Tofu and Broccoli with Peanut Sauce

Tofu and Broccoli with Peanut Sauce Recipe - Vegetarian Thai Dish

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

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Tofu and broccoli with peanut sauce is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the creaminess of tofu with the crunchiness of broccoli, all coated in a flavorful peanut sauce. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal that the whole family will love.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional Asian stir-fry dishes that have been enjoyed for centuries. Tofu, a staple in Asian cuisine, is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Broccoli, with its vibrant green color and crunchy texture, adds a healthy and delicious element to this dish. The peanut sauce brings a rich and savory flavor that ties everything together perfectly.

Ingredients

The Sauce

0.5 cup of unprocessed peanut butter
0.5 cup of hot water
0.25 cup of cider vinegar
2 tbsp of tamari
2 tbsp of blackstrap molasses
0.5 tsp of cayenne pepper

The Sauté

1 bunch of fresh broccoli (1 lb or 454 g) (frozen is also acceptable)
3 tbsp of oil
8 minced garlic cloves
1 lb (454 g) of tofu, cut into small cubes
3 dashes of salt
2 cups of thinly-sliced onions
1 cup of coarsely-chopped raw peanuts
2 to 3 tbsp of tamari

How to prepare

The Sauce

In a small saucepan, whisk together the peanut butter and hot water until the consistency is uniform.
Whisk in the remaining ingredients.
Set aside.

The Sauté

Cut off the bottom half-inch of the broccoli stems. Shave off the tough outer skins of the stalks with a sharp paring knife or a vegetable peeler.
Cut the stalks diagonally into thin slices. Coarsely chop the florets. Set aside.
Begin heating the large skillet. When it is hot, add 1 tbsp of oil.
Add half of the garlic and lightly salt.
Sauté over medium heat for 1 minute, then add the tofu chunks.
Turn up the heat slightly and stir-fry the tofu for 5-8 minutes.
Transfer the tofu, along with any liquid it may have released, to the saucepan of peanut sauce.
Gently mix everything together.
Wipe the skillet with a paper towel and return it to the stove to heat again.
Add the remaining garlic and lightly salt.
Add the onions and some black pepper.
Sauté, stirring frequently, over medium heat until the onions are soft.
On another burner, begin heating the peanut-tofu sauce on low heat. It should be warmed through, not cooked.
Add the broccoli and chopped peanuts to the skillet.
Add 2-3 tbsp of tamari and stir-fry over medium-high heat until the broccoli is bright green and just tender.
Pour the heated peanut sauce over the sauté. Toss everything gently until all ingredients are coated.
Serve over long-grained white or brown rice (basmati is recommended).

Variations

Add diced bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for extra color and crunch.
Use almond butter or cashew butter instead of peanut butter for a different flavor profile.
Swap out the tofu for chicken, shrimp, or tempeh for a different protein option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to press the tofu before cooking to remove excess moisture and allow it to absorb more flavor.

- Cut the broccoli into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.

- Be careful not to overcook the broccoli, as it should be bright green and slightly tender.

- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the sauce to suit your spice preference.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the tofu and broccoli with peanut sauce over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Garnish with chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying is the primary cooking technique used in this recipe, which involves quickly cooking ingredients in a hot pan with oil over high heat. This method helps to retain the texture and nutrients of the vegetables while allowing the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have cider vinegar, you can use rice vinegar or white wine vinegar as a substitute. You can also use honey or maple syrup instead of blackstrap molasses for a sweeter sauce.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the peanut sauce and chop the vegetables ahead of time to save time on busy weeknights. Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the tofu and broccoli with peanut sauce in a large serving bowl or on individual plates. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped peanuts and a drizzle of sriracha for a pop of color and heat.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a side of steamed jasmine rice, a cucumber salad, or a side of kimchi for a complete and satisfying meal. A glass of chilled white wine or a cold beer would also complement the flavors of this dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 520 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 32g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 38g per serving

Saturated Fat: 6g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 24g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 120% of daily value per serving

Calcium: 20% of daily value per serving

Iron: 25% of daily value per serving

Alergens

Contains peanuts and soy

Summary

This dish is a good source of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a satisfying and nutritious meal that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Tofu and broccoli with peanut sauce is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight meal. With a creamy peanut sauce, tender tofu, and crunchy broccoli, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the combination of flavors and textures in this delicious and satisfying recipe.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a treasured one. It was a sunny afternoon, and I was visiting my dear friend Lily in her cozy little kitchen. As we chatted about life and shared stories, she suddenly got up and started rummaging through her pantry.

"I have a new recipe I want to try out," she declared with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "It's a tofu and broccoli stir-fry with a delicious peanut sauce. You're going to love it!"

I watched with fascination as Lily chopped up the tofu and broccoli with expert precision, adding a medley of spices and herbs to create a fragrant aroma that filled the kitchen. The peanut sauce she whipped up was a perfect blend of creamy and tangy, with just the right amount of heat.

As we sat down to eat, I took a tentative bite of the dish and was instantly transported to a world of flavors and textures that I had never experienced before. The tofu was silky smooth, the broccoli crunchy and fresh, and the peanut sauce added a rich depth of flavor that tied everything together perfectly.

I was hooked. From that moment on, I knew this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen. I begged Lily to share the recipe with me, and she did so gladly, passing down the secret ingredients and cooking techniques that had been handed down to her from her own grandmother.

Over the years, I have made this dish countless times, tweaking and perfecting the recipe to suit my own tastes. I have shared it with friends and family, who have all been amazed at the unique combination of flavors and textures that make this dish so special.

I have also experimented with different variations of the recipe, adding in additional vegetables or swapping out the tofu for chicken or shrimp. Each time, I have been met with rave reviews and requests for the recipe.

But no matter how many times I make this dish, it will always hold a special place in my heart as the meal that brought me closer to my dear friend Lily and opened my eyes to the wonderful world of tofu and broccoli with peanut sauce.

As I sit here in my own kitchen, preparing this dish once again, I am filled with gratitude for the memories and experiences that have shaped me into the cook I am today. And as I take that first bite, I am transported back to that sunny afternoon in Lily's kitchen, surrounded by love, laughter, and the delicious aroma of tofu and broccoli with peanut sauce.