Stir-Fried Bok Choy with Crispy Tofu and Bean Sprouts

This vibrant and savory dish brings together the crispness of bok choy, the creaminess of tofu, and the fresh crunch of bean sprouts. It’s a delightful, quick stir-fry that’s perfect for a weeknight meal. Here’s how you can prepare it:

Ingredients

• 6 large leaves of bok choy (sawi putih), chopped
• 1 cup bean sprouts (cambah)
• 200 grams tofu (tahu putih), cut into cubes
• 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
• 1 red onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 green chilies (cabe), sliced
• 1 stalk lemongrass (sereh), smashed
• 3 candlenuts (kemiri)
• 4 slices ginger
• 3 slices kencur (aromatic ginger)
• 1 cup water
• Cooking oil for frying and sautéing
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Tofu:

   • Cut the tofu into small cubes. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat and fry the tofu cubes until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the pan and set aside.

2. Prepare the Vegetables:

   • Chop the bok choy into bite-sized pieces. Slice the tomatoes and set aside. Thinly slice the red onion, garlic, and green chilies. Smash the lemongrass stalk with the back of a knife to release its aroma.

3. Make the Spice Paste:

   • Using a mortar and pestle or a food processor, grind the candlenuts, ginger, and kencur into a smooth paste.

4. Sauté the Aromatics:

   • In the same pan used for frying the tofu, add a bit more oil if necessary. Sauté the chopped garlic and red onion until fragrant and translucent. Add the smashed lemongrass and the spice paste, continuing to sauté until the mixture is aromatic and starts to darken slightly.

5. Cook the Vegetables:

   • Pour in the water and bring to a simmer. Add the bok choy and bean sprouts, cooking until the bok choy is tender but still crisp. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Combine and Serve:

   • Once the vegetables are cooked to your liking, gently fold in the fried tofu and sliced tomatoes. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

7. Finish and Enjoy:

   • Serve hot, enjoying the contrast of textures and the harmonious blend of flavors.

This Tumis Sawi, Tahu, and Cambah is a fantastic, nutritious dish that brings together fresh ingredients with a burst of flavor. Perfect for a wholesome meal any day of the week!