Spicy Garlic Tofu Stir Fry

$- 1 block firm tofu, pressed and cubed - 3 tablespoons vegetable oil - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - 1 cup broccoli florets - 1 carrot, julienned - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1-inch piece ginger, grated - 3 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sriracha (add more for heat) - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds - 3 green onions, chopped - Fresh cilantro {{ingredient_image_1}} First, press the tofu to remove extra moisture. This step is key for crispiness. Use a clean towel or paper towels to wrap the tofu. Place something heavy on top for about 15 minutes. After pressing, cut the tofu into small cubes. Toss the cubes in cornstarch until they are evenly coated. This will help them fry nicely. Next, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the tofu cubes in one layer. Fry until golden brown on all sides, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes. This step gives the tofu a crispy texture. Remove the tofu and set it aside on a plate. In the same skillet, add the last tablespoon of oil. Then, add minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for 30 seconds until you can smell the aroma. Now, stir in the sliced red bell pepper, broccoli florets, and julienned carrot. Cook for about 3 to 5 minutes, or until the veggies are tender yet still crisp. Return the crispy tofu to the skillet. Add soy sauce, sriracha, and sesame oil. Toss everything together to coat well. Heat through for about 2 to 3 minutes. Finally, sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a nice finish. Toss lightly before serving for a colorful and tasty dish. To get crispy tofu, pressing is key. Pressing removes extra moisture, allowing it to fry well. Start by wrapping the tofu in a clean towel and placing something heavy on top. Let it sit for about 15 minutes. This makes a big difference. After pressing, cube the tofu into small pieces. Toss these cubes in cornstarch. The cornstarch helps create a crispy outer layer. When frying, use a hot pan with vegetable oil. Heat the oil until it shimmers, then add the tofu cubes in a single layer. Fry them for about 5–7 minutes, turning until golden brown. Remove the crispy tofu and set it aside. To adjust spice levels, sriracha is your friend. Start with one tablespoon. If you want more heat, add more sriracha. This sauce brings a nice kick to the dish. Using fresh ingredients boosts flavor. Always choose fresh garlic and ginger. They add depth to the stir fry. Fresh vegetables like bell peppers and broccoli also enhance taste and texture. The crunch adds great contrast to the tofu. Pair your stir fry with jasmine rice. The rice absorbs flavors and balances the heat. Serve the stir fry in bowls for a nice presentation. For plating, sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top. Add fresh cilantro for a pop of color. A beautiful plate makes the meal more inviting. Enjoy every bite! Pro Tips Press Tofu Well: Ensure you press the tofu for at least 15-20 minutes to remove excess moisture; this helps achieve a crispier texture when frying. Adjust Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the amount of sriracha based on your heat preference; start with a smaller amount and add more to taste. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger elevate the flavor of the dish significantly; opt for fresh over powdered for the best results. Garnish Creatively: Garnish with additional herbs like basil or mint along with cilantro for an extra burst of flavor and color in your presentation. {{image_2}} You can swap tofu for tempeh. Tempeh has a firmer texture and adds a nutty taste. It absorbs flavors well, making it a great option. You can also add more vegetables. Consider snap peas, bell peppers, or zucchini. These add color and crunch to your dish. Instead of soy sauce, you can use teriyaki sauce. It gives a sweet and savory twist. You can also try adding peanut sauce or hoisin sauce. Both sauces add depth and richness to the stir-fry. Experiment with these sauces to find your favorite mix. To kick up the heat, use chili oil or fresh chilies. These options add a nice warmth that complements the garlic. You can adjust the spice to fit your taste. If you like it mild, use less sriracha. For more heat, add extra sriracha or fresh chilies. This way, you make the dish your own. To keep your spicy garlic tofu stir fry fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let it cool before sealing. Place it in the fridge. This helps keep the flavors intact. You can enjoy your leftovers for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it in a skillet over medium heat. Stir gently to keep the tofu crispy. You can also use a microwave, but this may soften the tofu slightly. Freezing your stir fry is a great option too. To freeze, first cool the dish completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. It can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you want to eat it, take it out and thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat it in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water if needed. This helps revive the dish’s original texture. Yes, you can use non-firm tofu, but the dish will change. Non-firm tofu has a softer texture. This means it may break apart while cooking. You’ll need to handle it gently. If you choose it, consider a shorter cooking time. This helps keep it intact. You can add many vegetables to this stir fry. Consider using snap peas, mushrooms, or zucchini. Seasonal veggies also work great. Try asparagus in spring or bell peppers in summer. The choice is yours. Just cut them into small pieces for even cooking. To make this dish gluten-free, swap soy sauce for tamari. Tamari tastes similar and is gluten-free. Check labels on sriracha to ensure it’s gluten-free too. Most brands are safe, but always read the ingredients. Enjoy your meal without worry! This blog post walks you through making a tasty tofu stir-fry. You learned about key ingredients, spices, and step-by-step instructions. I shared tips for crispiness and flavor, plus ways to customize the dish. You can store leftovers and even try new sauces for extra variety. Cooking can be fun and simple. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and ingredients. Your creativity will make each dish special.$

Spicy Garlic Tofu Stir Fry

A flavorful and spicy stir fry featuring crispy tofu and vibrant vegetables.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 block firm tofu, pressed and cubed
2 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch ginger, grated
1 unit red bell pepper, sliced
1 cup broccoli florets
1 unit carrot, julienned
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
1 unit fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions

Begin by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut it into small cubes. Toss the cubed tofu in cornstarch until evenly coated.
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the tofu cubes in a single layer and fry until they are golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the crispy tofu and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in the sliced red bell pepper, broccoli florets, and julienned carrot. Sauté for 3-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Return the crispy tofu to the skillet, followed by the soy sauce, sriracha, and sesame oil. Toss everything together to coat well and heat through, about 2-3 minutes.
Lastly, sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Toss lightly before serving.

Notes

Serve the stir fry in bowls, garnished with fresh cilantro and extra sesame seeds for an appealing presentation. Enjoy with a side of steamed jasmine rice for a complete meal.

Keyword spicy, stir fry, tofu, vegetarian