Tofu & Mixed Vegetable Stir Fry Recipe

Introduction

The Tofu & Mixed Vegetable Stir Fry, as presented on Love With Recipes, epitomizes the essence of quick, nutritious, and flavor-packed cooking. This dish is a testament to the transformative power of fresh ingredients combined with expert stir-frying techniques honed over decades. It offers a harmonious balance of textures and flavors—from the crispy tofu to the tender yet crisp vegetables—all coated in a savory, slightly spicy sauce that tantalizes the palate with every bite.

What makes this recipe particularly appealing is its adaptability; it serves as a blank canvas allowing cooks to personalize their stir-fry with favorite vegetables or proteins. Its vibrant presentation, coupled with the health benefits of plant-based ingredients, makes it a perfect choice for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even impressive entertaining. The dish’s roots draw from traditional Asian cuisine, yet its flexible nature lends itself to modern dietary preferences and ingredient availability. This comprehensive guide, crafted by culinary experts and experienced stir-fry enthusiasts, aims to elevate your cooking experience, ensuring you master this dish with confidence and finesse.

Time

Preparation Time: 45 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

This timeline includes pressing and marinating the tofu, prepping vegetables, toasting sesame seeds, and the actual stir-frying process. The extended marination time ensures the tofu absorbs maximum flavor, while the quick stir-fry maintains the vegetables’ crunch and vibrant color.

Needed Equipment

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Wok or Large Skillet: A high-quality wok is ideal for even heat distribution and quick stir-frying. If unavailable, a large, deep skillet with high sides suffices.
• Cutting Board: For chopping vegetables and tofu.
• Chef’s Knife: Sharp and precise for chopping vegetables and slicing tofu.
• Microwave-Safe Bowl: For rehydrating dried mushrooms and other ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise measurement of liquids, spices, and oils.
• Mixing Bowls: For marinating tofu and preparing sauces.
• Slotted Spoon: To lift tofu from marinade without excess liquid.
• Toasting Pan or Dry Skillet: For roasting sesame seeds to golden perfection.
• Spatulas and Wooden Spoons: For stirring and tossing ingredients during cooking.
• Kitchen Tongs: For handling hot vegetables and tofu.
• Paper Towels: For wiping the wok and draining excess marinade.
• Grater or Microplane: Optional, for fresh ginger.
• Measuring Spoons: For small quantities of spices and oils.

Tags

Healthy, Vegetarian, Vegan (if soy sauce is gluten-free), Asian, Quick & Easy, Weeknight Dinner, Plant-Based, High-Protein, Nut-Free, Dairy-Free, Dairy-Free, Soy-Free (optional), Gluten-Free (if soy sauce is gluten-free)

Serving Size

This recipe yields approximately four generous servings, making it ideal for family dinners or meal prepping for the week. Each serving provides a balanced portion of vegetables, protein, and flavorful sauce, ensuring satiety and nutritional value.

Difficulty Level

Intermediate. While the steps are straightforward, mastering stir-frying techniques—like high heat cooking, ingredient timing, and sauce thickening—requires some practice. However, with attention to detail and proper preparation, even home cooks new to stir-frying can achieve restaurant-quality results.

Allergen Information

Dietary Preference

Vegetarian, Plant-based, Can be made vegan by ensuring soy sauce and other condiments are vegan-friendly. Rich in plant proteins and fiber, this dish caters to a variety of dietary needs with simple modifications.

Course

Main Course

Cuisine

Asian / Chinese-inspired stir-fry

Ingredients in Tables

Primary Ingredients

Additional Vegetables & Garnish

Sauces & Seasonings

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Mushrooms

If you opt to include dried shiitake mushrooms, begin by rehydrating them to unlock their full flavor potential. Place the dried mushrooms in a microwave-safe bowl and add enough water to fully immerse them. Microwave on high for approximately 20-30 seconds, which quickly softens the mushrooms without overcooking. After microwaving, allow the mushrooms to soak in the water for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or in the refrigerator. This prolonged soaking period ensures the mushrooms become tender and flavorful. Once rehydrated, drain the mushrooms thoroughly, discarding the soaking water to prevent any bitterness. Slice the mushrooms into thin strips, roughly the size of your thumbnail, to ensure they cook evenly and integrate seamlessly into the stir-fry. Set aside for later use.

