Description
This Easy 30 Minute Crispy Tofu Stir Fry is a vibrant and flavorful plant-based dish that combines crispy tofu with a medley of fresh vegetables and a savory, slightly sweet stir fry sauce. Perfect for a quick, healthy dinner, it features a balance of textures and bold flavors thanks to garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and optional chili paste, served over white rice and garnished with sesame seeds, scallions, and toasted cashews.
Ingredients
Tofu
- 16 ounces extra firm tofu
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp arrowroot starch or cornstarch
- 2 tbsp sesame oil, divided
- 1 tbsp vegan butter
Vegetables
- 1 onion, diced
- 8 garlic cloves, chopped
- 2 heads broccoli, washed and cut into florets
- 1 zucchini, sliced or cubed
- 2 carrots, julienned
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, cubed
- 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
Sauce
- 1/2 cup (120 mL) soy sauce
- 1/4 cup (60 mL) vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tbsp cold water
- 1 tbsp arrowroot starch or cornstarch
- 1 tsp sambal oelek or chili paste (optional)
Garnishes
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped scallions
- Toasted chopped cashews
Instructions
- Press the tofu and prep veggies: Press the tofu using a tofu press or wrap it tightly in a clean cloth and place a stack of books or heavy objects on top to remove excess moisture. This helps the tofu crisp up better. Meanwhile, prepare all vegetables by washing, cutting broccoli into florets, slicing zucchini, julienning carrots, slicing mushrooms, dicing onion, chopping garlic, and cubing the red bell pepper. This process should take about 10-15 minutes.
- Toss tofu with seasonings: After pressing, tear the tofu into approximately 1-inch cubes. Place the tofu in a medium bowl and add sea salt, black pepper, and arrowroot starch or cornstarch. Toss gently to ensure all pieces are evenly coated, which will help create a crispy texture when cooked. Set aside.
- Heat oil and pan-fry tofu: In a large sauté pan, skillet, or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over high heat for 1-2 minutes until shimmering and hot. Add the tofu pieces carefully and sauté, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden brown and crispy, about 3-5 minutes. Remove the cooked tofu from the pan and place it back into the bowl to keep warm.
- Sauté garlic, onions, and vegetables: Return the pan or wok to the stove and add the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil along with the vegan butter. Add the chopped garlic and diced onions, sautéing until the garlic becomes fragrant and slightly browned. Then add broccoli florets, zucchini, carrots, mushrooms, and red bell pepper. Toss to coat them evenly with the oils. Reduce heat to medium-low and cover the pan, cooking the vegetables until tender yet vibrant, about 7-10 minutes.
- Prepare the stir fry sauce: While the vegetables cook, whisk together in a small bowl the soy sauce, vegetable broth, maple syrup, cold water, arrowroot starch or cornstarch, and sambal oelek (if using). This sauce provides a perfect balance of salty, sweet, and spicy flavors to finish the dish.
- Combine and finish the stir fry: When the onions are translucent, broccoli is bright green and tender, and other vegetables are cooked, return the tofu to the pan. Grate fresh ginger over the tofu and veggies for a fresh and zesty aroma. Pour the prepared stir fry sauce over all the ingredients and toss continuously for 1-2 minutes to allow everything to be evenly coated and the sauce to thicken slightly. Then remove from heat.
- Serve and garnish: Serve the crispy tofu stir fry hot, ideally over steamed white rice. Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped scallions, and toasted chopped cashews or peanuts for added crunch and flavor. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Notes
- Pressing tofu is essential for achieving a crispy texture by removing excess water.
- If you prefer, you can substitute arrowroot starch with cornstarch for coating tofu and thickening the sauce.
- Adjust the amount of sambal oelek or chili paste to control the spice level or omit it entirely for a mild dish.
- Use a well-heated pan to get the best crispy texture on the tofu without sticking.
- Serve with steamed rice or your favorite grain to make a complete meal.
- To make this dish gluten-free, ensure you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
- Make sure to toss the tofu gently when coating with starch to avoid breaking the cubes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
