Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry

$- Firm tofu - Vegetables: bell pepper, broccoli, carrot - Seasonings: garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil - Additional ingredients: honey or maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame seeds - Skillet or wok - Tofu press (optional) - Mixing bowls Crispy tofu stir-fry starts with simple ingredients. You need firm tofu, which gives a great texture. Choose bright vegetables like bell pepper, broccoli, and carrot for color and crunch. For taste, garlic and ginger add warmth and zing. Soy sauce provides a salty kick, while sesame oil brings a nutty flavor. You can sweeten the dish with honey or maple syrup. Rice vinegar adds a nice tang, and sesame seeds give a lovely finish. To cook, you need a skillet or wok. A tofu press helps remove moisture, but it's not a must. Mixing bowls are handy for tossing the tofu with cornstarch and sauce. You can find the full recipe at the end of this article. Now, gather these ingredients to create a fun and quick weeknight meal. 1. First, press the tofu to get rid of excess water. Wrap it in a clean towel. Place a heavy object on top for about 15-20 minutes. 2. After pressing, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes. This size helps it cook evenly. 3. In a bowl, toss the cubed tofu with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Make sure each piece is coated. This coating gives the tofu its crispy texture when fried. 1. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil is hot. 2. Once hot, add the tofu cubes in a single layer. Do not crowd the pan. Fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Look for a golden brown color and a crispy texture. Once done, remove the tofu and set aside. 1. In the same pan, add the sliced bell pepper, broccoli florets, and thinly sliced carrot. Stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes. The veggies should be tender but still crisp. 2. Next, add 3 minced cloves of garlic and 1 tablespoon of grated ginger. Stir-fry for another minute. This step brings out the wonderful aromas. 3. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, honey or maple syrup, and rice vinegar. Pour this sauce over the veggies in the pan. 4. Return the crispy tofu to the pan and toss everything well. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend together. You can find the full recipe for this dish to get all the details and cooking times. Enjoy your cooking! To get crispy tofu, start by pressing it. Pressing removes excess water. This step is key to a good texture. Wrap the tofu in a towel and set something heavy on top. Let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes. This makes a big difference. Next, coat the tofu evenly with cornstarch. This will help it fry up crispy. Toss the cubed tofu in a bowl with cornstarch. Make sure every piece is covered. This simple step takes your tofu from soggy to crunchy. When cooking, I prefer stir-frying over sautéing. Stir-frying cooks food fast and keeps it crisp. High heat is your friend here. It seals in flavors and gives a great texture. Make sure your pan is hot before adding the tofu. This helps it brown well and prevents sticking. Crispy tofu stir-fry is great on its own. But it shines even more with sides! Serve it with rice or noodles for a filling meal. You can also add a fresh salad for crunch. For sauces, I love using soy sauce or teriyaki. A drizzle of sesame oil adds richness. Try adding sriracha for some heat. These flavors will bring your stir-fry to the next level. For the full recipe, check out the link above. {{image_2}} You can change the vegetables based on what you like or have. For example, try adding: - Zucchini - Snap peas - Bell peppers in different colors - Mushrooms Leafy greens are also great. Spinach or kale can add color and nutrients. Just toss them in at the end of cooking. They need less time to cook and will wilt nicely. If you want to switch from tofu, tempeh or seitan work well. They both have a firm texture and soak up flavors. For chicken or shrimp, just adjust the cook time. Cook chicken until it’s fully done, about 6-7 minutes. Shrimp cooks fast, about 2-3 minutes, until pink. To spice things up, add chili flakes or sriracha. A little heat makes your dish exciting. You can also add nuts or seeds. They give a nice crunch and extra flavor. Try peanuts, cashews, or sesame seeds for a tasty twist. You can find the full recipe linked here for more guidance. To store your crispy tofu stir-fry, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh. In the fridge, it lasts for about 3 to 4 days. To reheat without losing that crispy texture, use an oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Spread the stir-fry on a baking sheet and heat for 10 to 15 minutes. You can also use a skillet. Heat it on medium heat and stir gently until warm. For tofu, avoid the microwave if you can. It makes the tofu soggy. Yes, you can freeze crispy tofu stir-fry! But first, cool it completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. The stir-fry can stay frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. To make tofu crispy, start with firm tofu. Press it to remove moisture. Wrap it in a clean towel and place something heavy on top. Leave it for about 15-20 minutes. Next, cut the tofu into cubes. Toss the cubes with cornstarch for a nice coating. Use a hot skillet with oil to fry the tofu. This method helps avoid soggy tofu. Yes, this recipe is vegan-friendly. All the ingredients are plant-based. You can use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan option. Make sure to check labels on soy sauce to confirm it's vegan. Many sides go well with crispy tofu stir-fry. Consider serving it with steamed rice or quinoa. You can also add a fresh salad for crunch. For a complete meal, pair with spring rolls or dumplings. Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free. Use tamari instead of soy sauce. Check other ingredients for gluten, like sauces or seasonings. Most vegetables are naturally gluten-free, making them safe to use. This blog post shared a clear recipe for crispy tofu stir-fry. We covered key ingredients, essential equipment, and easy step-by-step instructions. I shared tips to get that perfect crunch and suggested variations to suit your taste. I also included storage info for leftovers and answered common questions. Crispy tofu stir-fry is not only tasty but also easy to customize. Enjoy creating your own delicious version!$

Discover the ultimate Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry recipe that's both delicious and easy to make! With flavorful veggies and a tasty sauce, this dish brings vibrant colors and textures to your dinner table. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, you’ll love how simple it is to prepare. Ready to impress? Click through to explore the full recipe and make your own mouthwatering crispy tofu stir-fry tonight!

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Ingredients

1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and cubed

2 tablespoons cornstarch

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 bell pepper, sliced (any color)

1 cup broccoli florets

1 carrot, sliced thinly

3 green onions, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon ginger, grated

3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

Begin by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture. Wrap it in a clean towel and place a heavy object on top for about 15-20 minutes. Once pressed, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes.

In a bowl, toss the cubed tofu with cornstarch until evenly coated. This will help achieve a crispy texture when fried.

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the tofu cubes in a single layer, ensuring not to crowd the pan. Fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove the tofu and set aside.

In the same pan, add the sliced bell pepper, broccoli florets, and carrot. Stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the vegetables and stir-fry for an additional minute until fragrant.

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, honey (or maple syrup), and rice vinegar.

Return the crispy tofu to the pan, pour the sauce over everything, and toss well to combine. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes.

Finally, sprinkle the chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top before serving.

Prep Time: 20 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 2-3

- Presentation Tips: Serve the stir-fry in a large bowl or on a platter, garnishing with extra sesame seeds and green onions. For a vibrant touch, pair with a few slices of lime or lemon on the side. Enjoy your meal!