Speedy & Saucy Tofu Stir-Fry
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Fancy a meatless monday that doesn't feel like a chore? or maybe you're looking for a delicious way to sneak more veggies into your diet? i hear ya.
Have you ever tried tofu stir fry recipe ? honestly, it's a game changer and a fantastic option for simple tofu meal recipes .
This delicious stir fry recipes adventure starts with a bit of history. stir fries are an asian staple, a way to quickly cook ingredients and retain their freshness and flavour.
This easy asian stir fry recipes version brings that tradition to your kitchen, offering a quick, healthy, and utterly satisfying meal.
With roughly 30 minutes from start to finish, this vegan veggie bowl recipe will make two to three servings. perfect for monday lunch .
Why This Tofu Stir Fry Rocks
Seriously, this isn't your average tofu dish! tofu recipes gluten-free are few and far between. but this one stands out because of its simplicity and flavour.
This stir fry with tofu is packed with protein, thanks to the tofu, and bursting with vitamins and minerals from the vibrant veggies.
The flavour profile is spot-on: savoury, slightly sweet, and with just a hint of spice if you're feeling brave.
Getting Ready To Cook
First up, we'll be needing some staple ingredients. we're talking tofu (extra firm is the way to go, trust me), your favourite stir fry veggies (think bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots), and a killer sauce made with soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup for a vegan fried tofu version), rice vinegar, and a few secret weapons.
This recipe is special because it's totally customizable. don't like broccoli? swap it out for snap peas. craving more heat? add a dash of sriracha to your sauce.
The key is to make it your masterpiece. this thai tofu stir fry is a great family style tofu meal.
Alright, let's dive into what you need to make this amazing tofu stir fry recipe ! it’s easier than you think.
Honestly, even if you're more likely to burn toast than win "masterchef," you can nail this. think of it as a fun, easy asian stir fry recipe adventure.
Ingredients & Equipment: The Lowdown
Let’s break down what you'll need for this delicious stir fry recipe . Don't worry, it's all pretty standard stuff. I promise no weird unicorn tears or anything.
Main Ingredients for a Fab Vegan Veggie Bowl
- Extra firm tofu: 1 (14-ounce/397g) package . Seriously, extra firm is key here. It holds its shape. Think of it like choosing a good pair of jeans you want something that won't fall apart. The tofu should be firm to the touch, with minimal water.
- Soy sauce: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) for the tofu, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) for the sauce. Use low sodium if you're watching your salt.
- Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) . This is what helps the tofu get nice and crispy. Like a little magic dust!
- Neutral cooking oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) for the tofu, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) for the stir fry. Vegetable or canola oil works a treat.
- Honey (or maple syrup): 1 tablespoon (15 ml) . Maple syrup makes it a totally Air Fry Vegan deal!
- Rice vinegar: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) .
- Sesame oil: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) . A little goes a long way, adds that Thai Tofu Stir Fry flavour.
- Fresh ginger: 1 teaspoon grated (5 ml) . Or ½ teaspoon ground.
- Garlic: 1 clove minced . Or 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
- Red pepper flakes: ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) . Optional, but if you like a kick, go for it!
- Red bell pepper: 1 , sliced.
- Green bell pepper: 1 , sliced.
- Broccoli florets: 1 cup (approx. 100g) .
- Sliced carrots: 1/2 cup (approx. 50g) .
- Green onions: 2 , thinly sliced.
Seasoning Notes: Flavour Bonanza!
We're aiming for a balance of salty, sweet, and savoury. the soy sauce and sesame oil are the base. ginger and garlic give it that warmth.
A bit of honey balances the salt. the red pepper flakes? that’s your attitude adjuster. this is one of the best stir fry recipes vegetarian i know.
Don't be shy!
Substitutions: If you don't have rice vinegar, a splash of apple cider vinegar will do. Out of fresh ginger? Ground ginger is fine, but use half the amount.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
Honestly, you don't need a fancy kitchen arsenal for this.
