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Tofu Stir Fry Recipe with Vegetables in a Soy Sesame Sauce

Lisa Street
Cooking is like storytelling; it invites us to explore new flavors, embrace our creativity, and perhaps bring a bit of joy into our everyday lives. Today, I want to share a delicious tofu stir fry recipe that encapsulates these qualities beautifully. Before we delve into this delightful dish, let’s consider what pairs well with it.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

  • Bowl, Skillet

Ingredients
  

Stir Fry

  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil: For a nutty finish.
  • 1 tablespoon high-heat neutral oil: Options include grapeseed or avocado oil.
  • 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce: Or choose gluten-free tamari.
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Use it for crisping the tofu.
  • 16 ounces of extra-firm tofu: Ensure it’s thoroughly drained and pressed.
  • 1 small bunch of broccolini: Trimmed and chopped into 1-inch segments.
  • 1 red bell pepper: Chopped into ½-inch pieces.
  • 1 small shallot: Thinly sliced adding a sweet-savory base.
  • 4 cloves of garlic: Finely minced it’s the heart of flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger: Peeled and grated for zing.

Sauce

  • ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce: You can substitute with tamari for gluten-free.
  • ¼ cup light vegetable broth: Unsalted works best.
  • 1 tablespoon pure honey: Or use brown sugar for a plant-based version.
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar: Adds tang and balance to the sauce.

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Tofu

  • Start by draining and pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving that lovely crispiness. After pressing, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes. Toss them in cornstarch to create a delightful crust when cooked.

Step 2: Heat the Oils

  • In a large skillet or wok, heat both the toasted sesame oil and your choice of neutral oil over medium-high heat. The oil should shimmer but not smoke.

Step 3: Cook the Tofu

  • Add the cubed tofu to the heated skillet. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides. This is where the magic happens – watch how the cornstarch creates that satisfying crunch!

Step 4: Add Aromatics

  • Once the tofu is crispy, toss in the shallots, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for about 2 minutes, allowing those aromatic flavors to blend and dance together.

Step 5: Incorporate the Veggies

  • Next, add the broccolini and red bell pepper to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender yet retain a vibrant crunch.

Step 6: Create the Sauce

  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, vegetable broth, honey, and rice vinegar. This will be the delicious sauce that brings everything together.

Step 7: Combine Everything

  • Pour the sauce over the tofu and vegetables. Stir well, allowing everything to coat in that lovely mixture. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

  • Remove from heat and serve hot! You can pair this dish with rice, noodles, or your favorite sides.

Notes

Here are some nuggets of wisdom to help elevate your stir fry game:
  • Press Tofu Well: The more moisture you extract, the crispier it will get!
  • Adjust the Sauce: Don’t hesitate to taste the sauce and tweak it to suit your palate.
  • Experiment with Veggies: Feel free to use whatever veggies you have on hand—get creative!
  • Don’t Crowd the Pan: If your skillet is too full, the tofu won't crisp up.
  • Garnish: A sprinkle of sesame seeds or sliced green onions can enhance the presentation.

Nutrition

Calories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 20gFat: 12g
Keyword Tofu Stir Fry Recipe with Vegetables in a Soy Sesame Sauce
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