Tofu Vegetable Stir Fry is a delightful dish that embodies vibrant colors, an array of textures, and an explosion of flavors. This quick and easy recipe features tofu as the star ingredient, perfectly complemented by a medley of fresh vegetables. This stir fry is not just a feast for the eyes; it’s also packed with nutrients, making it a wholesome choice for any meal. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying vegetarian option or simply want to enjoy a light yet delicious dish, this recipe will surely become a favorite in your kitchen.
Why We Love This Tofu Vegetable Stir Fry Recipe
There are countless reasons to fall in love with this Tofu Vegetable Stir Fry. First and foremost, it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt it to include your favorite veggies or whatever you have on hand. This stir fry is also a fantastic way to introduce more plant-based meals into your diet, as it’s rich in protein and vitamins. The tofu’s crispy texture paired with the tender crunch of the vegetables creates a satisfying and enjoyable eating experience.
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights since it comes together in under 30 minutes. Moreover, it is not only delicious but also budget-friendly, using affordable ingredients that you can find in any grocery store. You’ll find that once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your meal rotation.
Ingredients about Tofu Vegetable Stir Fry
To prepare this flavorful Tofu Vegetable Stir Fry, you will need the following ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering the signature flavors and textures of the dish.
- 1/2 head cabbage, sliced
- 1 Knorr Chicken Cube
- 1 bunch baby bok choy, sliced
- 6 shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- 15 snow peas
- 12 oz. tofu, extra firm, cubed
- 3/4 cups green peas
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, crushed
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup cooking oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
How to Make Tofu Vegetable Stir Fry Directions
Now that you have gathered all the ingredients, let’s dive into the preparation of your Tofu Vegetable Stir Fry. The process is straightforward, ensuring that you maintain the freshness and crunch of the vegetables while infusing them with delicious flavors.
- Frying the Tofu: Begin by heating 1 cup of cooking oil in a small pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the cubed tofu. Fry until the tofu turns a beautiful golden brown, around 5 to 7 minutes. Once done, remove the tofu from the oil and place it on paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a wok, heat about 3 tablespoons of the oil used for frying the tofu. Add the sliced onion and crushed garlic. Sauté them over medium heat until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Introducing the Vegetables: Once the onion is softened, add the sliced mushrooms and carrots to the wok. Stir-fry for an additional 2 minutes. This step helps to release the flavors of the vegetables, making them even more delightful.
- Adding the Sauce: Pour the soy sauce over the sautéed vegetables, and toss well to ensure everything is coated. Allow this to cook for another 2 minutes.
- Creating the Base: Next, add the snow peas, Knorr Chicken Cube, and 1 cup of water to the mixture. Bring everything to a boil. The chicken cube will dissolve, adding a savory depth to your dish.
- Cooking the Remaining Vegetables: When the mixture reaches a boil, add the sliced cabbage, baby bok choy, and green peas. Toss everything well to combine and cover the wok. Let it cook for about 3 minutes, allowing the vegetables to wilt down slightly while retaining their crispness.
- Bringing in the Tofu: Once the vegetables are cooked, carefully add the fried tofu back into the wok. Season the mixture with sugar, salt, and ground black pepper to taste. Stir gently so you don’t break the tofu cubes.
- Thickening the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Pour this mixture into the wok, stirring continuously. This will help thicken the sauce, resulting in a lovely glaze that clings to the vegetables and tofu.
- Finishing Touches: Continue to cook for another minute or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Finally, drizzle the sesame oil over the dish, giving it a final stir to incorporate the flavors.
- Serving: Once everything is thoroughly combined and cooked, transfer your Tofu Vegetable Stir Fry to a serving bowl. This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, but feel free to serve it alongside your favorite grain or noodle if you prefer a different base.
How to Serve Tofu Vegetable Stir Fry
Once your Tofu Vegetable Stir Fry is ready, it’s time to serve it! This dish is not only a visual feast but also respects the nutritional harmony you’re looking for. Serving is simple: just spoon a generous helping over a bed of white or brown rice.
Garnish your dish with some sesame seeds or chopped green onions for an extra touch, if you’d like. These small additions will enhance the visual appeal and bring an added layer of flavor. This stir fry can also be a fulfilling main course, or you may choose to have it as a vibrant side alongside your favorite protein options.
For those who enjoy meal prepping, consider packaging your stir fry in individual containers for easy reheating throughout the week.
Expert Tips: Tofu Vegetable Stir Fry
To get the best out of your Tofu Vegetable Stir Fry, here are some expert tips that will ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time:
- Choose the Right Tofu: Opt for extra-firm tofu for this recipe to maintain its structure during cooking. Be sure to press it before cooking to remove excess moisture. This helps in achieving a crispier texture after frying.
- Experiment with Vegetables: The beauty of stir fry lies in its versatility. Feel free to substitute or add vegetables according to your taste preferences and seasonal availability. Broccoli, bell peppers, and zucchini all work wonderfully in this dish.
- Adjusting Sauces: If you prefer a stronger flavor profile, consider increasing the soy sauce or adding in some chili sauce for a bit of heat. Alternatively, use low-sodium soy sauce to lighten the sodium content if desired.
