This tofu stir-fry is a delightful and nutritious dish that brings together the vibrant flavors of fresh vegetables and the satisfying texture of firm tofu. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is both easy to prepare and packed with flavor. The combination of soy sauce and sesame oil creates a savory base, while the garlic and ginger add a fragrant and zesty touch.
If you don't usually cook with tofu, sesame oil, or fresh ginger, you might need to pick these up at the supermarket. Tofu is often found in the refrigerated section, while sesame oil and soy sauce are typically in the international foods aisle. Fresh ginger can be found in the produce section, usually near the garlic.
Ingredients For Tofu Stir-Fry Recipe
Tofu: Firm tofu is used for its ability to hold shape during cooking and absorb flavors well.
Soy sauce: Adds a salty and umami flavor to the dish.
Sesame oil: Provides a rich, nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste.
Broccoli: Adds a crunchy texture and is packed with nutrients.
Bell pepper: Brings sweetness and color to the stir-fry.
Carrot: Adds a slight sweetness and vibrant color.
Garlic: Provides a pungent and aromatic flavor.
Ginger: Adds a zesty and spicy note to the dish.
Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce and give it a glossy finish.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When preparing tofu, ensure it is well-drained and pressed to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a crispier texture when cooking. To press tofu, place it between paper towels or a clean kitchen towel, and set a heavy object on top for about 15-20 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving that golden brown exterior during stir-frying.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
tofu - Substitute with tempeh: Tempeh has a firmer texture and a nutty flavor, making it a great protein-rich alternative to tofu.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce with a similar umami flavor.
sesame oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a neutral-flavored alternative, though it lacks the nutty aroma of sesame oil.
broccoli florets - Substitute with cauliflower florets: Cauliflower has a similar texture and can absorb flavors well, making it a good substitute for broccoli.
bell pepper - Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini provides a similar crunch and can be easily sliced for stir-frying.
carrot - Substitute with sweet potato: Sweet potato offers a similar sweetness and can be sliced thinly for a comparable texture.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, sweeter flavor that can complement the dish well.
ginger - Substitute with galangal: Galangal has a similar spicy and aromatic profile, though it is slightly more citrusy.
cornstarch - Substitute with arrowroot powder: Arrowroot powder is a great thickening agent and can be used in the same way as cornstarch.
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How to Store or 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. Ensure the container is clean and dry to maintain the freshness of the vegetables and tofu.
Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the dish within 3-4 days. This keeps the broccoli, bell pepper, and carrot crisp and the flavors intact.
For longer storage, place the stir-fry in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Label the container with the date to keep track of its freshness.
When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen stir-fry in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture of the tofu and vegetables.
Reheat the stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of soy sauce or sesame oil if needed to refresh the flavors. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
Alternatively, you can microwave the stir-fry in a microwave-safe dish. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or wrap to retain moisture. Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until thoroughly warmed.
Avoid reheating the stir-fry multiple times, as this can degrade the quality of the tofu and vegetables. Reheat only the portion you plan to consume.
If you notice any off smells, discoloration, or changes in texture, discard the stir-fry to ensure food safety.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Stovetop Method:
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Add a splash of vegetable oil or sesame oil to the pan.
- Add the leftover tofu stir-fry and stir occasionally.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes until everything is heated through and the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Microwave Method:
- Place the tofu stir-fry in a microwave-safe dish.
- Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent.
- Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Check if the tofu and vegetables are heated evenly; if not, continue in 30-second intervals.
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the tofu stir-fry evenly on a baking sheet or in an oven-safe dish.
- Cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the tofu and vegetables are heated through.
Steaming Method:
- Set up a steamer basket over a pot of simmering water.
- Place the tofu stir-fry in the steamer basket.
- Cover and steam for about 5-7 minutes until the tofu and vegetables are hot and tender.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the tofu stir-fry in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Wok: A large, round-bottomed cooking vessel ideal for stir-frying due to its high sides and even heat distribution.
Spatula: A flat, broad tool used to flip and stir ingredients in the wok without breaking them apart.
Knife: Essential for slicing the tofu, bell pepper, and carrot into uniform pieces for even cooking.
Cutting board: A sturdy surface to safely chop and prepare all the vegetables and tofu.
Measuring spoons: Used to accurately measure the soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch for the recipe.
Mixing bowl: Useful for combining the cornstarch with water to create a slurry before adding it to the stir-fry.
Garlic press: A handy tool for mincing garlic quickly and efficiently.
Grater: Used to finely mince the ginger if you don't want to do it by hand with a knife.
Serving spoon: Ideal for serving the finished stir-fry over rice or noodles.
Rice cooker: Optional but useful for preparing the rice to serve with the stir-fry.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Prepare ingredients in advance: Chop broccoli, bell pepper, and carrot ahead of time and store them in the fridge.
Use pre-minced garlic and ginger: Save time by using store-bought minced garlic and ginger.
Press tofu ahead: Press and cube the tofu the night before to save time during cooking.
Cook rice or noodles in advance: Prepare your rice or noodles earlier and reheat when ready to serve.
Use a large wok: A larger wok allows for more even cooking and reduces the time needed to stir-fry.
Tofu Stir-Fry Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 block firm tofu drained and cubed
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup bell pepper sliced
- 1 cup carrot sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoon water
Instructions
- 1. Heat sesame oil in a wok over medium-high heat.
- 2. Add garlic and ginger, stir-fry for 30 seconds.
- 3. Add tofu, cook until golden brown.
- 4. Add broccoli, bell pepper, and carrot. Stir-fry for 5 minutes.
- 5. Pour in soy sauce and cornstarch mixture. Cook until sauce thickens.
- 6. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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