Description
Sizzling Easy Tofu Veggie Stir-Fry brings Asian-inspired flavors dancing across your plate with crispy tofu and colorful vegetables. Quick weeknight meals never looked more delicious when you can whip up this protein-packed delight in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 block (14 ounces/396 grams) firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
Vegetables:
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
- 1/2 cup sliced carrots
- 1/2 cup snap peas
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying tofu and stir-frying)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- Chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Eliminate excess moisture from tofu by wrapping it in a clean kitchen towel and pressing between two plates with a weight for 15 minutes.
- Transform pressed tofu into uniform 1-inch cubes for consistent cooking.
- Create golden-brown tofu by searing cubes in hot oil over medium-high heat until crispy and caramelized, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Craft a vibrant sauce by whisking together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, and water in a small mixing bowl.
- Enhance sauce thickness by incorporating a cornstarch slurry if a more robust consistency is preferred.
- Awaken aromatics by sautéing minced garlic and ginger in sizzling oil for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Introduce hearty vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and mushrooms to the pan, stir-frying for 2-3 minutes to maintain crisp texture.
- Layer in bell peppers and snap peas, continuing to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until vegetables reach perfect crisp-tender state.
- Reunite golden tofu with the colorful vegetable medley, ensuring even distribution.
- Drench the stir-fry with prepared sauce, gently tossing to coat every ingredient thoroughly.
- Allow flavors to harmonize by simmering for 1-2 minutes, intensifying the dish’s overall taste profile.
- Plate over steamed rice, noodles, or quinoa for a complete meal.
- Elevate presentation by sprinkling sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and optional chili flakes for added complexity and visual appeal.
Notes
- Choose extra-firm tofu for the best texture and ability to hold shape during stir-frying.
- Pat tofu extremely dry before cooking to ensure crispy golden exterior and prevent water splattering in hot oil.
- Opt for high heat and quick cooking to maintain vegetable crispness and prevent soggy results.
- Prep all ingredients beforehand since stir-frying happens rapidly and requires constant attention.
- Customize sauce sweetness by adjusting honey or using alternative sweeteners like agave or brown sugar.
- Create gluten-free version by replacing soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Enhance protein content by adding edamame, chickpeas, or additional tofu cubes.
- Experiment with seasonal vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, or snow peas for variety.
- Use a wok for authentic stir-fry technique, distributing heat more evenly than standard skillet.
- Consider marinating tofu beforehand in sauce for deeper flavor absorption.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg