat evenly and warm through, about 1 to 2 minutes.
      🌿 Mindful Moment: Watch all the separate ingredients come together into one dish. Notice how different elements can belong together.
      👧 Kid Prompt: “Can you see the veggies and tofu getting cozy in the sauce?”
      💬 Reflective Prompt: “What happens when different things come together?”

    6. Serve + Customize:

      Spoon over rice or quinoa or eat on it's own!
      Drizzle with the extra sauce, and top with sesame seeds or fresh herbs.
      🌿 Mindful Moment: Pause before eating. Notice the colours, textures, and care that went into creating this meal.
      👧 Kid Prompt: “What special finishing touch does your bowl need?”
      💬 Reflective Prompt: “What makes a meal feel complete to you?”

    Nutrition

    Calories: 490kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 18gFat: 17gFiber: 8g

    Notes

    Note: the nutritional content is an approx. per serving without the toppings. 
    Kid Friendly: Offer tofu and veggies separately with sauce on the side for dipping. Let kids build their own combos.
    Therapeutic Focus: Combines protein, good fats, and crunchy/silky textures—ideal for emotional regulation and sensory input.
    Meal Prep Tip: Make the cashew cream sauce ahead of time, it stores beautifully for up to 5 days.

     

    Tips & Tricks

    • Nut-Free? Use sunflower seeds or silken tofu for sauce.
    • Want Spice? Add sriracha or Thai chili paste to the cashew cream sauce.
    • No Blender? Use cashew butter and whisk into water.
    • Want More Greens? Add some bok choy or baby spinach in last minute of cooking.

     

    Storage & Serving

    Fridge: Store the sauce and stir fry separately in air tight containers for 3 to 4 days.
    Freezer: The cashew sauce can be frozen for up to 1 month, just re-blend after thawing.
    Reheating:
    • Stovetop: Gently warm stir fry with a splash of water.
    • Microwave: Reheat in short bursts, stirring frequently.
    Add extra cashew sauce after heating to revive creaminess

     

    Variations 

    • Peanut Version: Swap the cashews for peanut butter and add in some lime.
    • Thai-Inspired: Add fresh basil, lime, and tamari to sauce. 
    • Creamy Curry Twist: Add in ½ tsp curry powder to the sauce and stir in chickpeas.
    • Roasted Version: Roast the tofu + veggies instead and drizzle with warm sauce before serving.

     

    Drink Recommendations 

    Family Friendly
    • Coconut water
    • Ginger-mint lemonade
    • Cucumber + apple herbal iced tea
    Adult Pairings
    • Jasmine green tea
    • Light white wine (Pinot Grigio)
    • Sparkling water with lime + basil

    Tried this recipe?

    Let us know how it was!