Tofu Stir Fry is a healthy, delicious, and easy-to-make Asian dish loaded with full of flavors. Made with basic Asian pantry staples like extra firm tofu, broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, aromatics, and savory stir-fry sauce. This homemade Tofu Stir Fry is one of the best stir fry dishes that pair well with rice dishes or noodles for a complete lunch or dinner meal. And the best part is it comes in under 30 minutes.
The recipe I have shared here shows you how to make Tofu Stir Fry with easy step-by-step instructions. I have also shared a detailed video of this recipe below to make the cooking process visually clear.
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What is Tofu Stir Fry?
Tofu Stir Fry is a healthy, easy-to-make, and flavor-bursting dish that's perfect for a quick meal. It is made with extra firm tofu, broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, aromatics, basic seasonings, and Asian sauces. This Tofu Stir Fry is one of the best stir fry dishes that pair well with rice dishes or noodles for a complete meal.
In addition to being delicious, tofu stir fry also comes with a lot of health benefits. Packed with protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, tofu is a great meat alternative that can help regulate blood sugar levels, lower cholesterol, and reduce the risk of heart disease. This stir fry recipe is also quick and easy under a 30-minute meal.
It is also a great way to utilize leftover veggies and is perfect for those who want a flavorful meal without much hassle in the kitchen. This makes it perfect for busy weeknight dinners. The blend of sauces, spices, and veggies offers a flavor and taste that the whole family will love.
Tofu stir fry makes for a perfectly healthy dinner option, especially if you're looking for a vegan-based meal. This dish is low in calories and high in protein, making it a great choice for anyone looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This stir-fried tofu also helps to provide satiety and keeps you feeling full for longer periods. Whether you're a vegan, vegetarian, or just looking for a healthy Asian meal, Tofu Stir Fry is the perfect dish to try out.
Ingredients & Substitutions
The ingredients you will need for a delicious Tofu Stir Fry are basic Asian pantry staples. You can easily find them at most Asian grocery stores around. So let's see what are they below.
- Tofu: Extra firm or super firm tofu is recommended for stir-frying, as it holds its shape well and absorbs flavors easily
- Vegetables: Veggies like broccoli, carrot, and bell pepper add vibrant color and nutrients to your dish
- Aromatics: Ginger, garlic, shallots, and spring onions provide a deep and warming flavor
- Sauces: The combination of sauces like chili sauce, light, and dark soy sauce, and rice vinegar add a unique and complex flavor profile to your tofu stir fr. You can also use sambal oelek as a substitute for chili sauce
- Sesame Oil: Sesame oil adds a distinct earthy and rustic flavor to your dish
- All-Purpose Flour: It is used to coat the tofu before frying for a crispy texture
- Brown Sugar: Enhances the overall taste and flavor of your dish
- Black Pepper: Delivers a nutty and subtle heat to your dish
For a detailed ingredients list, please check out the recipe card below.
How to Make Tofu Stir Fry at Home?
The recipe I have shared here is Tofu Stir Fry, a delicious and healthy dish that's perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. It is loaded with fresh veggies, protein-packed tofu, and a savory stir-fry sauce.
Below are the high-level instructions for this recipe, but for detailed step-by-step instructions with photos and a video, please see the recipe card below.
