Thai-Inspired Stir-Fry

Thai-Inspired Vegetarian Stir-Fry Recipe with Tofu, Asparagus, and Sugar Snap Peas

Region / culture: Thailand | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

This Thai-Inspired Stir-Fry recipe is a delicious and healthy dish that combines tofu, asparagus, mushrooms, and snow peas with a flavorful sauce. It is a great option for a quick and easy weeknight meal that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

History

Stir-frying is a cooking technique that originated in China and has since spread to many other Asian countries, including Thailand. This Thai-inspired stir-fry recipe combines traditional Thai flavors with fresh and vibrant ingredients to create a dish that is both delicious and nutritious.

Ingredients

14 oz (397 g) firm tofu, drained
2 tbsp vegetable oil, or more to taste
3 tbsp thinly sliced garlic (about 5 large cloves)
4 4 inches-long pieces lemongrass
1 lb (454 g) asparagus, tough ends trimmed and spears peeled and blanched
1 bunch scallions, finely chopped
0.5 lb (227 g) sugar snap peas or snow peas
2 tsp granulated sugar
salt to taste
0.13 tsp red Thai chile paste, or more to taste
12 oz (340 g) mushrooms, wiped clean and sliced
0.25 cup low-sodium soy sauce, or more to taste
2 to 4 tsp finely chopped cilantro, or more to taste, for garnish

How to prepare

1. Slice the tofu into pieces measuring 0.5 inch x 0.5 inch x 2 inches. Place the tofu on triple layers of paper towels, top with another triple layer of paper towels, and press out excess moisture.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the tofu and cook for about 5 minutes, turning over once or twice, until golden brown. Using a slotted spatula, remove the tofu pieces and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Set aside.
3. Add garlic and lemongrass to the skillet and stir-fry for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the garlic becomes fragrant. Using a slotted spoon, remove the garlic and discard it. Leave the lemongrass in the skillet.
4. Cut the asparagus spears into 5.5-inch lengths. Add scallions, asparagus, and sugar snap peas to the skillet and stir-fry for 1 minute. Add sugar, salt, and chili paste, and stir. Add mushrooms and soy sauce, bring to a boil, cover, and cook for 2 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and have released their juices. Serve hot over rice and garnish with cilantro.

Variations

Add your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots.
Substitute chicken, shrimp, or beef for the tofu for a different protein option.
Experiment with different sauces such as teriyaki or peanut sauce for a unique flavor twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to press the tofu to remove excess moisture before cooking to ensure a crispy texture.

- Use a high heat when stir-frying to quickly cook the vegetables while maintaining their crispness.

- Adjust the amount of chili paste to suit your spice preference.

- Garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor and color.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this stir-fry over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. You can also pair it with a side of fresh salad or spring rolls.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying involves cooking ingredients quickly over high heat while constantly stirring to ensure even cooking. It is important to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have tofu, you can use chicken, shrimp, or beef as a protein alternative. You can also substitute soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the tofu and vegetables ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. This will help save time when you are ready to make the stir-fry.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this Thai-Inspired Stir-Fry in a large serving bowl garnished with fresh cilantro for a beautiful presentation. You can also sprinkle some sesame seeds on top for added texture.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this stir-fry with a side of steamed jasmine rice and a refreshing cucumber salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

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 before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this Thai-Inspired Stir-Fry contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

This Thai-Inspired Stir-Fry recipe contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

This dish contains approximately 15 grams of fat per serving.

Proteins

Each serving of this stir-fry provides around 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This recipe is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and potassium from the vegetables.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and wheat (if using soy sauce with wheat) allergens.

Summary

Overall, this Thai-Inspired Stir-Fry is a balanced and nutritious meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

This Thai-Inspired Stir-Fry recipe is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. Packed with fresh vegetables, tofu, and a delicious sauce, this stir-fry is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew I had to try it. It was a beautiful sunny day in Thailand, and I was wandering through a bustling outdoor market in Bangkok. The air was filled with the enticing smells of exotic spices and sizzling stir-fries, and my stomach was rumbling with hunger.

As I meandered through the maze of vendors, my eyes were drawn to a small stall tucked away in a corner. A smiling Thai woman was standing behind a sizzling wok, deftly tossing vegetables and meat in a fragrant sauce. The enticing aromas wafting from her stall beckoned me closer, and I couldn't resist stopping to watch her cook.

I stood there mesmerized as she expertly combined fresh vegetables, succulent shrimp, and fragrant herbs in her wok. The colors and textures of the ingredients danced before my eyes, and my mouth watered in anticipation. I knew I had to learn this recipe and bring a taste of Thailand home with me.

I approached the woman tentatively, hoping she would share her culinary secrets with me. To my delight, she welcomed me with a warm smile and a friendly greeting in broken English. I fumbled through my limited Thai vocabulary, trying to convey my admiration for her cooking skills and my eagerness to learn from her.

She laughed at my clumsy attempts at communication and gestured for me to stay and watch her cook. I stood by her side, mesmerized by her graceful movements and the tantalizing smells emanating from her wok. She moved with a fluidity and precision that spoke of years of practice and passion for her craft.

As I watched her create her Thai-inspired stir-fry, I marveled at the simplicity and elegance of the dish. It was a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, with each ingredient playing a vital role in creating a symphony of tastes. The sweet and tangy sauce clung to the tender shrimp and crunchy vegetables, creating a mouthwatering medley that was both comforting and exciting.

After she finished cooking, the woman handed me a small scrap of paper with the recipe scribbled on it in a mix of Thai and English. I thanked her profusely and promised to cherish this gift and recreate her delicious stir-fry in my own kitchen.

When I returned home from my travels, I wasted no time in gathering the ingredients and attempting to make the Thai-inspired stir-fry for myself. I carefully followed the woman's instructions, chopping vegetables, marinating shrimp, and whisking together the sauce with a sense of purpose and determination.

As I cooked, the fragrant smells of garlic, ginger, and lemongrass filled my kitchen, transporting me back to that bustling market in Bangkok. I felt a sense of connection to the woman who had shared her recipe with me, and I poured my heart and soul into recreating her dish.

When I finally sat down to taste the fruits of my labor, I was overcome with joy and satisfaction. The flavors were vibrant and complex, with a perfect balance of sweet, salty, spicy, and sour. Each bite was a revelation, a celebration of the culinary traditions and cultural heritage of Thailand.

Since that fateful day in Bangkok, I have made the Thai-inspired stir-fry countless times, tweaking and perfecting the recipe to suit my own tastes and preferences. Each time I cook it, I am reminded of the kind woman who shared her culinary wisdom with me and the magical journey that led me to discover the beauty of Thai cuisine.

Now, as I pass this recipe on to you, my dear grandchild, I hope that you will carry on the tradition of culinary exploration and discovery. May this Thai-inspired stir-fry bring you as much joy and fulfillment as it has brought me, and may it inspire you to seek out new flavors, ingredients, and experiences in your own culinary adventures. Bon appétit!