Step 2: Pressing and Marinating the Tofu

To achieve the perfect crispy texture, pressing the tofu is essential. Remove the tofu blocks from their packaging and drain excess water. Wrap each block in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels, and place them between two plates or cutting boards. Set a weight—such as a heavy can or a cast-iron skillet—on top of the tofu to press out moisture for at least 15-20 minutes. This process not only enhances the texture but also allows the tofu to absorb marinade flavors more effectively.

In a small mixing bowl, combine the rice wine, soy sauce, and cornstarch. The cornstarch acts as a coating that helps the tofu become crispy during stir-frying. Gently add the pressed tofu cubes to the marinade, stirring carefully to ensure each piece is coated evenly. Let the tofu marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prepare the vegetables and other ingredients. During this time, the tofu absorbs the savory flavors, and the cornstarch forms a light coating that crisps beautifully when cooked.

Step 3: Toasting the Sesame Seeds

In a dry wok or skillet over medium heat, toast the sesame seeds until they turn a golden brown, which takes approximately 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning, as toasted sesame seeds can go from perfect to burnt rapidly. Constantly stir or shake the pan to ensure even toasting. Once toasted, transfer the sesame seeds to a small bowl or plate and set aside. These toasted seeds will be used as a garnish, adding a nutty flavor and crunch that complements the dish’s overall texture.

Step 4: Stir-Frying the Aromatics

Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in the wok over medium-high heat until shimmering, indicating that the pan is hot enough for stir-frying. Add the minced garlic and ginger, stirring continuously with a spatula or wooden spoon. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, but be cautious not to burn the aromatics as this can impart a bitter flavor. The aroma should be intense and inviting, signaling that the base for your stir-fry has been well-developed. Properly cooked aromatics serve as the foundation for the entire dish, infusing the oil and subsequently the vegetables and tofu with their pungent, spicy notes.

Step 5: Cooking the Harder Vegetables

Introduce the cauliflower florets and broccoli to the hot wok. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, tossing frequently to prevent sticking and promote even cooking. These vegetables, being denser, require longer to become tender. The high heat and constant movement help retain their vibrant color and crispness. If necessary, add a splash of water or vegetable broth to help steam the vegetables slightly, ensuring they are tender but not mushy. The goal is to achieve a tender-crisp texture that provides a satisfying bite while maintaining visual appeal.

Step 6: Adding Softer Vegetables and Peppers

Next, add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers, chopped green onions, and snow peas. Continue stir-frying for another 2-3 minutes. These vegetables cook faster and should retain some crunch and bright color to enhance the dish’s visual and textural diversity. Toss frequently to distribute heat evenly and prevent overcooking. The peppers should be slightly softened but still crisp, while the snow peas should remain bright green and crisp to provide a fresh, sweet note against the savory backdrop.

Step 7: Cooking the Tofu

Using a slotted spoon, carefully lift the marinated tofu cubes out of the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drain away. Add the tofu to the wok, spreading them out in a single layer to promote browning and crispiness. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. This searing process creates a delightful contrast to the tender vegetables, providing rich flavor and texture. Once cooked, remove the tofu from the wok and set aside temporarily.

Step 8: Preparing and Adding the Sauce

In the remaining marinade, incorporate 1/4 teaspoon of sambal oelek, adjusting to your preferred spice level. Be cautious with the amount; start small, taste, and add more if desired. Stir the sauce thoroughly and pour it into the center of the wok, allowing it to bubble and coat the ingredients. As the sauce heats, it will begin to thicken slightly, creating a glossy, flavorful layer that ties all components together. Stir continuously to prevent burning and ensure even coating of the vegetables and tofu.

Step 9: Thicken and Finish

Allow the sauce to simmer for 1-2 minutes until it reaches a desirable consistency. Gently add the cooked tofu and fresh bean sprouts, tossing to coat everything evenly. Heat through for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the bean sprouts to soften slightly without losing their crunch. Be gentle to preserve the integrity of the tofu and vegetables, ensuring a balanced dish with distinct textures.

Step 10: Assembling and Serving

Transfer the stir-fry to a large serving dish or individual plates. Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in the wok and quickly stir-fry cooked noodles if using, until they puff up and develop a crispy exterior—this adds a delightful crunch and visual appeal. Serve the stir-fry on crispy noodles or steamed jasmine rice for a traditional presentation. Garnish each serving with the toasted sesame seeds, which add a nutty aroma and crunch. Optionally, sprinkle chopped green onions or additional fresh herbs for a burst of freshness.

