Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu

$- Firm tofu (14 oz), drained and cubed - Fresh vegetables: broccoli, red and yellow bell peppers, carrots, snap peas - Aromatics: garlic, ginger, green onions - Soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) - Sesame oil - Olive oil - Sesame seeds for garnish - Salt and pepper to taste The main ingredients for this vegetable stir-fry with tofu create a colorful plate. Firm tofu gives the dish protein while soaking up flavors. Fresh vegetables add crunch and nutrients. I like using broccoli, red and yellow bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas. These veggies taste great together, each bringing its own flavor and color. For the aromatics, I use garlic, ginger, and green onions. Garlic adds a warm flavor, while ginger brings a bit of spice. Green onions add a fresh touch. In the seasoning section, I stick with simple yet flavorful choices. Soy sauce gives the stir-fry its salty taste. If you want gluten-free, swap soy sauce with tamari. Sesame oil has a nutty flavor that enhances the dish. Olive oil works well for cooking. Finally, I sprinkle sesame seeds on top for crunch. Salt and pepper help balance everything out. You can find the full recipe above for exact amounts and steps. To make the best vegetable stir-fry with tofu, start by pressing the tofu. Pressing helps remove excess moisture. Here’s how you do it: - Wrap the tofu block in several layers of paper towels. - Place a heavy object, like a cast iron skillet, on top. - Let it sit for about 15 minutes. After pressing, cut the tofu into even 1-inch cubes. This size helps it cook evenly. Next, marinate the tofu with soy sauce for great flavor. Use one tablespoon of soy sauce and toss the tofu gently. Let it marinate for 10 minutes for the best taste. Now, let’s cook the tofu. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add one tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Once hot, carefully add the marinated tofu cubes. Fry the tofu until it turns golden brown on all sides, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once golden, remove the tofu from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, lower the heat slightly. Add one tablespoon of sesame oil, then throw in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for around 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them, as burnt garlic can ruin the flavor. Next, it’s time for the vegetables! Toss in the fresh broccoli florets, sliced red and yellow bell peppers, julienned carrots, and snap peas. Stir-fry these colorful veggies for about 5-7 minutes. You want them to be tender-crisp—vibrant and slightly crisp is ideal. After the vegetables are cooked, return the golden-brown tofu to the skillet. Pour in the remaining tablespoon of soy sauce and gently toss everything together. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat everything through. Taste the stir-fry and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. For a beautiful finish, sprinkle sesame seeds and the chopped green parts of the green onions over the dish. This adds color and flavor. For more detailed cooking instructions, check the Full Recipe. To make crispy tofu, start by pressing it. This removes extra moisture. Wrap the tofu in paper towels and place a heavy object on top. Let it sit for about 15 minutes. This step helps the tofu brown better when cooked. Next, marinate the tofu. Use soy sauce for flavor. Toss the tofu cubes in soy sauce for about 10 minutes. This adds great taste to each bite. When stir-frying, use high heat. This helps the veggies stay crisp. Keep them moving in the pan. Stir them quickly to cook evenly. To keep the color bright, do not overcrowd the pan. Cook in small batches if needed. This preserves the fresh look and crunch of the vegetables. For a beautiful dish, serve the stir-fry in a shallow bowl. Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top. This adds color and flair. To complete your meal, pair the stir-fry with fluffy rice. Jasmine or brown rice works well. They soak up the tasty sauce and round out the meal. Enjoy your colorful veggie tofu stir-fry from the Full Recipe! {{image_4}} You can switch tofu for other proteins. Tempeh is a great choice. It has a nutty taste and firm texture. You can also use chickpeas. They add protein and fiber. If you want some meat, try shrimp or chicken. Shrimp cooks fast and tastes great with veggies. Chicken adds a hearty touch. Just cut it into small pieces and cook it before the veggies. Feel free to mix in seasonal veggies. Zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms work well. You can also try leafy greens like spinach or kale. They cook quickly and add nutrients. Want some heat? Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of chili flakes. This gives your stir-fry a spicy kick. Taste as you go to find your perfect spice level. The sauce makes a huge difference. Try teriyaki sauce for a sweeter flavor. Peanut sauce adds a rich, creamy taste. Both options work well with veggies and proteins. If you need it gluten-free, use tamari sauce instead of soy sauce. You can also add lime juice or sesame oil for extra flavor. Experiment with these sauces to find your favorite mix. Check the Full Recipe for more ideas! To keep your leftover stir-fry fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure to cool it down first before sealing. This helps maintain flavor and texture. In the fridge, your stir-fry can last for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze your stir-fry. First, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Press out as much air as you can before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. For reheating, use a skillet over medium heat. Stir it often to ensure even heating. This way, your stir-fry stays tasty and vibrant. For best results, avoid microwaving, as it can make the tofu soggy. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above! Yes, you can use frozen vegetables in this stir-fry. Frozen veggies are quick and easy. They save time and reduce waste. They also lock in nutrients during freezing. When using frozen vegetables, adjust cooking time. Cook them a bit longer than fresh ones. Aim for 7-10 minutes, depending on the type. To add heat, try these options: - Add red pepper flakes for a mild kick. - Use sriracha or chili paste for more spice. - Toss in sliced jalapeños for fresh heat. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. You can always add more if needed. This stir-fry pairs well with: - Jasmine rice or brown rice for a wholesome meal. - Quinoa for a protein boost. - Noodles for a different texture and flavor. You can also serve it with a light salad for added freshness. Yes, this recipe can be gluten-free. Use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari is a gluten-free soy sauce option. Make sure to check other ingredients too. Some brands of sesame oil and other sauces may contain gluten. Always read labels to ensure everything fits your dietary needs. Tofu and vegetable stir-fry is a simple and tasty meal. You learned how to prepare firm tofu, fresh veggies, and flavorful seasonings. I shared tips for crispier tofu and vibrant vegetables. With options for protein and sauce variations, you can tailor it to your tastes. Proper storage helps keep leftovers fresh. Enjoy this recipe with your favorite sides for a complete meal. Get ready to impress your family and friends with your culinary skills!$

Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu

Elevate your dinner with this colorful veggie tofu stir-fry that's packed with flavor and nutrients! Learn how to make this delicious dish using firm tofu, fresh vegetables, and a few simple sauces that create a delightful meal in just 40 minutes. Perfect for any night of the week, this stir-fry is a vibrant, healthy option for both plant-based eaters and veggie lovers. Click through for the full recipe and enjoy a burst of flavors tonight!

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Ingredients

1 block of firm tofu (approximately 14 oz), drained and cut into 1-inch cubes

2 tablespoons soy sauce (substitute with tamari for a gluten-free option)

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 cups fresh broccoli florets

1 medium red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips

1 medium yellow bell pepper, sliced into thin strips

1 medium carrot, julienned or cut into thin sticks

1 cup snap peas, ends trimmed

3 green onions, white and green parts chopped separately

3 cloves garlic, minced finely

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Tofu: Start by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture: wrap the tofu block in several layers of paper towels and place a heavy object on top (like a cast iron skillet) for about 15 minutes. Once pressed, cut the tofu into even 1-inch cubes.

Marinate: In a medium mixing bowl, add the cubed tofu and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. Gently toss to coat. Allow the tofu to marinate for about 10 minutes for maximum flavor absorption.

Cook the Tofu: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, carefully add the marinated tofu cubes. Fry the tofu, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides, which should take about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, remove the tofu from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, lower the heat slightly and add the sesame oil. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for around 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.

Add Vegetables: Toss in the fresh broccoli florets, sliced red and yellow bell peppers, julienned carrot, and snap peas. Stir-fry these colorful vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp—vibrant and slightly crisp is ideal.

Combine: Return the golden-brown tofu back to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the remaining tablespoon of soy sauce and gently toss everything together to combine, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure everything is heated through.

Season and Garnish: Taste the stir-fry, adjusting the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Finish by sprinkling sesame seeds and the chopped green parts of the green onions over the dish for added flavor and color.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve the vibrant stir-fry in a large, shallow bowl or on a platter, garnished with extra sesame seeds and a sprinkle of green onions for a pop of color. For a wholesome meal, pair it with fluffy cooked jasmine or brown rice, which complements the flavors beautifully.