- Maximize Flavor: Don’t skip the step of frying the tofu until golden. This not only adds flavor but also creates a wonderful contrast with the tender vegetables when combined.
- Cook in Batches: If you are making a large batch, cook the vegetables in batches to ensure they stay crisp and sauté evenly. A crowded wok can lead to steaming rather than frying.
How to Store Tofu Vegetable Stir Fry
After enjoying your Tofu Vegetable Stir Fry, you may find you have leftovers. No worries! This dish stores beautifully for future meals. To store your stir fry, follow these simple steps:
- Cooling: Allow the stir fry to cool down to room temperature. This helps prevent condensation and keeps the dish fresh.
- Containers: Transfer the stir fry into an airtight container. Ensure it is sealed tightly to prevent air from getting in.
- Refrigeration: Store your Tofu Vegetable Stir Fry in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to a month.
- Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them in a microwave-safe dish or on the stovetop with a splash of water to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through.
Variation of Tofu Vegetable Stir Fry
While the original recipe is already a crowd-pleaser, there are plenty of ways to customize your Tofu Vegetable Stir Fry to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are just a few variations you might consider:
- Spicy Tofu Stir Fry: Add sliced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of sriracha for a spicy kick that will elevate your dish.
- Peanut Sauce Version: For a nutty flavor, replace the oyster sauce with a homemade or store-bought peanut sauce. This will create a beautiful fusion of flavors.
- Add Protein: Include additional proteins, such as chickpeas or tempeh, to make the stir fry even more filling.
- Rice or Noodle Base: Serve the stir fry over rice noodles or serve it with udon noodles to create a comforting noodle bowl.
- Seasonal Vegetables: Adjust the vegetables according to the seasons. Think leafy greens in the spring or root vegetables in the fall — your stir fry can truly be a reflection of what’s available to you.
FAQ about Tofu Vegetable Stir Fry
What is Tofu Vegetable Stir Fry?
Tofu Vegetable Stir Fry is a simple, yet flavorful dish made with cubed tofu and a variety of vegetables, sautéed together with savory sauces. It’s a quick meal option that is both nutritious and satisfying.
Can I use other vegetables in Tofu Vegetable Stir Fry?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, allowing you to use any combination of your favorite vegetables. Feel free to incorporate bell peppers, broccoli, or even bok choy based on your preference.
Is Tofu Vegetable Stir Fry gluten-free?
To make your Tofu Vegetable Stir Fry gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure that the other sauces you include do not contain gluten.
How can I make Tofu Vegetable Stir Fry spicier?
You can easily add a kick to your stir fry by including sliced chilies or using a chili sauce. Adjust the quantity according to your desired level of heat.
How long can Tofu Vegetable Stir Fry last in the fridge?
Well-stored in an airtight container, your Tofu Vegetable Stir Fry can last in the refrigerator for about 3 days.
Tofu Vegetable Stir Fry
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 head 1/2 head cabbage, sliced
- 1 bunch 1 bunch baby bok choy, sliced
- 6 6 shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- 15 15 snow peas
- 1 carrot 1 carrot, sliced
- 1 onion 1 onion, sliced
- 4 cloves 4 cloves garlic, crushed
Tofu and Seasoning
- 12 oz. 12 oz. tofu, extra firm, cubed Press to remove moisture.
- 2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 cup 1 cup water
- 1 cup 1 cup cooking oil For frying.
- 1/2 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste Salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 1 Knorr Chicken Cube 1 Knorr Chicken Cube Enhances flavor.
Instructions
Frying the Tofu
- Heat 1 cup of cooking oil in a small pot over medium heat.
- Carefully add the cubed tofu and fry until golden brown, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Remove the tofu from the oil and place it on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics
- In a wok, heat about 3 tablespoons of oil used for frying the tofu.
- Add sliced onion and crushed garlic, sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until onion is translucent.
Introducing the Vegetables
- Add sliced mushrooms and carrots to the wok and stir-fry for another 2 minutes.
Adding the Sauce
- Pour soy sauce over the sautéed vegetables, toss well to coat, and cook for another 2 minutes.
Creating the Base
- Add snow peas, Knorr Chicken Cube, and 1 cup of water to the mixture and bring to a boil.
Cooking the Remaining Vegetables
- Once boiling, add sliced cabbage, baby bok choy, and green peas.
- Toss to combine and cover the wok, cooking for about 3 minutes until vegetables wilt slightly.
Bringing in the Tofu
- Add the fried tofu back into the wok.
- Season with sugar, salt, and ground black pepper to taste, stirring gently.
Thickening the Sauce
- Mix cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of water to create a slurry.
- Pour this mixture into the wok, stirring continuously to thicken the sauce.
Finishing Touches
- Cook for another minute until the sauce reaches desired consistency.
- Drizzle sesame oil over the dish and give it a final stir.
Serving
- Transfer the Tofu Vegetable Stir Fry to a serving bowl.
- Serve over steamed rice and garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions if desired.
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