- Drain and press tofu: To prepare the tofu for the stir fry, start by draining the tofu from the package and pressing it to remove the excess water. This can be done by wrapping the tofu in a clean kitchen towel and placing a weight on top of it for 15-20 minutes. This will help the tofu to absorb more flavor and get a better texture when cooked
- Cube the tofu: Once the tofu is pressed, cut it into bite-sized cubes and place them in a bowl
- Season: Add black pepper, salt, and all-purpose flour to the bowl and mix well until the tofu pieces coat well with the seasoning
- Fry the tofu: Next, in a pan, pour oil into it. Heat the pan over medium heat and add the tofu pieces. Fry the tofu on all sides until it turns golden in color
- Saute aromatics: In a wok, pour sesame oil and heat it over high heat. Add chopped garlic, ginger, and shallots to the wok and sauté until they become soft and aromatic
- Stir fry the veggies: Add broccoli and carrots to the wok and stir fry until they turn tender. Once the veggies are tender, season them with salt and black pepper according to your taste preferences. Now, add the bell peppers and stir fry until they also turn tender. Once they are tender, add the pan-fried tofu and stir it well with the veggies
- Add sauces: To add flavor, pour chili sauce, light and dark soy sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar into the wok. Stir everything well until the sauce coats the tofu and veggies
- Garnish and serve: Lastly, garnish the Tofu Stir Fry with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Remove it from the heat and it is ready to be served
Tips
- Use extra firm tofu: This type of tofu holds its shape better and has a firmer texture, making it ideal for stir-frying
- Press the tofu: Pressing the tofu will help to remove excess water and allow it to absorb more flavor and have a better texture
- Prep Ahead - Since stir-frying is a fast process, it is best to prep the ingredients ahead of time to make the cooking process faster
- Cut the veggies into similar sizes: Cutting the veggies into similar sizes will ensure that they cook evenly and at the same rate
- Use high heat: Stir-frying requires high heat to ensure that the veggies and tofu are cooked quickly and evenly
- Choose the best veggies: Some of the best veggies for stir-frying are broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, snap peas, and bok choy. Stir fry is an excellent way to utilize leftover veggies in a professional and delicious way. It's a versatile dish that can incorporate a variety of vegetables, and the high heat and quick cooking time help to preserve their nutrients and flavors
- Temperature: When it comes to stir-frying, temperature is key. To achieve the perfect texture and flavor, it's important to always use high heat when cooking in a wok. This helps to create a deliciously crisp and tender dish that's infused with all the flavors of the ingredients
- Consistency: I should mention that I have made this Tofu Stir Fry on the drier side. However, if you prefer a saucier consistency, you can incorporate some vegetable broth and cornstarch slurry. For more detailed information on how to make a delicious stir-fry sauce, please refer to my recipe. Remember, everyone has their own preference, so feel free to experiment and adjust the recipe to suit your taste!
Storage Suggestions
This Tofu Stir Fry tastes great once it is out of the wok, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, I would recommend using a wok or skillet over high heat to help maintain the dish's texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
There are many options to serve with Tofu Stir Fry. Here are some popular choices:
- Rice Dishes: You can serve this dish with a variety of rice options such as brown rice, white rice, jasmine rice, or basmati rice. These options will help balance the flavors of the dish and add some texture
- Noodles: Another great option is to serve the dish with noodles such as soba, udon, or rice noodles. This will add a different texture and flavor to the dish
- Vegetables: You can also serve this Tofu Stir Fry with roasted vegetables such as bok choy, snow peas, broccoli, or green beans
- Salad: A fresh salad with lettuce, cucumber, and tomatoes can also be a great side dish for the stir fry. It can help refresh the palate and balance out the flavors of the stir fry
- Soup Dishes: A light soup such as miso soup or hot and sour soup can also complement the flavors of the stir fry. It can help cleanse the palate and provide some warmth to the meal
Related Recipes
You can also find similar recipes below and more at stir-fry recipes, and Chinese recipes.
- Stir Fry Sauce
- Vegetable Stir Fry
- Chicken Stir Fry
- Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry
- Shrimp Stir Fry
- Thai Basil Chicken
- Sweet and Sour Chicken
- Teriyaki Chicken
More Tofu recipes.
Tofu Stir Fry Recipe Video
I have also shared a detailed video of this Tofu Stir Fry Recipe below that I hope will help you make a healthy meal at home. You can also find this recipe in a story format.
