Tofu Stir-Fry: A Quick, Easy, and Delicious Recipe
Are you looking for a flavorful and healthy weeknight dinner that's also quick and easy to make? Look no further than this delicious tofu stir-fry recipe! This recipe is packed with nutritious vegetables, protein-rich tofu, and a savory sauce that will leave you wanting more. It's perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. Let's dive in!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe is easily customizable to your liking, so feel free to swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand or what's in season.
- 1 block (14 oz) extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed. Pressing the tofu is crucial for achieving a satisfying texture.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or your preferred cooking oil)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, minced (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup snow peas (or sugar snap peas)
- 1/2 cup carrots, sliced
- Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons (adjust to taste)
- Rice Vinegar: 1 tablespoon (adds a nice tang)
- Honey or Maple Syrup: 1 tablespoon (for a touch of sweetness)
- Cornstarch: 1 teaspoon (mixed with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry - this helps thicken the sauce)
- Sesame oil: 1 teaspoon (for aroma and flavor)
- Optional additions: red pepper flakes for heat, sesame seeds for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Tofu: Press the tofu to remove excess water. This step is essential for crispy tofu. You can achieve this by wrapping the tofu in paper towels and placing a heavy object on top for at least 30 minutes. Once pressed, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes.
- Stir-fry the Vegetables: Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions, bell peppers, and carrots and stir-fry for about 5 minutes, until slightly softened.
- Add Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and ginger and stir-fry for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Tofu: Add the cubed tofu to the skillet and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, until golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Add Broccoli and Snow Peas: Add the broccoli and snow peas and continue to stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey/maple syrup, and cornstarch slurry.
- Combine and Simmer: Pour the sauce over the tofu and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the sesame oil. Serve hot over rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds (optional) and enjoy!
Tips and Variations:
- Customize your vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bok choy.
- Adjust the spice level: Add red pepper flakes for a spicier stir-fry.
- Make it vegan: Ensure your honey or maple syrup is vegan-friendly.
- Add protein: Include cooked chicken, shrimp, or beef for a heartier meal.
This tofu stir-fry recipe is a delicious and healthy meal option that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The simple steps and customizable ingredients make it a versatile recipe that you can easily adapt to your taste preferences. Enjoy!
