Healthy Veggie & Tofu Stir-Fry Recipe for Busy Families

Wok Wednesday: A Quick, Healthy Stir-Fry Recipe That Invests in Your Kids’ Future

By Dr. Manasa Mantravadi

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Time to Read: 7 min

As a pediatrician specializing in culinary medicine—and a parent—I believe mealtime can be a powerful way to invest in your child’s health and well-being. Cooking at home isn’t just about making healthy food; it’s about teaching life skills, creating lasting habits, and showing your kids the value of whole, nourishing meals.


That’s why I love the idea of Wok Wednesday—a weekly opportunity to whip up quick, healthy, and flavorful meals that check all the boxes: cost-effective, time-saving, and family-friendly. With one pan and a handful of fresh ingredients, you can serve a meal that’s not only delicious but also fuels your family’s health. And by serving this on Ahimsa’s non-toxic dinnerware , I know that I’m prioritizing both nutrition and safety, making sure that no harmful chemicals come into contact with my family’s food.

This week, I’m sharing a simple veggie and tofu stir-fry noodle recipe that’s perfect for busy evenings and packed with nutrition.

About Ahimsa

Founded by a pediatrician and mom of three

Stainless steel is the only kid-friendly material recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics 

We are guided by a Scientific Advisory Council comprised of environmental and medical experts, guiding us in creating the safest products, following the latest science and promoting policy to protect human health and our planet

Want to know more? Check out our story and our products

Why Wok Cooking is Perfect for Families

Wok cooking is fast, versatile, and ideal for incorporating plenty of vegetables and plant-based proteins. Here’s why it’s a go-to in my kitchen:


  • Cost-effective : A stir-fry uses affordable, fresh produce and pantry staples.

  • Time-saving : Everything cooks quickly in one pan—dinner is ready in under 20 minutes.

  • Flavor-packed : High-heat cooking enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.

Healthy and balanced : A stir-fry is an easy way to include veggies, protein, and whole grains in one dish.

Recipe: Veggie and Tofu Stir-Fry Noodles

Prep time

9-10 Minutes

Cook time

11-15 Minutes

Servings

4

Category

Dinner

This quick and healthy recipe is perfect for Wok Wednesday. It’s loaded with colorful vegetables, crispy tofu, and flavorful noodles to keep everyone at the table happy and satisfied.


Ingredients (Serves 4)


  •  For the stir-fry:

    • 8 oz whole-grain or rice noodles (cooked and drained)

    • 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu (pressed and cubed)

    • 1 cup broccoli florets

    • 1 red bell pepper (sliced)

    • 1 carrot (thinly sliced)

    • 1 cup snap peas

    • 2 green onions (sliced)

    • 2 tablespoons avocado or sesame oil (for cooking)

  •  For the sauce:

    • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)

    • 1 tablespoon sesame oil

    • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

    • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)

    • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

    • 1 clove garlic (minced)

    • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water)

  •  Optional toppings

    • Sesame seeds, lime wedges, or chopped cilantro

Instructions


  1. Prepare the tofu: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and cook until golden and crispy on all sides, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.

  2. Stir-fry the vegetables: In the same wok, add another tablespoon of oil. Add the broccoli, bell pepper, carrot, and snap peas. Stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.

  3. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey (if using), ginger, garlic, and cornstarch mixture.

  4. Combine everything: Return the tofu to the wok with the vegetables. Pour the sauce over the mixture and toss to coat evenly. Add the cooked noodles and stir-fry for another 2–3 minutes until heated through and well combined.

  5. Serve: Divide into bowls and garnish with sesame seeds, lime wedges, or cilantro if desired.

Serving Tip

Use Ahimsa’s non-toxic bowls to portion out individual servings, or arrange the stir-fry on a rainbow steel plate for a vibrant, family-style presentation. This not only makes mealtime visually appealing but also keeps the meal warm longer and free from harmful toxins.

Mealtime Essentials

Mindful Mealtime: Cooking is More Than a Meal

Cooking isn’t just about the food on the plate—it’s about the skills and lessons you teach your kids along the way. Here’s why Wok Wednesday is an investment in your child’s future:


  • Life skills: Involving kids in the kitchen teaches them how to prepare meals, read recipes, and understand ingredients.

  • Mindful eating: A balanced stir-fry introduces kids to a variety of textures and flavors, encouraging them to try new foods.

  • Health awareness: By cooking at home, you show kids how to prioritize whole, minimally processed foods over takeout or packaged meals.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Families

  • Quick prep and cleanup : One pan and minimal prep make this a low-stress option for weeknights.

