Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry

$- 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and cubed - 2 tablespoons cornstarch - 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided) - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), sliced - 2 cups broccoli florets - 1 cup sugar snap peas - 3 green onions, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Cooked rice or quinoa for serving - Sesame seeds, for garnish The main ingredients in this dish are simple yet vibrant. Firm tofu gives the dish a hearty base. I love using fresh vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and sugar snap peas. They add color and crunch. The sauces, like soy sauce and hoisin, bring depth and flavor. - Additional vegetables (carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms) - Protein alternatives (tempeh, seitan, or chickpeas) - Garnish suggestions (fresh herbs, chili flakes, or lime wedges) You can easily change this recipe to suit your taste. Feel free to add more veggies. Carrots and zucchini work great! You can also swap tofu for tempeh or chickpeas if you want. For garnish, fresh herbs or a splash of lime can brighten the dish. - Calories per serving: Approximately 300 - Common allergens: Soy, gluten (if using standard soy sauce) - Dietary considerations: Vegan, gluten-free options available This stir-fry packs around 300 calories per serving. It's also vegan, making it a good choice for many diets. Just check your soy sauce for gluten if that’s a concern. Enjoy this dish knowing it's both tasty and healthy! - Pressing the tofu: Start by wrapping the tofu in a clean kitchen towel. Place a heavy object on top. This will help remove the water. Let it sit for about 15 minutes. - Cutting into cubes: After pressing, take the tofu out of the towel. Cut it into 1-inch cubes. Make sure all pieces are even for cooking. - Heating vegetable oil: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. This will help the tofu get crispy. - Achieving the crispy texture: Add the tofu cubes to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Look for a golden color. Once crispy, remove the tofu from the skillet and set it aside. - Cooking order and time for each vegetable: In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil. First, add the sliced bell pepper. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes. Then, add the broccoli and sugar snap peas. Cook for another 3 minutes until they are tender-crisp. - Adding aromatics (ginger, garlic): Next, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for 1 minute until you smell the aroma. This brings great flavor to the dish. - Adding sauces: Return the crispy tofu to the skillet. Pour in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. These sauces add depth and richness. - Ensuring even coating: Gently stir everything together. Make sure the tofu and vegetables are well-coated with the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat through. Enjoy this flavorful vegan delight with rice or quinoa. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. To get crispy tofu, pressing is key. Pressing removes extra moisture. This step helps the tofu fry better. Wrap the tofu in a towel and place something heavy on it. Let it sit for about 15 minutes. After pressing, cut the tofu into cubes. Use about 1-inch pieces for even cooking. Now, coat them with cornstarch. This coating creates a crunch when frying. Toss the tofu in a bowl with cornstarch until each piece is covered. High heat is essential for stir-frying. Heat your pan until it is hot. This helps the tofu get crispy fast. Add the tofu in a single layer. Avoid crowding the pan; this can make the tofu steam instead of fry. Cook the tofu for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Once golden brown, take it out of the pan. This leaves space for the vegetables. Stir-fry them next to keep them fresh and crunchy. Marinades can boost flavor. Try a mix of soy sauce and hoisin sauce. Add garlic and ginger for an extra kick. You can let the tofu marinate for 15 minutes before cooking. For garnishes, green onions and sesame seeds work well. They add a pop of color and flavor to your dish. You can also try nuts for crunch or fresh herbs for a bright finish. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide! {{image_2}} You can switch up the sauces for a new taste. If you want less salt, use low-sodium soy sauce. For a kick, try a spicy soy sauce or add some chili paste. You can also mix in sweet flavors with teriyaki sauce or hoisin sauce. Each sauce brings a fun twist to the dish. Besides tofu, you can use tempeh for a fuller taste. Chicken or shrimp work great too. If you choose chicken, cut it thin and cook it first. Shrimp cooks fast, so add it after the veggies. Adjust cooking times based on what protein you pick. This keeps everything safe and tasty. Feel free to swap in seasonal veggies like zucchini or carrots. Broccoli and bell peppers are classic, but fresh peas, snap peas, or even bok choy can shine. Frozen veggies are handy too; just make sure to thaw them first. They save time and still taste great. Each choice adds new flavors to your stir-fry. For the full recipe, check above. For storing your crispy tofu stir-fry, use airtight containers. Glass or BPA-free plastic works best. These containers keep moisture out and preserve the flavors. Your stir-fry will last about three to four days in the fridge. Make sure to cool it down before sealing. If you want to freeze your stir-fry, do it in a flat, resealable bag. Lay it flat in the freezer, so it freezes evenly. This method saves space and helps with quick thawing. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it in a pan over medium heat. This keeps the crispiness of the tofu intact. Batch cooking is a great idea for this dish. You can prepare a big batch and store it for the week. Pre-assemble the tofu and vegetables in containers. Keep the sauce separate until you’re ready to eat. This way, your stir-fry stays fresh and flavorful. When you want a meal, just cook the tofu, add veggies, and pour on the sauce. Enjoy your delicious, homemade meal in no time! Tofu can be bland on its own, but you can change that! Here are some tips: - Marinades: Soak tofu in soy sauce, garlic, or ginger. This adds deep flavor. - Seasonings: Sprinkle with salt, pepper, or spices like smoked paprika or chili powder. - Coating: Use cornstarch for a crispy texture. It also helps hold flavors. Try marinating tofu for at least 30 minutes for the best taste. You will love the results! Yes, you can prep many parts of the stir-fry in advance. Here’s how: - Tofu: Press and cube the tofu a day before. Store it in the fridge. - Veggies: Cut and store vegetables in airtight containers. They stay fresh for a few days. - Sauce: Mix the sauce ahead and keep it in the fridge. This makes cooking easier and faster on busy nights. Just stir-fry everything when ready! Reheating leftovers can be tricky. Here are two methods: - Microwave: Place the stir-fry in a bowl. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This keeps it moist. - Stovetop: Heat a little oil in a pan. Add the stir-fry and cook over low heat. Stir until warm. Using the stovetop can help keep the tofu crispy! Enjoy your meal again! This blog post covered making a crispy tofu stir-fry. You learned about key ingredients and healthier options. I shared step-by-step instructions to help you cook perfect tofu and vegetables. You also discovered tips for texture and flavor enhancements. With these techniques, you can customize your dish to suit your tastes. Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and enjoying the process. Dive in, have fun, and make a meal you'll love!$

Craving a quick and delicious vegan meal? Discover the joy of my Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry! This vibrant dish features crispy tofu paired with fresh veggies and flavorful sauces, making it perfect for busy weeknights. It's easy to customize with your favorite ingredients and packed with nutrition. Whether you’re vegan or just seeking healthier options, this recipe will satisfy your cravings. Click through to explore and enjoy this tasty delight today!

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Ingredients

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

2 tablespoons cornstarch

3 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)

1 bell pepper (red or yellow), sliced

2 cups broccoli florets

1 cup sugar snap peas

3 green onions, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon hoisin sauce

1 teaspoon sesame oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Cooked rice or quinoa for serving

Sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

Begin by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture. Wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object on top. Leave for about 15 minutes.

Once pressed, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes. In a bowl, toss the tofu cubes with cornstarch until evenly coated.

Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes in a single layer and cook until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Remove tofu from the skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the sliced bell pepper, broccoli florets, and sugar snap peas. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.

Return the crispy tofu to the skillet. Pour in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. Stir everything together gently to coat the tofu and vegetables. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Top with chopped green onions before serving.

Serve the stir-fry over cooked rice or quinoa, and garnish with sesame seeds.

Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 35 min | Servings: 4