Preparation Tips

• Press Tofu Thoroughly: Ensure excess moisture is removed from the tofu to promote crispiness and better absorption of flavors.
• Uniform Vegetables: Cut vegetables into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and aesthetic appeal.
• High-Heat Wok: A properly heated wok is key to achieving the signature stir-fry texture—vegetables that are crisp-tender and tofu that is crispy outside.
• Ingredient Sequencing: Harder vegetables first, softer vegetables later, and tofu at the end ensures optimal texture and flavor.
• Batch Cooking: If your wok is small, cook ingredients in batches to prevent overcrowding, which can cause steaming instead of stir-frying.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste the sauce before adding to the stir-fry, adjusting salt, spice, or sweetness as needed.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Tips and Tricks

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables provide vibrant color and crunch, elevating the dish’s overall appeal.
• Preheat Your Wok: Always ensure your wok is hot before adding ingredients to achieve that signature stir-fry sear.
• Marinate the Tofu: Even a short marination enhances flavor penetration and improves texture.
• Customize Heat Level: Adjust the amount of sambal oelek or chili sauce based on your spice tolerance.
• Experiment with Sauces: Incorporate hoisin, oyster sauce, or chili garlic sauce to vary flavor profiles.
• Serve Immediately: Stir-fries are best enjoyed hot, with crisp vegetables and crispy tofu.
• Make Ahead: Prepare vegetables and marinate tofu in advance; stir-fry quickly when ready to serve.

Add-ons

• Additional proteins such as shrimp, chicken, or beef can be added or substituted for tofu.
• Extra crunch with water chestnuts, bamboo shoots, or crispy fried shallots.
• Fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil for added freshness.
• Variations include adding mushrooms, carrots, zucchini, or snap peas.

Side Dishes

• Steamed jasmine rice or brown rice
• Crispy noodles or rice noodles
• Steamed dumplings or spring rolls
• Simple Asian-style cucumber salad
• Edamame with sea salt

Improvements

• Use homemade or high-quality soy sauce for richer umami flavor.
• Add a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice at the end for brightness.
• Incorporate sesame oil in the sauce for depth and aroma.
• Experiment with different vegetables based on seasonal availability.
• Use a cast-iron skillet for better heat retention and flavor development.

Save and Store

This stir-fry is best enjoyed immediately for maximum crispness and freshness. However, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, use a wok or skillet over medium-high heat, adding a splash of oil to revive the crispiness. For best results, avoid microwaving, which can make vegetables soggy and tofu rubbery. If freezing, portion the dish into freezer-safe containers; note that texture may change upon thawing. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

FAQ

Can I make this stir-fry vegan?

Absolutely. Ensure that your soy sauce and any other condiments are vegan-friendly, and skip any non-vegan garnishes. The recipe is naturally plant-based and rich in flavors.

Can I use different vegetables?

Yes, this recipe is highly adaptable. Zucchini, carrots, mushrooms, and snap peas are excellent additions or substitutes. Adjust cooking times accordingly to prevent overcooking softer vegetables.

How do I keep tofu crispy?

Press the tofu thoroughly to remove moisture, marinate it for flavor, and cook it at high heat until golden and crispy on all sides. Using cornstarch or arrowroot powder enhances crispiness.

Is this dish spicy?

The spiciness depends on the amount of sambal oelek or chili sauce used. Start with a small amount and increase gradually to suit your heat preference.

Can I make this ahead of time?

While best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare vegetables and marinate tofu in advance. Cook quickly when ready to serve. Keep cooked components separate if possible to maintain optimal texture.

Conclusion

Mastering this Tofu & Mixed Vegetable Stir Fry on Love With Recipes equips you with a versatile, healthful, and flavorful dish that can be adapted endlessly to suit your tastes and dietary needs. Its vibrant colors, varied textures, and bold flavors make it a standout addition to your culinary repertoire. Whether you’re seeking a quick weeknight dinner or a nutritious plant-based meal, this stir-fry delivers satisfaction in every bite. Remember, the key to excellence lies in preparation, high heat, and attentive cooking. With practice, you’ll be able to customize this dish to perfection, impressing family and friends alike with your stir-fry skills.