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To start, gather these main ingredients for your crispy tofu stir-fry: - 14 oz firm tofu, cubed - 2 tablespoons cornstarch - 2 tablespoons sesame oil - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced - 1 cup broccoli florets - 2 carrots, julienned - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon ginger, grated These ingredients create a tasty base for your dish. The tofu gives protein and texture, while the veggies add color and crunch. You can make your stir-fry look nice with these optional garnishes: - 2 green onions, chopped - Sesame seeds These simple touches add flavor and fun to your meal. For flavor, you will need these seasonings and sauces: - 3 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon maple syrup - 1 teaspoon chili sauce (adjust to taste) These ingredients bring sweetness and heat to the dish. The soy sauce adds a savory depth that makes everything taste better. Feel free to check the Full Recipe for more details! Start by pressing the tofu. You want to get rid of extra moisture. Place the cubed tofu between paper towels. Then, set a heavy object, like a skillet, on top. Leave it for about 15 minutes. This step helps the tofu become crispier when you cook it. Next, toss the pressed tofu cubes in cornstarch. Make sure each piece is evenly coated. This coating is key for that crispy texture you'll love. In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the tofu cubes. Fry them until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. This should take about 10-12 minutes. Once done, remove the tofu from the pan and set it aside. This step ensures that your tofu is a star in your dish. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil. Now, throw in the sliced red and yellow bell peppers, broccoli florets, and julienned carrots. Stir-fry these for about 5-7 minutes. You want the veggies to be tender but still crisp. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan. Cook for an additional minute until they smell great. In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, maple syrup, and chili sauce. Pour this mixture over the stir-fried vegetables. Toss everything to coat well. Return the crispy tofu to the skillet. Stir gently to combine the tofu with the sauce and vegetables. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is hot. You can find the full recipe for guidance on all the steps. Pressing tofu helps remove excess water. Water makes tofu soggy, so we want it dry. To press tofu, start with firm tofu. Slice it into cubes. Then, place the cubes between paper towels. Set a heavy skillet on top for about 15 minutes. This step is key to achieving that crispy texture. Once pressed, coat the tofu in cornstarch. This creates a crunchy outer layer when cooked. Choosing vegetables adds flavor and color to the dish. I love using bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots. They cook quickly and stay crisp. You can also add snap peas or bok choy. Just remember to cut them into even pieces. This helps them cook at the same speed. Using a mix of bright colors makes the dish more appealing. Fresh, seasonal veggies taste best, too! Adjusting the sauce is all about balance. Start with soy sauce, maple syrup, and chili sauce. This gives you sweet, salty, and spicy flavors. Taste as you go! If you want more heat, add more chili sauce. If it’s too salty, add a bit of water or more maple syrup. You can also try adding lime juice or sesame oil for extra depth. Personalize the sauce to fit your taste! For the full recipe, be sure to check the link above. {{image_2}} If you want to switch things up, try different proteins. Tempeh works well. It has a nutty taste and a firmer texture. Chickpeas are a great plant-based choice, too. They add protein and a nice bite. You can even use shrimp or chicken if you prefer meat. Just adjust the cooking time so your protein cooks through. Feel free to get creative with your veggies! Snow peas add a nice crunch. Zucchini brings a mild flavor that pairs well with sauces. You could also try mushrooms for their earthy notes. Cauliflower florets or green beans add great texture and color. Use whatever is fresh and in season for the best taste. Switching up the sauce can change your dish completely. Try teriyaki sauce for a sweet twist. Hoisin sauce also adds a rich flavor. For a spicy kick, use sriracha or chili garlic sauce. You can mix in some lime juice for brightness. Each sauce gives the stir-fry a new personality. You can find more tips in the Full Recipe. To keep your crispy tofu stir-fry fresh, let it cool first. After cooling, place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This helps maintain its flavor and texture. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. For freezing, separate the tofu and vegetables. Place them in different containers. Tofu can be frozen for up to three months. Just remember to drain and press it before freezing. Vegetables can also freeze well, but blanching them first helps keep their color and taste. When ready to eat, reheat the tofu and veggies separately. Use a skillet for the best results. Heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add your tofu and cook until crispy again. For the veggies, heat them until warm, about five minutes. This will help bring back some of the original texture. Enjoy your meal with fresh rice or noodles! For the full recipe, check out the Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry section. To make tofu crispy, start by pressing it. Remove excess water by placing cubed tofu between paper towels. Place a heavy object on top for about 15 minutes. This helps the tofu absorb flavors and texture. Next, coat the tofu in cornstarch. This step creates a crunchy crust. Then, heat sesame oil in a skillet. Fry the tofu until golden brown on all sides. This process takes about 10-12 minutes. The result is a crispy, delicious base for your stir-fry. Silken tofu is not ideal for stir-fry. It has a soft texture that does not hold shape well. Firm tofu works best as it provides a sturdy base. If you use silken tofu, it may break apart during cooking. If you want a creamy texture, consider using it in soups or sauces instead. There are many great side dishes for stir-fry. Here are a few options: - Jasmine rice - Quinoa - Brown rice - Noodles - Steamed dumplings - Fresh spring rolls These sides enhance your stir-fry and create a balanced meal. You can also add a simple salad for fresh crunch. We explored how to make a great crispy tofu stir-fry. You learned about key ingredients, from tofu to sauces. The cooking steps focused on making tofu crispy and stir-frying vegetables. I shared helpful tips for pressing tofu and choosing fresh veggies. You also found variations to enhance flavor and texture. Lastly, we covered storage and reheating tips to keep your dish tasty. Remember, experimenting in the kitchen will bring out your creativity. Enjoy cooking your delicious stir-fry!

Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry

Elevate your dinner game with this delicious crispy tofu stir-fry that's bursting with flavor! Made with fresh veggies and a savory sauce, this easy recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Learn how to achieve an irresistible crispy texture with simple techniques. Ready to whip up a delightful dish? Click through to discover the full recipe and impress your taste buds!
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Ingredients
  

14 oz firm tofu, cubed

2 tablespoons cornstarch

2 tablespoons sesame oil

1 red bell pepper, sliced

1 yellow bell pepper, sliced

1 cup broccoli florets

2 carrots, julienned

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon ginger, grated

3 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon maple syrup

1 teaspoon chili sauce (adjust to taste)

2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Begin by pressing the tofu. Place the cubed tofu between paper towels and set a heavy object (like a skillet) on top for about 15 minutes to extract excess moisture.

    After pressing, lightly toss the tofu cubes in cornstarch until evenly coated. This will help create a crispy exterior when cooked.

      In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and fry until golden brown and crispy on all sides, approximately 10-12 minutes. Remove tofu from the pan and set aside.

        In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil. Throw in the sliced bell peppers, broccoli florets, and julienned carrots. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables are tender yet still crisp.

          Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

            In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, maple syrup, and chili sauce. Pour this sauce over the stir-fried vegetables, tossing to coat evenly.

              Return the crispy tofu to the skillet and stir gently to combine with the sauce and vegetables, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until everything is hot.

                Remove from heat and serve hot.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 mins | 30 mins | 4 servings

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the stir-fry in a large bowl, garnished with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top. Pair it with jasmine rice or quinoa for a complete meal.