Teriyaki Tofu Stir Fry

$- 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, drained and pressed - 2 tablespoons cornstarch - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil - 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips - 1 cup snap peas, trimmed - 1 cup broccoli florets - 2 green onions, sliced diagonally - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely grated - 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted, for garnish For this teriyaki tofu stir fry, I use firm tofu. It holds up well and absorbs the sauce nicely. Pressing the tofu is key. It helps remove extra water. This step ensures a crispy finish. Cornstarch coats the tofu. This coating gives it a crunchy texture when fried. I also use vegetable oil for frying. It has a high smoke point, making it perfect for stir-frying. For the veggies, I choose bright colors and great textures. The red bell pepper adds sweetness. Snap peas bring a nice crunch. Broccoli adds color and nutrition. The aromatics are essential. Fresh garlic and ginger give a strong flavor. They create a fragrant base for the stir fry. Lastly, teriyaki sauce ties everything together. It adds a sweet and savory taste. I often use store-bought sauce, but you can make your own too. Don't forget to garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. They add a pop of flavor and color. Cutting and Pressing Start by cutting the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes. Use firm tofu for the best texture. Press the tofu well to remove excess moisture. This helps the tofu get crispy when cooked. Coating with Cornstarch In a mixing bowl, toss the tofu cubes gently with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Make sure each piece is evenly coated. This coating creates a nice, crispy layer when you cook it. Heating the Oil Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Let the oil heat for about one minute. This step is important for getting the tofu crispy. Frying Until Crispy Carefully add the coated tofu cubes to the hot oil. Fry them for about 5-7 minutes. Turn the cubes occasionally so they brown evenly. Once they are golden and crispy, remove them from the skillet and set them aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Adding Garlic and Ginger In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Let it heat for a moment. Sauté 3 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of finely grated fresh ginger in the hot oil. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until they smell great and turn slightly golden. Stir-Frying the Vegetables Add 1 sliced red bell pepper, 1 cup of snap peas, and 1 cup of broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir-fry the vegetables for 4-5 minutes. Keep stirring until they are tender but still crisp. Pouring in the Teriyaki Sauce Return the crispy tofu to the skillet. Pour in 1/4 cup of teriyaki sauce over the stir-fry. Ensuring Even Coating Carefully mix everything together. Make sure the tofu and vegetables are well-coated in the sauce. Cook for an extra 2-3 minutes, until everything is heated through and glossy. This stir fry is not just quick; it’s also colorful and packed with flavor! - Proper Pressing Technique: Pressing tofu is key. Start with a block of firm tofu. Drain it and wrap it in a clean kitchen towel. Place a heavy object on top, like a cast iron skillet. Leave it for at least 15 minutes. This step removes excess moisture. The drier the tofu, the crispier it gets. - Cooking Temperature Tips: Heat your skillet before adding oil. Use medium-high heat for cooking. The oil should shimmer but not smoke. This temperature helps the tofu brown nicely. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. This way, each piece gets crispy. - Suggested Seasonings: In addition to teriyaki sauce, add flavors with garlic and ginger. Fresh herbs like cilantro also brighten the dish. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds heat. Feel free to experiment with your favorite spices. - Using Homemade Teriyaki Sauce: Making your sauce is easy and fun. Combine soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. Simmer until thick, then let it cool. This sauce is rich in flavor and free from preservatives. It enhances your dish and makes it more personal. - Serving Suggestions: Serve your stir fry in a colorful bowl. This makes the dish pop and invites people to dig in. Consider pairing it with steamed rice or noodles for a hearty meal. - Garnishing Techniques: Garnish with sliced green onions for freshness. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds crunch. For a pop of color, add a sprig of fresh cilantro on top. These small touches make the dish look professional and appealing. {{image_4}} Using Chicken or Shrimp You can swap tofu for chicken or shrimp. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces or use peeled shrimp. Cook them in the same way as the tofu. Both proteins soak up the teriyaki sauce well, adding rich flavor. Plant-Based Substitutes If you want to keep it plant-based, consider tempeh or seitan. Tempeh has a nutty taste and texture. Seitan, made from wheat gluten, is chewy and works great in stir-fries. Both options offer great protein while staying vegan. Seasonal Vegetable Swaps Feel free to change the vegetables based on the season. Use zucchini in summer or squash in fall. Carrots and bell peppers add color and crunch. Try whatever is fresh and available for the best taste. Adding Leafy Greens Adding leafy greens boosts nutrition. Spinach or kale works well. Toss them in at the end of cooking. They wilt quickly and add a lovely color to your dish. Plus, they pack in extra vitamins. Gluten-Free Variants To make this dish gluten-free, choose a gluten-free teriyaki sauce. Use tamari instead of soy sauce as a substitute. Most of the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s easy to adapt. Vegan Options This recipe is already vegan if you use plant-based proteins. Ensure your teriyaki sauce is vegan too. Many store-bought sauces are vegan, but check the label to be sure. Refrigeration Guidelines You can keep leftover teriyaki tofu stir fry in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container. It stays fresh for about 3-4 days. Make sure to let it cool before sealing. This helps prevent moisture buildup. Freezing Instructions If you want to store it longer, freezing is a great option. Place the stir fry in a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to 2 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Best Methods for Reheating The best way to reheat the stir fry is in a skillet. Heat it over medium heat. Stir it often until it's warm. This keeps the tofu crispy and the veggies tender. You can also use a microwave, but stir it halfway for even heating. Avoiding Soggy Tofu To keep the tofu crispy, do not cover it while reheating. Covering traps steam and makes it soggy. If using the microwave, heat in short bursts and check often. This helps maintain the texture of the tofu. If you need a substitute for tofu, consider these options: - Tempeh: It has a nutty flavor and great texture. - Seitan: This wheat product mimics meat well. - Chickpeas: They add protein and a different texture. - Paneer: This Indian cheese works well in stir-fries. - Eggplant: It absorbs flavors well and has a meaty texture. Each option offers unique flavors and textures. Feel free to mix and match! To boost the flavor, try these tips: - Add more garlic and ginger: These two ingredients enhance taste. - Include chili flakes: Spice it up with a pinch of heat. - Use different sauces: Mix soy sauce or sriracha with teriyaki. - Add sesame oil: A few drops can bring depth to the dish. Experiment with these ideas to find your perfect balance! Yes, store-bought teriyaki sauce is a great option. Look for these brands: - Kikkoman: A well-known brand with a classic flavor. - Annie Chun's: It offers a more natural option. - Soy Vay: This brand has a unique blend of flavors. Always check labels for added sugars or preservatives. Choose a sauce that fits your taste! You learned how to make a tasty tofu stir fry. We covered ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and useful tips. You can even switch up ingredients for variety. Keep these tips in mind for the best crispy tofu and flavor. Now, get creative with your stir fry! Experiment with different veggies and sauces. Enjoy your cooking journey. Flavorful meals await you!$

