Stir-fried Tofu with Vegetables

Stir-fried Tofu with Vegetables Recipe - Vegan Asian Cuisine

Region / culture: Asia | Servings: 4 |

Vegan diet

Introduction

Stir-fried tofu with vegetables is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. This recipe combines the protein-packed tofu with colorful and nutritious vegetables, creating a flavorful and satisfying dish that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

Stir-fried tofu with vegetables is a popular dish in many Asian cuisines, where tofu is a staple ingredient. Tofu, also known as bean curd, has been consumed in Asia for centuries and is valued for its versatility and health benefits. Stir-frying is a cooking technique that originated in China and involves quickly cooking ingredients in a hot wok or skillet with a small amount of oil.

Ingredients

10.5 oz (298 g) of firm bean curd (tofu)
2 tbsp of vegetable oil
2 garlic cloves, sliced
1 carrot, peeled and cut into 0.5" julienne
0.5 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 tsp of chile powder
2 tbsp of low-sodium soy sauce
1 tbsp of freshly squeezed lime juice
1 tbsp of nuoc mam sauce (Vietnamese fish sauce)
1 tbsp of brown sugar

How to prepare

Drain the bean curd and lightly pat it dry with paper towels. Cut it into 0.75" cubes.
Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add garlic and stir-fry for 1 minute or until lightly browned on both sides. Remove the garlic and set it aside. Add the tofu cubes and fry them quickly until all sides are browned. Remove the tofu and set it aside.
Add the carrot and bell pepper and stir-fry for 1 minute until they are crisp-tender. Place the vegetables on a serving dish, then pile the cooked tofu on top.
In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, soy sauce, lime juice, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Spoon the sauce over the tofu and vegetables, then sprinkle with the reserved cooked garlic. Serve immediately.

Variations

Add your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli, snow peas, or mushrooms, to customize the dish.
Use different seasonings, such as ginger, garlic, or sesame oil, to change the flavor profile of the dish.
Substitute tofu with chicken, shrimp, or beef for a meatier version of the dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to drain the tofu well and pat it dry before cooking to remove excess moisture and ensure a crispy texture.

- Cut the tofu and vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.

- Stir-fry the ingredients over high heat to quickly cook them and retain their crispness.

- Customize the dish by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the seasonings to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the stir-fried tofu with vegetables over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as cilantro or green onions, for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying: Quick cooking method that involves cooking ingredients in a hot wok or skillet with a small amount of oil.

Ingredient Substitutions

Firm tofu can be substituted with extra-firm tofu or tempeh.

- Vegetable oil can be substituted with sesame oil or peanut oil for added flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the tofu and vegetables ahead of time and store them in separate containers in the refrigerator until ready to cook. Mix the sauce ingredients together and store in a separate container.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the stir-fried tofu with vegetables in a large serving dish or individual bowls. Garnish with sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds for a decorative touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a side of steamed jasmine rice or noodles. Serve with a side of kimchi or pickled vegetables for added flavor.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 240 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 18g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 14g per serving

Saturated Fat: 2g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 12g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium from the vegetables.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy (tofu) and fish sauce, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Stir-fried tofu with vegetables is a nutritious dish that is high in protein and fiber, making it a healthy choice for a balanced meal.

Summary

Stir-fried tofu with vegetables is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to make at home. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a flavorful and satisfying meal that is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for stir-fried tofu with vegetables. It was during my travels to Asia many years ago, where I was fortunate enough to learn from some of the most talented cooks in the region. One particular evening, I found myself in a bustling street market in Thailand, surrounded by the sights and smells of exotic spices and fresh produce.

As I wandered through the colorful stalls, my eyes were drawn to a small food vendor who was expertly tossing pieces of tofu and vegetables in a sizzling wok. The aroma that wafted through the air was so enticing that I couldn't resist stopping to watch as he prepared his dish.

I struck up a conversation with the vendor, a friendly man named Mr. Wong, who graciously agreed to share his recipe with me. He explained that the key to a delicious stir-fried tofu dish was to first marinate the tofu in a flavorful sauce before quickly cooking it over high heat with an assortment of fresh vegetables.

I eagerly took notes as Mr. Wong walked me through the steps, from selecting the right tofu to the proper way to slice the vegetables. He emphasized the importance of using a good quality soy sauce and a pinch of sugar to balance out the flavors.

After sampling a generous portion of his dish, I was hooked. The combination of crispy tofu, tender vegetables, and a savory sauce was a symphony of flavors that I knew I had to recreate at home.

Back in my own kitchen, I set to work gathering the ingredients I needed to make Mr. Wong's stir-fried tofu with vegetables. I carefully sliced the tofu into bite-sized pieces and placed them in a bowl to marinate in a mixture of soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger.

While the tofu soaked up the flavors, I chopped an array of colorful vegetables – bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and snap peas – to add to the dish. I heated a wok over high heat and added a splash of sesame oil before tossing in the marinated tofu.

As the tofu sizzled and browned, I added the vegetables one by one, watching as they cooked to a perfect crisp-tender texture. A final drizzle of soy sauce and a sprinkle of sesame seeds added the finishing touch to the dish.

I couldn't wait to taste the fruits of my labor, and as I took my first bite, I was transported back to that bustling street market in Thailand. The flavors were just as I remembered – rich, savory, and full of umami.

Since that day, stir-fried tofu with vegetables has become a staple in my repertoire of recipes. I've made it countless times for family and friends, always receiving rave reviews and requests for the recipe.

Over the years, I've added my own twists and variations to the dish, incorporating different vegetables, experimenting with new sauces, and even trying my hand at homemade tofu. But no matter how I adapt the recipe, the essence of Mr. Wong's original dish remains at its core – a simple, yet satisfying meal that never fails to delight the senses.

As I sit down to enjoy a bowl of stir-fried tofu with vegetables, I can't help but feel grateful for the chance encounter that led me to discover this delicious recipe. It serves as a reminder of the joy and inspiration that can be found in the most unexpected of places, and the power of food to bring people together across cultures and continents.