Cooking Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings:
- Serves 4
This Spicy Tofu Stir-Fry is a quick and flavorful vegan meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight. Packed with fresh vegetables and spicy tofu, this dish is both nutritious and satisfying. Let’s dive into the recipe and create this delicious dish!
Ingredients:
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 block (14 ounces) of firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup of snap peas, trimmed
- 1 cup of broccoli florets
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce or tamari
- 2 tablespoons of hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of sriracha or another hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon of maple syrup or agave nectar
- 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
- 1/4 cup of water
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Tofu
- Press the Tofu: Press the tofu to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy texture.
- Cube the Tofu: Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes.
- Coat with Cornstarch: In a bowl, toss the tofu cubes with cornstarch until evenly coated. This helps the tofu get crispy when cooked.
Step 2: Cook the Tofu
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Tofu: Add the tofu cubes and cook until all sides are golden brown and crispy, about 7-10 minutes. Remove the tofu from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
- Mix the Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha, maple syrup, sesame oil, and water. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix in the cornstarch as well.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
- Heat the Oil: In the same skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the Vegetables: Stir in the bell peppers, snap peas, broccoli, and carrot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
- Add the Tofu and Sauce: Return the crispy tofu to the skillet and pour the sauce over the stir-fry. Toss everything together until the tofu and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Heat Through: Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly and everything is heated through.
- Serve: Serve the spicy tofu stir-fry hot over cooked rice or noodles.
- Garnish: Garnish with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro.
Tips and Variations:
- Extra Protein: Add some edamame or chickpeas for extra protein.
- Different Vegetables: Substitute or add other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bok choy for variety.
- Spicy Kick: Adjust the amount of sriracha or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for more heat.
- Nutty Flavor: Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts on top for added texture and flavor.
Nutritional Information:
This dish is rich in protein from the tofu and packed with vitamins and minerals from the fresh vegetables. The sauce is flavorful yet balanced, providing a slight sweetness from the maple syrup and a kick from the sriracha.
Storage and Reheating:
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of water or soy sauce to refresh the flavors.
Serving Suggestions:
- With Rice: Serve over steamed jasmine or brown rice for a complete meal.
- With Noodles: Pair with soba, rice, or udon noodles for a delicious alternative.
- As a Wrap: Use large lettuce leaves to create a fresh and crunchy wrap with the tofu stir-fry.
This Spicy Tofu Stir-Fry is a versatile and delicious dish that can be customized to suit your preferences. Perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your vegan cooking repertoire. Enjoy the rich and spicy flavors of this delightful dish. Happy cooking!
