Tofu Fried Rice Recipe
Indulge in a wholesome and flavorful bowl of Tofu Fried Rice, where crispy tofu meets fragrant basmati rice and a medley of vibrant vegetables. This dish, inspired by classic Chinese fried rice, is the perfect balance of textures and tastes, making it ideal for lunch or a light dinner. The mild warmth from the cinnamon powder, the savory crunch from sautéed vegetables, and the rich umami flavors from the soy and green chili sauce make this vegetarian dish a favorite among all.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Basmati rice | 1 cup |
| Tofu (cubed) | 200 grams |
| Bay leaf (tej patta) | 1 |
| Cinnamon powder (Dalchini) | 1 teaspoon |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 2 |
| Spring onion (bulb & greens, finely chopped) | 4 spring onions |
| Spring onion greens (finely chopped) | 4 tablespoons |
| Red, yellow, or green bell pepper (julienned) | 1/2 pepper |
| Carrot (peeled and julienned) | 1 |
| Button mushrooms (chopped) | 8 |
| Garlic (finely chopped) | 5 cloves |
| Ginger garlic paste | 1 tablespoon |
| Green chili sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Soy sauce | 1 teaspoon |
| Sunflower oil | As required |
| Salt | To taste |
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Protein | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Sodium | 600mg |
(Note: Nutritional values may vary based on portion size and specific ingredients used.)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Rice:
- Wash the basmati rice under running water and let it soak for 15 minutes to remove excess starch. This helps in keeping the rice grains separate after cooking.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil, add the bay leaf, and a pinch of salt. Add the soaked rice and cook it until it’s 75% cooked (parboiled). Drain the rice, spread it on a colander, and sprinkle the cinnamon powder over the cooked rice. Set it aside to dry.
-
Fry the Tofu:
- Heat some sunflower oil in a kadai or wok. Once the oil is hot, shallow fry the tofu cubes until they turn golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove the tofu from the wok and set it aside.
-
Cook the Vegetables:
- In the same wok, add more oil if necessary. Heat the oil and sauté the chopped garlic for a few seconds until fragrant.
- Add the finely chopped spring onion and onion. Sauté until the onions turn soft and translucent.
- Add the ginger garlic paste and mix well, allowing it to cook for a minute until the raw smell fades away.
- Next, add the julienned bell pepper, carrot, and chopped mushrooms. Stir-fry for a few minutes until the vegetables are tender but still retain some crunch.
-
Combine and Season:
- Once the vegetables are cooked, pour in the green chili sauce and soy sauce. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and let the flavors meld together.
- Add salt to taste, keeping in mind that salt has already been added to the rice during its cooking process.
-
Add the Tofu and Rice:
- Gently fold the fried tofu cubes into the vegetable mixture. Stir everything together to combine evenly.
- Add the cooked rice into the wok, tossing and stirring for about 2-3 minutes, ensuring that all the ingredients are well-mixed and heated through.
-
Garnish and Serve:
- Once everything is well-mixed, sprinkle the chopped spring onion greens on top for a burst of freshness and color.
- Turn off the heat, and transfer the Tofu Fried Rice to a serving bowl.
-
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Tofu Fried Rice hot, ideally as a complete meal. It pairs wonderfully with Indo-Chinese dishes like Mixed Vegetable Szechuan and Chinese Darsaan with Ice Cream for a delightful dinner.
Tips for the Best Tofu Fried Rice
- Rice Texture: To avoid sticky rice, it’s important to let the rice dry after parboiling. You can also refrigerate the rice overnight for better texture when stir-frying.
- Crispy Tofu: For extra crispy tofu, ensure the cubes are fried until they are golden and firm. Press the tofu to remove excess water before frying.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preference. Peas, beans, or even corn can be great additions.
- Sauces: Adjust the amount of soy and green chili sauce according to your taste preference for spice and saltiness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Tofu Fried Rice is a quick and easy one-pot meal that delivers all the flavors you crave in a healthy vegetarian format. The tofu adds a protein-packed twist, while the cinnamon powder gives the rice a delightful warmth that complements the stir-fried vegetables. Whether you’re making it for a busy weekday lunch or a casual dinner, this recipe guarantees a satisfying meal that can easily be adjusted to suit different tastes. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use up leftover rice!
Enjoy this Tofu Fried Rice, and elevate your meal with a refreshing and wholesome touch of Chinese-inspired vegetarian goodness!
