This tofu stir-fry is a delightful and nutritious dish that brings together the vibrant flavors of fresh vegetables and the satisfying texture of tofu. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is both easy to prepare and packed with wholesome ingredients.
If you don't usually cook with tofu, you might need to visit the refrigerated section of your supermarket to find it. Firm tofu is essential for this recipe as it holds its shape during cooking. Fresh ginger and sesame oil might also be less common in your pantry, but they add a unique depth of flavor to the dish.
Ingredients For Tofu Stir-Fry Recipe
Tofu: Firm, drained, and cubed tofu is the protein base of this dish, providing a satisfying texture and absorbing the flavors of the stir-fry.
Soy sauce: Adds a savory umami flavor to the stir-fry, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
Sesame oil: Provides a rich, nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
Garlic: Minced garlic adds a pungent, aromatic quality that is essential in many stir-fry dishes.
Ginger: Freshly minced ginger brings a zesty, slightly spicy note to the stir-fry.
Bell peppers: Sliced bell peppers add a sweet and crunchy element to the dish.
Broccoli florets: These add a healthy, green component and a bit of crunch.
Carrots: Sliced carrots contribute a slight sweetness and vibrant color.
Cornstarch: Mixed with water, cornstarch helps to thicken the sauce, giving it a glossy finish.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When preparing tofu for a stir-fry, ensure it is well-drained to achieve a crispy texture. Press the tofu between paper towels and place a heavy object on top for at least 15 minutes to remove excess moisture. This step helps the tofu absorb more flavor and prevents it from becoming soggy during cooking.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
firm, drained and cubed tofu - Substitute with tempeh: Tempeh has a similar texture and absorbs flavors well, making it a great alternative to tofu.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is gluten-free and has a similar umami flavor to soy sauce.
sesame oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can provide a similar richness, though it lacks the nutty flavor of sesame oil.
minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a similar flavor, though it is less pungent than fresh garlic.
minced ginger - Substitute with ground ginger: Ground ginger can be used in place of fresh ginger, though it is more concentrated, so use less.
sliced bell peppers - Substitute with sliced zucchini: Zucchini has a similar texture and can add a different but pleasant flavor to the stir-fry.
broccoli florets - Substitute with cauliflower florets: Cauliflower has a similar texture and can be used interchangeably with broccoli.
sliced carrots - Substitute with sliced sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes offer a similar texture and a slightly sweeter flavor.
cornstarch - Substitute with arrowroot powder: Arrowroot powder can thicken sauces similarly to cornstarch and is a good alternative for those avoiding corn products.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How To Store / Freeze This Dish
- Allow the tofu stir-fry to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
- Transfer the cooled stir-fry into an airtight container. Glass containers with tight-fitting lids are ideal as they help maintain the freshness and flavor.
- Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the dish within 3-4 days. This keeps the vegetables crisp and the tofu firm.
- For longer storage, place the stir-fry in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date of preparation. This helps you keep track of how long the dish has been stored.
- When ready to eat, thaw the frozen stir-fry in the refrigerator overnight. This ensures even thawing and maintains the texture of the vegetables and tofu.
- Reheat the stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of soy sauce or sesame oil to refresh the flavors and prevent the dish from drying out.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the stir-fry in the microwave. Place it in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
- Avoid reheating the stir-fry multiple times, as this can degrade the quality and texture of the vegetables and tofu.
- Serve the reheated stir-fry with freshly cooked rice or noodles to recreate the original dining experience.
How To Reheat Leftovers
For a quick and easy method, use a microwave. Place the tofu stir-fry in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
If you prefer a crispier texture, opt for the stovetop. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat, add a splash of sesame oil, and toss in the leftover stir-fry. Stir occasionally for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.
For a more even and thorough reheating, use an oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the tofu stir-fry on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out and bake for 10-15 minutes.
If you have an air fryer, this can also be a fantastic option. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the tofu stir-fry in the basket in a single layer and heat for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
For a more traditional approach, use a steamer. Place the tofu stir-fry in a heatproof dish and set it in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for about 5-7 minutes until heated through. This method helps retain the moisture and flavors of the dish.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Wok: A versatile pan with high sides, perfect for stir-frying ingredients quickly and evenly.
Spatula: Essential for stirring and flipping the tofu and vegetables without breaking them apart.
Knife: Used for mincing garlic and ginger, and slicing bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots.
Cutting board: Provides a safe and stable surface for chopping all your ingredients.
Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate measurement of soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch.
Mixing bowl: Useful for combining the cornstarch with water before adding it to the stir-fry.
Tongs: Handy for turning the tofu cubes to ensure they cook evenly on all sides.
Rice cooker: Convenient for preparing rice to serve alongside the stir-fry.
Serving dish: Ideal for presenting the finished stir-fry attractively.
Grater: Can be used to finely mince the ginger if you prefer not to chop it by hand.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Prep ingredients ahead: Chop vegetables and tofu in advance to save time when cooking.
Use pre-cut vegetables: Purchase pre-cut bell peppers, broccoli florets, and sliced carrots to reduce prep time.
Marinate tofu: Marinate tofu in soy sauce and ginger overnight for enhanced flavor and quicker cooking.
Cook rice or noodles simultaneously: Start cooking rice or noodles while preparing the stir-fry to have everything ready at the same time.
Use a large wok: A large wok allows for even cooking and reduces the need for multiple batches.
Tofu Stir-Fry Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 block Tofu firm, drained and cubed
- 2 tablespoon Soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sesame oil
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 inch Ginger minced
- 1 cup Bell peppers sliced
- 1 cup Broccoli florets
- 1 cup Carrots sliced
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Heat sesame oil in a wok over medium-high heat.
- Add garlic and ginger, stir-fry for 1 minute.
- Add tofu, cook until golden brown.
- Add bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots, stir-fry for 5 minutes.
- Pour in soy sauce and cornstarch mixture, cook until sauce thickens.
- Serve hot with rice or noodles.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts
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