- Tofu press: (Optional, but HIGHLY recommended). Or heavy books. I use my old Harry Potter books.
- Large skillet or wok. Wok gives you that authentic Tofu Meal Recipes vibe.
- Mixing bowls. For sauces.
- Air Fryer : (Optional) For a quick Air Fry Lunch version, toss the tofu in the air fryer! It's a good way to cook Vegan Fried Tofu . Makes for interesting Airfry Dinner Ideas .
That's all there is! get everything prepped, and you'll be enjoying this stir fry with tofu in no time. it is so good you can serve as a great family style tofu even on a monday lunch meal.
Alright, let’s get cracking! fancy a tofu stir fry recipe that’s less soggy tofu and more flavour bomb? honestly, making a delicious stir fry at home is way easier than you think! this isn't some cheffy masterchef situation, it's proper grub for a weeknight.
So, let's dive in, shall we?
Getting Ready for the Stir Fry Show
Prep Like a Pro: Essential Mise en Place
Right, first things first let's get organised. this is the mise en place , darling, all your ingredients prepped and ready.
Chop your veggies. whisk your sauce. this saves a ton of faffing about when the wok's hot. pressing the tofu is key for this.
You don't want a watery disaster. i learnt the hard way.
Time Saving Tip
Chop all your veggies while the tofu is pressing. boom, two jobs done at once! or, if you're super strapped for time, you can often find pre-cut stir fry vegetable mixes at the supermarket.
Honestly? no judgement here!
Safety First!
When you’re working with hot oil, be careful! Use oven gloves. Keep a watchful eye. And maybe don’t attempt this after downing a pint.
Stir Fry Like a Boss: The step-by-step
Right then, let's get cooking!
- Press that tofu! Wrap the 1 (14-ounce) package of tofu in paper towels. Place heavy books on top for at least 15 minutes. Aim is to remove excess water.
- Cube & Flavour: Cut the pressed tofu into ½-inch cubes. Toss with 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Coat evenly. This is what will give you delicious Vegan Fried Tofu .
- Whip up the Sauce: Whisk together 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup, for a vegan veggie bowl ), 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1 teaspoon ginger, 1 clove minced garlic, and ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (if you fancy a bit of a kick!).
- Crisp the Tofu: Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a wok or large skillet over medium high heat . Cook the tofu until golden and crispy on all sides. Set aside.
- Veggie Time! Add 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan. Toss in 1 sliced red bell pepper, 1 sliced green bell pepper, 1 cup broccoli florets, and ½ cup sliced carrots. Stir fry until just tender crisp, about 5- 7 minutes .
- Bring it Together: Add the tofu back to the pan. Pour the sauce over. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2- 3 minutes .
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with 2 sliced green onions. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Pro Tips for Stir Fry Perfection
Tofu tally Awesome
Don't overcrowd the pan. if you do, the tofu will steam instead of getting crispy. cook it in batches, yeah? i swear by the air fry method when making this for a monday lunch .
Spice It Up
Add a dash of sriracha to the sauce. I did it once by accident and it became a family favourite! This works well when turning it into Thai Tofu Stir Fry .
Get Ahead of the Game
You can prep the sauce and chop the veggies the day before. honestly, it makes life so much easier! that’s perfect if you're looking for airfry dinner ideas or things to make with tofu .
So, there you have it! an easy tofu meal recipes . have a bash, and let me know what you think! this would be perfect for when you're looking to make delicious stir fry recipes , easy asian stir fry recipes or any meatless stir fry recipes .
Just another great stir fry recipes vegetarian dinner. this dish is suitable for the whole family style tofu .
Alright, let's dive into making this tofu stir fry recipe the best it can be! I'm buzzing to share my tips that will make it a weeknight winner.
Recipe Notes: Level Up Your Stir Fry
Think of these notes as a few cheeky hacks to elevate your Thai Tofu Stir Fry game!
