Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry

$- Firm tofu: Use 14 oz of firm tofu. Press it for 15-20 minutes. Wrap it in a towel and place a weight on top. This helps remove excess moisture. Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes for even cooking. - Vegetables: I love using a mix of colorful veggies. Try 1 red bell pepper, 1 cup snap peas, and 1 small carrot, julienned. Feel free to swap in your favorites like broccoli or zucchini. - Sauces and spices: For flavor, we need 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, and 1 teaspoon chili paste. These give a nice kick and depth to the dish. - Suggested garnishes: Top your stir-fry with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. They add crunch and a fresh taste. - Alternative protein sources: If you want, try using tempeh or seitan instead of tofu. Both offer great texture and flavor. For the full recipe, check out the Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry ! How to press tofu Pressing tofu is key to getting rid of extra water. To do this, wrap the tofu in a clean kitchen towel. Place a heavy object, like a pan, on top. Leave it for about 15 to 20 minutes. This step makes the tofu firmer and helps it crisp up. Coating tofu with cornstarch Once you press the tofu, cut it into 1-inch cubes. In a bowl, toss the cubes with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Make sure each piece is well coated. This coating creates a nice crispy texture when fried. Heating the oil properly Grab a large non-stick skillet or wok. Pour in 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Heat it over medium-high heat. Make sure it’s hot before adding tofu. You can test by dropping a small piece of tofu in. If it sizzles, the oil is ready. Frying the tofu to achieve crispiness Carefully place the coated tofu cubes in the skillet in a single layer. Fry them for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side. You want them golden brown and crispy. Once done, remove them and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. This helps soak up excess oil. How to stir-fry vegetables In the same skillet, you may need to add a bit more oil. Toss in sliced red bell pepper, snap peas, and julienned carrot. Stir-fry these veggies for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want them to soften a bit, but still stay crisp. Mixing and adding the sauce Next, add minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan. Stir-fry for another minute until fragrant. Now, return the crispy tofu to the skillet. Mix well with the vegetables. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and chili paste. Pour this mixture over the stir-fry. Toss everything to coat evenly. Stir-fry for another minute to heat through. Enjoy your tasty crispy tofu stir-fry! For the full recipe, check the details above. To make your tofu crispy, start with firm tofu. This type holds its shape well. Press it to remove water. Wrap it in a towel and place something heavy on top. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes. This step helps the tofu absorb flavor and become crispy. For the perfect crispiness, coat the pressed tofu with cornstarch. This forms a crunchy layer when cooked. Toss the cubes in cornstarch until they are fully covered. High heat is key for crispy tofu. Use a non-stick skillet or wok. Heat the oil until it's hot but not smoking. This helps to fry the tofu quickly and evenly. Stir-frying works best for this dish. It cooks food fast and keeps it crisp. Sautéing can also work, but it may not give the same texture. When stir-frying, keep the food moving. This ensures even cooking and prevents sticking. Make sure to follow the full recipe for the best results! {{image_2}} You can mix up your crispy tofu stir-fry with seasonal veggies. Try using: - Broccoli - Zucchini - Bell peppers - Baby corn - Bok choy These vegetables add color and crunch. You can also add more protein. Consider: - Edamame - Chickpeas - Tempeh These options will make your dish heartier. Switching sauces can change the flavor. Try teriyaki or sweet and sour sauces for a twist. These sauces bring a nice sweetness and depth. You can also use gluten-free sauce options. Look for tamari or coconut aminos. These keep your dish tasty and safe for those with gluten issues. For more ideas, check the Full Recipe for sauce options that work well. To keep your crispy tofu stir-fry fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. This helps prevent bacteria growth. Enjoy your stir-fry within three days for the best taste. When reheating, use a skillet over medium heat. This keeps your tofu crispy. Stir gently to heat through. You can also add a splash of water to create steam, which helps warm the vegetables without making them mushy. If you want to save your stir-fry for later, freezing is a great choice. First, let the dish cool fully. Transfer the cooled stir-fry into freezer bags or containers. Squeeze out excess air to avoid freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. You can also use the microwave for quick thawing. Once thawed, reheat in a skillet to regain that crispy texture. Enjoy your tasty meal whenever you want! For the full recipe, check out the Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry section. How can I make my tofu less soggy? To make tofu less soggy, press it well. Wrap the tofu in a clean towel. Place a heavy object on top for 15-20 minutes. This step removes excess moisture. The dryer the tofu, the crispier it gets when cooked. What can I serve with tofu stir-fry? You can serve tofu stir-fry with steamed rice or quinoa. Noodles also pair well. Add a side of fresh salad for some crunch. You might enjoy a light soup as a starter too. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare parts ahead. Press and cube the tofu in advance. Chop the veggies and store them in the fridge. Mix the sauce beforehand to save time. This makes cooking quick when you are ready to eat. Is the recipe suitable for meal prep? Absolutely! This recipe is great for meal prep. Cook a big batch and divide it into containers. Store in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors will meld together, making it even tastier. Caloric content of crispy tofu stir-fry A serving of crispy tofu stir-fry has about 300-400 calories. The exact number depends on what you add. This dish is filling without being heavy. Health benefits of tofu and vegetables Tofu is a good source of protein and iron. It helps build and repair muscles. The vegetables provide vitamins and fiber. Eating this dish supports a healthy diet. It’s low in fat and high in nutrients. Making crispy tofu stir-fry is simple and fun. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and tips for perfect crispiness. You learned how to mix vegetables and sauces for great flavor. Don’t forget about storage methods to enjoy leftovers later. With variations like different vegetables and sauces, you can tailor this dish to your taste. Give it a try, and you'll make a delicious meal that everyone will love. Enjoy your cooking adventure with tofu!$

Discover how to create a delicious crispy tofu stir-fry with this easy recipe guide! Packed with vibrant vegetables and flavored with a delightful sauce, this dish is not only simple to make but also healthy and satisfying. Perfect for impressing your family or meal prepping for the week, you’ll learn tips to achieve that perfect crunch. Ready to cook up some flavor? Click through for the full recipe and transform your meals today!

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Ingredients

14 oz firm tofu, pressed and cubed

2 tablespoons cornstarch

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 red bell pepper, sliced

1 cup snap peas

1 small carrot, julienned

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon ginger, grated

3 green onions, chopped

3 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 teaspoon chili paste (adjust to taste)

Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

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

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

Heat Oil: In a large non-stick skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

Cook Tofu: Carefully add the tofu cubes to the skillet in a single layer. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.

Stir-Fry Vegetables: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Toss in the sliced red bell pepper, snap peas, and julienned carrot. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften but remain crisp.

Add Aromatics: Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the veggies, stir-frying for an additional minute until fragrant.

Combine Ingredients: Return the crispy tofu to the skillet and mix well with the vegetables.

Flavor It Up: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and chili paste. Pour this mixture over the tofu and vegetables, tossing everything to coat evenly. Stir-fry for another minute to heat through.

Garnish: Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

- Prep Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 35 mins | Servings: 2-3

- Presentation Tips: Serve the stir-fry hot over a bed of steamed rice or quinoa. Garnish with additional sesame seeds and green onions for a pop of color and crunch. Enjoy your delightful and healthy meal!