Stir Fry Tofu & Vegetables Recipe
This delightful Stir Fry Tofu & Vegetables recipe transforms a common ingredient into a culinary masterpiece. Once considered unappealing, tofu takes center stage in this flavorful dish, which is bursting with vibrant vegetables and rich flavors. Inspired by Nancy’s tried-and-true preparation method, this dish is easy to make and guarantees a satisfying meal that even tofu skeptics will love. Best served over freshly fried rice noodles, it makes for a delicious and fulfilling dinner that can be prepared in under an hour.
Recipe Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Stir Fry Tofu & Vegetables |
| Description | A flavorful tofu stir fry bursting with vegetables, served over fresh fried rice noodles. |
| Category | Soy/Tofu |
| Total Time | 1 hour 5 minutes |
| Prep Time | 45 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Servings | 4 servings |
| Keywords | Beans, Chinese, Asian, Stove Top, Stir Fry, < 4 Hours |
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious dish:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Dry sherry | 1 tablespoon |
| Soy sauce | ⅓ cup |
| Cornstarch | ¼ cup |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves |
| Ginger (grated) | 1 tablespoon |
| Firm tofu (pressed and cubed) | 1 block |
| Sesame seeds | 1 tablespoon |
| Red cabbage (sliced) | 1 cup |
| Snow peas | 1 cup |
| Bean sprouts | 1 cup |
| Cooking oil | 4 tablespoons (divided) |
| Optional: Green onions (for garnish) | to taste |
Nutritional Information
Each serving of this Stir Fry Tofu & Vegetables provides the following nutritional benefits:
| Nutritional Component | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 479.2 |
| Total Fat | 23.7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.4 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.6 mg |
| Sodium | 830 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 46.8 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.7 g |
| Sugars | 10.8 g |
| Protein | 15.1 g |
Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to create your Stir Fry Tofu & Vegetables, ensuring each ingredient is prepared with care to bring out the best flavors:
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Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the dry sherry, soy sauce, cornstarch, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk the mixture until it’s well combined and smooth. This flavorful marinade will impart a delicious taste to the tofu, making it truly shine.
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Marinate the Tofu: Carefully add the cubed firm tofu to the marinade, gently folding it in to coat each piece. Allow the tofu to marinate for 15 minutes, ensuring it absorbs the flavors.
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Toast the Sesame Seeds: Heat a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sesame seeds, stirring frequently until they turn golden brown and release their nutty aroma, about 1 minute. Once toasted, remove the seeds from the pan and set them aside to cool.
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Stir Fry the Cabbage: In the same wok, add 2 tablespoons of cooking oil and swirl it around to coat the bottom. Add the sliced red cabbage and stir fry for 2 minutes until it begins to soften. Remove the cabbage from the wok and set it aside, ensuring it retains its vibrant color and crunch.
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Stir Fry the Snow Peas: Reheat the wok and add another 2 tablespoons of cooking oil, swirling to coat. Add the snow peas and stir fry for 2 minutes. The peas should be bright green and crisp-tender, providing a lovely contrast to the tofu.
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Combine Ingredients: Push the snow peas to the sides of the wok, creating space in the center. Carefully pour the remaining marinade from the tofu into the center of the wok. Stir continuously until the mixture is bubbly and heated through.
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Add Remaining Vegetables: Add the previously stir-fried cabbage, along with any other vegetables you wish to include, such as mushrooms and additional bean sprouts, to the wok. Gently combine everything with the snow peas, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients.
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Incorporate the Tofu: With care, add the marinated tofu into the mixture, gently stirring to incorporate without breaking the tofu. Heat everything through for another couple of minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Serve the Dish: Serve the hot tofu and vegetable stir fry over freshly cooked rice noodles. To prepare the noodles, heat a pan with oil and quickly fry them until they’re golden and crispy, just a few minutes will suffice.
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Garnish and Enjoy: Finally, sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the top of the dish and garnish with chopped green onions, if desired. This adds a delightful crunch and a fresh touch. Enjoy this vibrant meal that’s not only healthy but also bursting with flavor!
Cooking Tips
- Tofu Preparation: Pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture is crucial. This step ensures better flavor absorption and a firmer texture during cooking.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to substitute or add any seasonal vegetables you prefer, such as bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots.
- Fried Rice Noodles: For a delightful texture, opt for fresh rice noodles over canned chow mein noodles. The quick fry in oil enhances their flavor and texture significantly.
This Stir Fry Tofu & Vegetables recipe is a perfect introduction to the wonderful world of tofu and can be easily adjusted to fit your taste preferences. With a balance of flavors and textures, it serves as a fantastic dish for any occasion. Enjoy this delightful, quick-cooking meal that not only nourishes the body but also satisfies the palate.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a seasoned tofu lover or someone just starting to explore its potential, this recipe is sure to impress. With vibrant vegetables and a rich marinade, it transforms tofu into a delicious centerpiece of your meal, making it an excellent option for dinner any night of the week. Try it today and discover how delightful tofu can truly be!