Serving Suggestions: Pretty Plates & Perfect Pairings
How you serve your vegan veggie bowl is half the fun! i like to pile mine high on a bed of fluffy rice.
Top it off with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and those spring onions. it looks banging! honestly, it's like a restaurant worthy dish, but dead easy.
For sides, think crunchy spring rolls or a light Asian slaw. A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc makes a great partner. Honestly, it brightens up all those tasty flavours.
Storage Tips: Keep it Fresh, Keep it Safe
So, you've made a mountain of this stir fry with tofu , and can't finish it? no worries! pop it in an airtight container and it'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Fancy meal prepping for monday lunch ? absolutely! freezing is also an option. let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer bags.
It will be good for up to 2 months. when you're ready to reheat, just thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it in a pan or microwave.
It might be slightly softer, but still proper tasty.
Variations: Making it Your Own
This tofu meal recipes is totally adaptable! Want to ditch the gluten? Switch the soy sauce for tamari. This makes it tofu recipes gluten-free !
Fancy something seasonal? swap out the bell peppers for courgettes in the summer. or butternut squash in the autumn. it keeps it interesting! plus, a delicious stir fry recipes never goes out of style.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
This stir fry vegetable dish is a nutritional powerhouse! it's packed with protein from the vegan fried tofu and loads of vitamins from the veggies.
Tofu is a great source of iron and calcium too. you know? it's a winner. this easy asian stir fry recipes is lighter and healthier than your usual take away!
Each serving is about 350 calories. The protein will keep you feeling full, and all the veggies help you smash your five-a-day. It really is family style tofu at its finest.
In Conclusion: Now you're practically a stir fry pro! Don't be scared to experiment and have fun. This is your meatless stir fry recipes journey. Now get cooking, you amazing thing!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my tofu stir fry recipe soggy? How do I get it crispy?
The key to crispy tofu is pressing it! Tofu is like a sponge, so removing excess water is crucial. Use a tofu press or wrap it in paper towels and weigh it down with some heavy books (think your old A-Level textbooks!) for at least 15 minutes.
Coating the pressed tofu in cornstarch before frying also helps it crisp up nicely just like those perfect chips from the chippy!
Can I make this tofu stir fry recipe vegan?
Absolutely! This recipe is easily made vegan. Simply swap the honey in the sauce for maple syrup or agave nectar. Double check your soy sauce to ensure it doesn't contain any unexpected animal products (though most don't). Now you've got a cracking vegan meal, fit for even the most discerning plant based eater!
What other vegetables can I add to my tofu stir fry?
The beauty of a stir fry is its versatility! Feel free to add any vegetables you fancy. Snap peas, mushrooms, bok choy, bean sprouts, and water chestnuts all work well. Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly, adding harder veggies like carrots earlier and softer ones like spinach towards the end so everything's cooked to perfection, not mush.
How long does leftover tofu stir fry last, and how should I store it?
Leftover tofu stir fry will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. When reheating, a quick zap in the microwave or a stir fry in a pan with a splash of water will do the trick.
Just be aware that the tofu might lose a little of its crispiness upon reheating but it'll still be jolly tasty!
Is tofu stir fry healthy? What are the nutritional benefits?
Yes, tofu stir fry can be a very healthy and balanced meal! Tofu is a great source of plant based protein, and the vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals. You can boost the health factor further by using a low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos and limiting the amount of oil you use.
It's a winner, winner tofu dinner!
Can I prepare parts of this tofu stir fry recipe in advance?
You bet you can! To save time on a busy weeknight, you can press the tofu, chop the vegetables, and mix the sauce ahead of time. Store each component separately in the fridge until you're ready to cook.
This way, when dinner time rolls around, you'll be whipping up a delicious stir fry quicker than you can say "Bob's your uncle!"
Speedy Saucy Tofu Stir Fry
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 5g |