Chili Garlic Tofu Stir Fry

$- 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, drained and pressed - 3 tablespoons cornstarch - 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying) - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced - 2 cups broccoli florets - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon chili paste (adjust to taste) - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup - 1 teaspoon sesame oil The main ingredients create a strong base for flavor. Firm tofu gives a great texture. It absorbs the sauce well, making every bite tasty. The vibrant bell peppers add color and crunch. Broccoli brings a nice, fresh taste. Garlic adds depth, while soy sauce and chili paste create a balanced flavor. Honey or maple syrup adds a hint of sweetness. Sesame oil ties everything together with its rich aroma. - Green onions, chopped (for garnish) - Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish) Garnishes like green onions and sesame seeds enhance the dish. They add color and texture. Green onions give a fresh taste. Sesame seeds add a nice crunch. Using these makes your stir fry look even more appealing. Don't skip them if you want to impress! 1. Draining and pressing the tofu: Start with a block of firm tofu. Drain the water from the package. Wrap the tofu in a clean towel. Place a heavy object on top to press out extra water for about 15 minutes. 2. Cutting the tofu into cubes: Once pressed, unwrap the tofu. Cut it into 1-inch cubes. This size helps the tofu cook evenly and absorb flavors. 3. Coating with cornstarch: In a large bowl, toss the tofu cubes with 3 tablespoons of cornstarch. Make sure each piece is fully coated. This helps create a crispy texture when frying. 1. Heating oil in skillet or wok: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. This oil will help fry the tofu and add flavor. 2. Frying tofu until golden brown: Carefully add the tofu cubes to the hot oil. Fry them for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally. You want them golden brown on all sides. Remove the tofu and set it aside. 3. Adding vegetables and stir-frying until tender: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of oil. Now, add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers and broccoli florets. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes until the veggies are tender-crisp. 1. Adding garlic and sautéing: Toss in 4 cloves of minced garlic with the vegetables. Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until you smell the garlic. This adds a nice aroma and flavor to the dish. 2. Mixing sauce ingredients: In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of chili paste, 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Mix well. 3. Tossing everything together: Return the golden tofu to the skillet. Pour the sauce over the tofu and veggies. Toss everything gently to coat well. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat through. Adjust seasoning if needed. To get crispy tofu, start by pressing it. This step removes water and helps the tofu fry better. You can use a towel and a weight, like a can. After pressing, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes. Next, coat the cubes in cornstarch. A good coating will help them get golden and crunchy when you fry them. You can adjust the sauce to fit your taste. If you like it sweeter, add more honey or syrup. If you want more heat, add extra chili paste. You can also mix in different veggies. Try carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms for variety. Adding proteins like tempeh or chicken can make this dish heartier. Serve this stir fry over fluffy jasmine rice or quinoa. Both pair well with the flavors. For a beautiful look, use green onions as a garnish. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for added crunch. A colorful plate not only looks good but also makes your meal more inviting. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish even more vegan-friendly. Using maple syrup instead of honey adds a nice touch of sweetness. It works well with the spicy flavors. You can also adjust the chili paste. If you like it hot, add more. If you prefer mild, use less. Feel free to mix up your veggies! You can add carrots, snap peas, or zucchini. Using seasonal veggies is also great. In spring, try asparagus. In autumn, add mushrooms. Each veggie will change the taste and texture, keeping your meal exciting. If you want to change the protein, tempeh works well. It has a nutty flavor that pairs nicely with the sauce. You can also use chicken or shrimp. Just remember to adjust your cooking time. Chicken needs about 10 minutes, and shrimp cooks in just a few minutes. This way, you get the best results every time! After enjoying your Chili Garlic Tofu Stir Fry, store any leftovers right away. Place the stir fry in an airtight container. This keeps the meal fresh and tasty. You can refrigerate it for up to three days. Use glass or plastic containers. Glass is great for reheating in the oven or microwave. Make sure to cool the stir fry before sealing it. This helps prevent moisture build-up. To reheat your stir fry, use the microwave or a skillet. If using the microwave, place the stir fry in a bowl. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. Cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for one minute, then stir. You can also use a skillet on low heat. Add a little oil or water to avoid dryness. Stir gently until heated through. This way, you keep the flavors and textures intact. If you want to freeze the stir fry, wait until it cools. Place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to two months in the freezer. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. For quick thawing, use the microwave on the defrost setting. After thawing, reheat it using the methods above. This keeps the stir fry delicious and fresh for another meal. Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free. To do this, swap the soy sauce for tamari. Tamari is made without wheat and has a similar taste. You can also use coconut aminos as a soy sauce substitute. This option is also gluten-free and adds a mild sweetness. To add more heat, increase the amount of chili paste. Start with an extra half tablespoon and taste. You can also add fresh chili peppers, like sliced jalapeños or serranos, during cooking. Another way to spice up the dish is to sprinkle in red pepper flakes before serving. Adjust the heat to suit your taste. This stir fry pairs well with fluffy jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa. Both options soak up the sauce nicely. You can also serve it with steamed rice noodles for a different texture. A simple side salad can add freshness. Consider a cucumber or Asian slaw for a crisp contrast. In this blog post, I covered how to make a tasty Chili Garlic Tofu Stir Fry. We looked at key ingredients like firm tofu, fresh vegetables, and flavorful seasonings. I shared clear steps for preparing, cooking, and combining flavors. You also got tips for crispy tofu and suggestions for custom flavors. Remember, you can tweak this recipe as you like. Whether you want to change the vegetables or add a protein, feel free to experiment. Enjoy your cooking journey!$

Discover the delightful flavors of Chili Garlic Tofu Stir Fry that will elevate your dinner routine! This quick and easy recipe features crispy tofu, colorful veggies, and a zesty garlic-chili sauce. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a vibrant dish that's perfect for any night of the week. Ready to impress your taste buds? Click through to explore this delicious recipe and make your next meal unforgettable!

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Ingredients

1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, drained and pressed

3 tablespoons cornstarch

3 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)

1 red bell pepper, sliced

1 yellow bell pepper, sliced

2 cups broccoli florets

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon chili paste (adjust to taste)

1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

1 teaspoon sesame oil

Green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes.

In a large mixing bowl, toss the tofu cubes with cornstarch until well-coated.

Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Carefully add the tofu cubes and fry until golden brown on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the tofu from the pan and set aside.

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the sliced bell peppers and broccoli florets. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

Add the minced garlic to the vegetables and stir-fry for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, chili paste, honey or maple syrup, and sesame oil.

Return the golden tofu to the skillet and pour the sauce over everything. Toss gently to combine, ensuring the tofu and vegetables are well-coated. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.

Taste and adjust seasoning, adding extra chili paste for heat or soy sauce for saltiness as desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve hot over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice or quinoa, garnished with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture. Enjoy this vibrant and flavorful stir fry!