Tofu Stir Fry
Ingredients
To marinate Tofu
- 1 lb Tofu, extra firm, water drained, and cubed
- ½ tsp Black Pepper Powder
- ¾ tsp Salt , or adjust to taste
For Tofu Stir Fry
- 2 tbsp Oil, to fry tofu
- 2 tbsp Sesame Oil, for stir-frying
- 2 tbsp Garlic, chopped
- 1 tbsp Ginger , chopped
- 3 tbsp Shallots, chopped
- 1½ cup Broccoli, separated to small florets
- ½ cup Carrots, cut lengthwise
- 1 Bell Pepper, diced
- ½ tsp Black Pepper Powder
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tbsp Chili Sauce, or sambal oelek
- 2 tbsp Light Soy Sauce
- 2 tbsp Dark Soy Sauce
- 1½ tsp Rice Vinegar
- 1 tbsp Brown Sugar
- Spring Onions, chopped, to garnish
- Sesame Seeds, to garnish
Instructions
To make Tofu Stir Fry
- Start by taking a bowl and adding tofu, black pepper, salt, and all-purpose flour. Mix the ingredients well until the tofu pieces are coated with the seasoning
- Next, take a pan and pour 2 tsp of oil into it. Heat the pan over medium heat and add the tofu pieces. Fry the tofu on all sides until it turns golden in color
- Remove the pan-fried Tofu from the oil and reserve it for later use
- In a wok, pour sesame oil and heat it over high heat. Add chopped garlic, ginger, and shallots to the wok and sauté until they become soft and aromatic
- Add broccoli and carrots and stir fry until they turn tender. Once the veggies are tender, season them with salt and black pepper according to your taste preferences
- Now, add the bell peppers and stir fry until they also turn tender. Once they are tender, add the pan-fried tofu and stir it well with the veggies
- To add flavor, pour chili sauce, light and dark soy sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar into the wok. Stir everything well until the sauce coats the tofu and veggies
- Lastly, garnish the Tofu Stir Fry with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Remove it from the heat and it is ready to be served
To Serve
- You can serve this delicious Tofu Stir Fry over brown rice, white rice, jasmine rice, basmati rice, or noodles of your choice. Additionally, you can also serve it with other Asian dishes of your choice
Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
- Use extra firm tofu: This type of tofu holds its shape better and has a firmer texture, making it ideal for stir-frying
- Press the tofu: Pressing the tofu will help to remove excess water and allow it to absorb more flavor and have a better texture
- Prep Ahead: Since stir-frying is a fast process, it is best to prep the ingredients ahead of time to make the cooking process faster
- Cut the veggies into similar sizes: Cutting the veggies into similar sizes will ensure that they cook evenly and at the same rate
- Use high heat: Stir-frying requires high heat to ensure that the veggies and tofu are cooked quickly and evenly
- Choose the best veggies: Some of the best veggies for stir-frying are broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, snap peas, and bok choy. Stir fry is an excellent way to utilize leftover veggies professionally and deliciously. It's a versatile dish that can incorporate a variety of vegetables, and the high heat and quick cooking time help to preserve their nutrients and flavors
- Temperature: When it comes to stir-frying, temperature is key. To achieve the perfect texture and flavor, it's important to always use high heat when cooking in a wok. This helps to create a deliciously crisp and tender dish that's infused with all the flavors of the ingredients
- Consistency: I should mention that I have made this Tofu Stir Fry on the drier side. However, if you prefer a saucier consistency, you can incorporate some vegetable broth and cornstarch slurry. For more detailed information on how to make a delicious stir-fry sauce, please refer to my recipe. Remember, everyone has their preference, so feel free to experiment and adjust the recipe to suit your taste!
Nutrition Info
Disclaimer: We’re not nutrition experts. Nutritional info is estimated and should be used as a guide. For precise details, consult a professional.
FAQ
Tofu Stir Fry is a nutritious and flavorful dish that is both simple and quick to prepare. It is made with basic Asian pantry staples such as extra firm tofu, broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, aromatics, and a variety of Asian sauces. This dish can be served with rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.
Extra firm or super firm tofu are the best types of tofu for stir-frying. This is because they hold their shape well and don't break apart easily during the cooking process. This results in a more visually appealing and textured dish.
Yes, it's recommended to press the tofu before stir-frying. Pressing tofu helps to remove the excess water and allows it to absorb more flavors from the marinade or sauce. You can use a tofu press or wrap the tofu in paper towels and place a heavy object on top to squeeze out the water. Pressing the tofu also helps it to maintain its shape and prevents it from crumbling during the stir-fry process.
The best veggies to add to a stir fry are those that hold up well to high heat and quick cooking, such as broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, and onions. Leafy greens like bok choy and spinach can also be great additions.
I hope you found the recipe enjoyable and I would appreciate hearing about your experience with it.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to leave a comment and I will do my best to respond promptly. Thank you for reading and happy cooking!
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