Peanut Tofu Stir-Fry Recipe

Tofu: A versatile plant-based protein that absorbs flavors well, perfect for stir-frying.

Peanut butter: Adds a creamy texture and nutty flavor to the dish, balancing the savory elements.

Soy sauce: Provides a salty, umami depth to the stir-fry, enhancing the overall taste.

Sesame oil: A fragrant oil that imparts a rich, nutty aroma, essential for authentic stir-fry flavor.

Bell peppers: Bright and colorful, they add a sweet crunch to the dish.

Broccoli: Offers a fresh, slightly bitter contrast and a satisfying crunch.

Garlic: Infuses the stir-fry with a pungent, aromatic depth.

Ginger: Adds a warm, spicy note that complements the other flavors.

Honey: Balances the savory and nutty elements with a touch of sweetness.

Carrots: Provide a sweet, earthy flavor and a vibrant color to the stir-fry.

To achieve perfectly golden brown tofu, ensure it is well-drained before cooking. Press the tofu between paper towels or a clean kitchen towel with a weight on top for at least 15 minutes. This removes excess moisture, allowing the tofu to crisp up nicely when cooked in the sesame oil. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the wok; cook the tofu in batches if necessary to maintain a high heat and achieve that desirable texture.

• Tofu - Substitute with tempeh: Tempeh is a fermented soy product that has a firmer texture and a nutty flavor, making it a great protein-rich alternative to tofu.

• Peanut butter - Substitute with almond butter: Almond butter provides a similar creamy texture and nutty flavor, suitable for those with peanut allergies or preferences.

• Soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative that offers a similar umami flavor, ideal for those avoiding gluten.

• Sesame oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used for its healthy fats and mild flavor, though it lacks the distinct sesame taste.

• Bell peppers - Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini offers a similar texture and can absorb flavors well, providing a different but pleasant taste profile.

• Broccoli - Substitute with cauliflower: Cauliflower has a similar texture and can be used to maintain the dish's nutritional value and appearance.

• Garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, sweeter flavor that can complement the dish if garlic is not preferred.

• Ginger - Substitute with galangal: Galangal has a similar spicy and aromatic profile, though it is slightly more citrusy and peppery.

• Honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup offers a similar sweetness and can be used for a vegan alternative.

• Carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips have a similar texture and sweetness, making them a suitable alternative to carrots.

• Allow the tofu stir-fry to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.

• Transfer the stir-fry to an airtight container. Choose a container that fits the amount of food snugly to minimize air exposure.

• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will meld beautifully over time, making leftovers even more delicious.

• For longer storage, consider freezing. Place the stir-fry in a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

• Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness. The stir-fry can be frozen for up to 2 months.

• When ready to enjoy, thaw the stir-fry in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture of the vegetables and tofu.

• Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of soy sauce or a drizzle of sesame oil to refresh the flavors.

• Alternatively, microwave in a covered dish, stirring occasionally, until heated through. This method is quick but may slightly alter the texture of the tofu.

• Serve the reheated stir-fry over freshly cooked rice or noodles for a comforting meal.

• For a quick and easy method, use the microwave. Place your peanut 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.

• Opt for the stovetop method for a fresher taste. Heat a splash of sesame oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the leftover stir-fry and stir occasionally for about 5 minutes until everything is heated through. This method helps maintain the texture of the tofu and the crunch of the vegetables.

• If you have an oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Spread the stir-fry evenly on a baking sheet and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure it doesn’t overcook.

• For a crispy finish, consider using an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C), place the stir-fry in the basket, and heat for about 5-7 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even reheating.

• If you prefer a more integrated flavor, transform the leftovers into a soup. Add the stir-fry to a pot with some vegetable broth or coconut milk, and simmer for about 10 minutes. This not only reheats the dish but also creates a comforting new meal.

• Wok: A versatile cooking pan with a rounded bottom, perfect for stir-frying ingredients quickly and evenly over high heat.

• Spatula: A flat, broad tool used for flipping and stirring ingredients in the wok, ensuring even cooking and preventing sticking.

• Knife: Essential for slicing and dicing vegetables and tofu into uniform pieces for even cooking.

• Cutting board: A sturdy surface to safely chop and prepare all the vegetables and tofu before cooking.

• Small bowl: Used to mix the peanut butter, soy sauce, and honey into a smooth sauce before adding it to the stir-fry.

• Measuring spoons: Necessary for accurately measuring ingredients like sesame oil, soy sauce, and honey to ensure the right balance of flavors.

• Tongs: Handy for turning and removing the tofu from the wok once it is golden brown, as well as for tossing the stir-fry ingredients together.

• Garlic press: Useful for mincing garlic quickly and efficiently, ensuring it is evenly distributed in the dish.

• Grater: Ideal for mincing ginger, allowing it to blend seamlessly into the stir-fry for added flavor.

Prep ingredients ahead: Chop bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots in advance and store them in airtight containers to save time during cooking.

Use pre-cubed tofu: Purchase pre-cubed tofu to skip the step of cutting it yourself, making the process quicker.

Make sauce in bulk: Prepare a larger batch of the peanut butter, soy sauce, and honey mixture and store it in the fridge for future use.

One-pan method: Cook the tofu and vegetables together in the same pan to reduce cleanup time.