  • Customizable : Swap tofu for chicken or shrimp, and use whatever vegetables you have on hand.

  • Nutritionally balanced : Includes protein, fiber, and healthy fats to keep everyone satisfied.

Ahimsa’s non-toxic bowls and rainbow steel plates are the perfect companions to quick meals like this. Their sustainable design makes healthy eating safe, simple, and visually appealing for the whole family.

Make Wok Wednesday a Family Tradition

Setting aside one evening a week for quick, healthy meals like this veggie and tofu stir-fry can transform your family’s approach to food. It’s an opportunity to connect, teach valuable skills, and fuel your kids with meals that support their growth and well-being. By serving meals using Ahimsa’s non-toxic dinnerware , I’m not only creating balanced, colorful plates but also making an environmentally friendly choice that prioritizes my family’s health.


So, grab your wok, gather your ingredients, and make Wok Wednesday your new favorite tradition. Your kids—and their future health—will thank you.


Ready to add more quick, family-friendly recipes to your week? Subscribe to my blog - The Pediatrician Kitchen - for easy ideas that make healthy eating fun and delicious! @ahimsahome

Dr. Manasa Mantravadi

Dr. Manasa Mantravadi

Dr. Manasa Mantravadi is a board-certified pediatrician whose dedication to children’s health drove her to launch Ahimsa, the world's first colorful stainless steel dishes for kids. She was motivated by the American Academy of Pediatrics’ findings on harmful chemicals in plastic affecting children's well-being. Ahimsa has gained widespread recognition and been featured in media outlets such as Parents Magazine, the Today Show, The Oprah Magazine, and more.

Dr. Mantravadi received the esteemed “Physician Mentor of the Year” award at Indiana University School of Medicine in 2019. She was also named a Forbes Next 1000 Entrepreneur in 2021, with her inspiring story showcased on Good Morning America. She serves on the Council for Environmental Health and Climate Change and the Council for School Health at The American Academy of Pediatrics. She represents Ahimsa as a U.S. industry stakeholder on the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) for the Global Plastics Treaty, led by the United Nations Environment Program. Dr. Mantravadi leads Ahimsa's social impact program, The Conscious Cafeteria Project, to reduce carbon emissions and safeguard student health as part of a national pilot of the Clinton Global Initiative.

She is dedicated to educating and empowering people to make healthier, more environmentally friendly choices at mealtime. Her mission remains to advocate for the health of all children and the one planet we will leave behind for them through real policy change within our food system.

More Mealtime Essentials

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I use stainless steel instead of plastic? Is stainless steel better for health?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released a report in July 2018 suggesting ways that families can limit exposure to certain chemicals at mealtime, including “the use of alternatives to plastic, such as glass or stainless steel, when possible.” The report explained that “…some additives are put directly in foods, while “indirect” additives may include chemicals from plastic, glues, dyes, paper, cardboard”. Further, “Children are more sensitive to chemical exposures because they eat and drink more, relative to body weight, than adults do, and are still growing and developing.” While stainless steel items meet the recommendation to avoid plastic products in children, Ahimsa® products have the obvious advantage of not breaking like glass.

Is stainless steel better for the environment than plastic?

According to the Steel Recycling Institute, steel can be recycled over and over and over again without losing its integrity and requires less energy to recycle than to make anew. Most plastic unfortunately ends up in landfills and it is estimated to take 700 years to decompose. Our special coloring process that allows Ahimsa® products to be fully metal is environmentally friendly, so it does not produce toxic run-off into the ecosystem.

Will Ahimsa products break or peel?

No. Our steel is durable, so it won’t break or shatter with everyday use, like glass. And it won’t peel, like other colored stainless steel products you’ve seen. We use a special process that allows the colors to naturally occur in the metal.

Which Ahimsa products are best for my little one(s)?

Our products are meant to last, you can use Ahimsa at ages 1, 8 and 18! We thoughtfully design our products to be safe for little ones and our planet while reducing consumption. Once your child outgrows the Starting Solids Set  and can use regular cups and utensils, the training cup is the perfect size rinse cup in the bathroom, the infant spoon doubles as a tea stirrer and the bowl is great for snacks or as an additional compartment to our modular divided plate. Our plates are great for any age as they encourage choosing a variety of healthy foods at each meal and help visualize portion sizes easily. It’s the lasting beauty of stainless steel - grows with your child and reduces waste.

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