Weeknight dinners just got a whole lot tastier (and healthier!) with this incredibly crispy tofu stir-fry. Forget soggy, bland tofu – this recipe delivers perfectly golden-brown, satisfyingly crunchy cubes that are bursting with flavor. We're talking a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables, a savory sauce that's both sweet and spicy, and a texture that will have you reaching for seconds. This dish is surprisingly quick to make, perfect for those busy evenings when you crave something delicious without the fuss. It's also incredibly versatile; feel free to swap out vegetables based on your preferences and what's in season.
Ready to transform your tofu game and create a truly unforgettable stir-fry? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions to achieve that coveted crispy texture and mouthwatering flavor.
Tools Needed
- Wok or large frying pan
- Paper towels
Ingredients
- Tofu: 1 block (previously frozen and defrosted)
- Snap peas: 1 cup
- Bell peppers: 1/2 yellow, 1/2 red
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Soy sauce (Chinese light soy sauce or tamari): 1.5 tbsp
- Rice vinegar: 1.5 tbsp
- Hoisin sauce: 2 tbsp
- Shaoxing wine: 2 tbsp
- Chili garlic sauce: 1-2 tbsp (adjust to taste)
- Brown sugar: 1 tbsp
- Vegetable broth or water: 3 tbsp
- Kosher salt: 0.5 tsp
- White pepper: 0.5 tsp
- Garlic powder: 0.5 tsp
- Chinese five-spice powder: 0.25 tsp
- Cornstarch: 3 tbsp
- Neutral-flavored oil (for cooking)
- Toasted sesame oil: 2 tsp
- Toasted sesame seeds: 2 tsp
- Cilantro: 3/4 cup, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients
- Snap peas require no prep. Thinly slice bell peppers after removing the core.
- Roughly chop garlic and ginger. Avoid finely mincing to prevent burning.
- Combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, Shaoxing wine, chili garlic sauce, brown sugar, and vegetable broth/water. Mix well.
- Press frozen, then defrosted tofu for 10 minutes to remove excess water. Cut into thin rectangles (about 1/3 inch thick).
- Toss tofu with kosher salt, white pepper, garlic powder, Chinese five-spice powder, and cornstarch.
- Mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp cold water.
- Cook rice (optional).
Step 2. Cook the Tofu and Vegetables
- Heat wok/pan over medium-high heat until lightly smoking. Add oil.
- Add tofu to the hot pan and cook until golden brown, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Remove tofu and set aside on paper towels.
- Wipe out wok/pan. Add oil again, heat until smoking.
- Add ginger and garlic, stir-frying for 20-30 seconds.
- Add bell peppers and snap peas, stir-frying until tender-crisp (about 2-3 minutes).
Step 3. Make and Finish the Stir-Fry
- Pour sauce into the wok/pan and cook for 2-2.5 minutes, until bubbly.
- Stir in cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.
- Add the cooked tofu back to the pan and toss to coat.
- Drizzle with toasted sesame oil, sprinkle with sesame seeds and cilantro.
Step 4. Serve
- Serve hot over rice.
Read more: Authentic Chinese Mapo Tofu Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tips
- Prep all ingredients ahead of time for a quick cooking process.
- Using previously frozen and defrosted tofu creates a spongier texture, allowing for better spice and sauce absorption.
- Pressing tofu removes excess water, resulting in crispier tofu.
- Cutting tofu into thin rectangles crisps up more easily than cubes.
- Stir-fry frequently to prevent burning.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. How do I get my tofu extra crispy?
Press the tofu to remove excess water, then cube it and toss it in cornstarch or arrowroot powder before pan-frying or baking. This helps create a wonderfully crisp exterior.
2. Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely before adding them to the stir-fry to prevent watering down the sauce.
3. What can I substitute for the sauce ingredients?
Feel free to adjust the sauce to your liking. Soy sauce can be replaced with tamari (gluten-free), and you can add more or less honey/maple syrup depending on your sweetness preference. A dash of rice vinegar adds a nice zing.
This crispy tofu stir-fry is a weeknight winner, offering a delicious and healthy meal that's ready in minutes. Its versatility allows you to customize it to your taste, making it a perfect go-to recipe for busy evenings. So ditch the takeout and embrace the satisfying crunch and flavor of this unforgettable stir-fry!