Teriyaki Tofu Stir Fry

Discover a delicious Teriyaki Tofu Stir Fry that's not only quick to make but also packed with vibrant veggies! This recipe features crispy tofu paired with bell peppers, snap peas, and broccoli, all tossed in savory teriyaki sauce. Perfect for a healthy weeknight meal, it's ready in just 25 minutes. Click through to explore this mouthwatering recipe and bring a taste of Asia to your kitchen today!

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Ingredients

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

2 tablespoons cornstarch

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips

1 cup snap peas, trimmed

1 cup broccoli florets

2 green onions, sliced diagonally

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely grated

1/4 cup teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted, for garnish

Instructions

Begin by cutting the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes. Ensure to press the tofu well to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a crispy texture.

In a mixing bowl, toss the tofu cubes gently with cornstarch until they are evenly coated. This will help create a crispy exterior when cooked.

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to heat up for about a minute.

Carefully add the coated tofu cubes to the hot oil. Fry them for approximately 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. Once done, remove the tofu from the skillet and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels.

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil, allowing it to heat for a moment.

Sauté the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger in the hot oil for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until they become fragrant and slightly golden.

Add the sliced red bell pepper, snap peas, and broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir fry the vegetables for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they reach a tender-crisp state.

Return the crispy tofu to the skillet and pour the teriyaki sauce over the stir fry. Carefully stir everything together to combine, ensuring the tofu and vegetables are well-coated in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and glossy.

Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish the stir fry with the sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds before serving.

- Presentation Tips: Serve the stir fry in a large bowl or individual plates. For an elevated presentation, consider adding a few sesame seeds on top and a sprig of fresh cilantro. Enjoy your colorful and flavorful dish!

Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 25 min | Servings: 4