Why you should cook tofu stir-fry
Making a tofu stir-fry is a great way to eat more vegetables without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of crispy tofu and fresh vegetables creates a satisfying texture in every bite. It is a budget friendly meal that uses basic pantry staples like soy sauce and garlic. You can easily adjust the heat level by adding a few chilli flakes if you prefer a spicier dish.
Follow these 4 steps for tofu stir-fry
Prepare tofu: Drain the tofu and pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Cut the block into small cubes and toss them in a bowl with the cornflour until evenly coated. This helps the tofu become crispy when it hits the hot pan. Set the cubes aside while you chop your vegetables.
Fry tofu: Heat one tablespoon of oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the tofu cubes and fry them until they are golden and crispy on all sides. This usually takes about five to seven minutes. Remove the tofu from the pan and set it aside on a plate for later.
Cook vegetables: Add the remaining oil to the same pan and turn the heat up slightly. Toss in the broccoli, sliced peppers and carrots then cook for a few minutes until they soften but stay crunchy. Stir in the minced garlic and ginger for one minute until they smell fragrant. Make sure not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter.
Finish dish: Add the crispy tofu back into the pan with the vegetables. Pour the soy sauce and sesame oil over the mixture and toss everything together to coat. Garnish your tofu stir-fry with sliced spring onions before serving hot. Enjoy the meal on its own or with your favourite grains.
Important tips for tofu stir-fry
To get the best results for your tofu stir-fry, always choose extra firm tofu. Pressing the tofu for ten minutes before cooking helps remove water so it fries better. If you want a thicker sauce, you can mix a teaspoon of cornflour with the soy sauce before adding it to the pan. Do not overcrowd the pan when frying the tofu or it will steam instead of becoming crispy.
Using a very hot pan is essential for a good stir-fry texture. You can swap the vegetables for snap peas or baby corn if you want more variety. Always serve the dish immediately to ensure the tofu stays as crunchy as possible.
You might also enjoy
baked hasselback potatoes,
stuffed baked potato or
homemade piccalilli.