Description
A quick and flavorful Teriyaki Tofu Stir Fry featuring crispy pan-fried tofu and fresh asparagus in a homemade teriyaki sauce, served over nutritious quinoa. Perfect for a healthy, plant-based weeknight dinner that takes just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Tofu
- 14 oz firm tofu
- 1 tsp cooking oil (for frying)
- 1 tbsp tamari or soy sauce
Vegetables
- 1 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces (or ~2 cups of other veggies, diced)
- 2 tbsp green onions, finely chopped
- 2 tsp red chili sauce (optional)
- 1 tsp cooking oil (for sautéing veggies)
Sauce
- 3 tbsp tamari or soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1.5 tbsp rice vinegar
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.5 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 0.25 cup coconut sugar or maple syrup
- 2 tsp corn starch
- 0.5 cup water
Serving
- 4 cups cooked quinoa or brown rice
Instructions
- Prepare the Tofu: Cut the block of tofu in half. Place each half in clean paper towels one at a time and gently press to remove excess liquid without breaking the tofu.
- Cube and Pan-Fry Tofu: Cut tofu into 1/2-inch cubes. Heat 1 tsp cooking oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes and pan-fry, turning frequently, until water evaporates and tofu is lightly golden brown on most sides, adding more oil if tofu sticks.
- Season Tofu: Once tofu is golden, add 1 tbsp tamari or soy sauce and toss to coat. Remove tofu from pan and set aside in a bowl.
- Clean Pan: Using a wet paper towel, quickly wipe down the still-hot pan to remove any residue.
- Make Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together tamari, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, coconut sugar, corn starch, and water until smooth. Set aside.
- Prepare Vegetables: Trim asparagus and cut into 2-inch pieces or dice other vegetables as preferred.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat 1 tsp cooking oil in the clean non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add vegetables and sauté until cooked through but still slightly crisp.
- Combine Tofu and Sauce: Add the pan-fried tofu back into the pan with vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over them, reduce heat to medium, and cook until the sauce thickens and evenly coats tofu and veggies.
- Adjust Flavor and Add Final Ingredients: Taste and adjust with extra tamari or coconut sugar if needed. If using, stir in red chili sauce and green onions. Mix well.
- Serve: Turn off heat and serve the teriyaki tofu stir fry hot over cooked quinoa or brown rice.
Notes
- Pressing tofu removes excess moisture to help it crisp up better in the pan.
- You can substitute asparagus with broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, or any preferred vegetables.
- Adjust the sweetness and saltiness of the sauce by increasing or decreasing coconut sugar or tamari according to taste.
- For more heat, add extra red chili sauce or fresh chili flakes.
- Serve immediately for best texture; leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
