If you’re like me, the daily grind can leave you craving a quick, satisfying meal. This Spicy Tofu & Vegetable Stir Fry is just that. It’s ready in 20 minutes and is packed with flavor.
As a busy parent, finding easy, plant-based meals is a must. This stir-fry is a hit with my family. It’s quick, easy, and delicious.
Key Takeaways
- This 20-minute vegan recipe is perfect for a quick, healthy dinner or meal prep
- The dish is packed with 70 grams of plant-based protein from Trader Joe’s High Protein Tofu
- The stir-fry features a variety of fresh vegetables, including snap peas, broccoli, and cabbage
- The flavorful sauce combines Trader Joe’s Soyaki Sauce and Thai Sweet Ginger Sauce
- You can customize the heat level by adding more or less sriracha to the sauce
Quick Overview of This 20-Minute Asian-Inspired Dish
This quick weeknight dinner is a mix of vegetable medley and tofu dishes. It’s great for when you’re short on time. It’s ready in just 20 minutes and is full of flavor and nutrients.
Key Benefits of This Recipe
- Rapid preparation time of 20 minutes or less
- Versatile with a variety of vegetables that can be swapped in
- High in protein from the inclusion of tofu
- Packed with umami flavor from the homemade peanut sauce
- Suitable for vegans and vegetarians
Essential Kitchen Tools Needed
To make this tasty tofu dishes, you’ll need a few tools:
- A large skillet or wok to stir-fry the ingredients
- A sharp knife for efficiently prepping the vegetables
- Basic measuring cups and spoons for accurately portioning the ingredients
- A food processor or blender to make the delicious peanut sauce”This quick weeknight dinner is a true flavor explosion, thanks to the perfect balance of tender tofu and crisp, vibrant vegetables in a heavenly peanut sauce.”
Ingredients List for Your Stir Fry Success
To make a tasty spicy tofu and vegetable stir fry, you’ll need some key ingredients. Start with a 16-ounce block of high-protein tofu. This will give your dish a great texture and lots of plant-based nutrition. Next, add a 16-ounce package of pre-made stir-fry vegetables. These veggies are a mix of fresh broccoli, carrots, and snap peas.
For the flavors, you’ll need some pantry staples. Use a flavorful soy sauce and a zesty ginger sauce as the base of your stir-fry sauce. A bit of cornstarch will thicken the sauce, making it glossy and clingy.
To top it off, add some green onions and sesame seeds if you like. Serve the stir-fry over fluffy white or brown rice for a full meal.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tofu, extra-firm | 16 oz block |
| Stir-fry vegetable blend | 16 oz package |
| Cooking oil | As needed |
| Soy sauce | To taste |
| Ginger sauce | To taste |
| Cornstarch | 1-2 tbsp |
| Green onions (optional) | For garnish |
| Sesame seeds (optional) | For garnish |
| Rice | For serving |
Feel free to make this recipe your own. Try different veggies, add more ginger sauce or red pepper flakes for spice, and use tamari for gluten-free soy sauce.
How to Prepare and Press Tofu for Perfect Results
Getting your tofu right is key for a great Spicy Tofu & Vegetable Stir Fry. You need to press out the extra moisture. This makes the tofu crisp up nicely when you cook it.
Proper Tofu Pressing Techniques
Choose high-protein tofu preparation that doesn’t need pressing. Just drain and dry the tofu before cutting it into cubes. But, if you’re using regular tofu, you must press it to get rid of the water.
Put the tofu between two clean towels or paper towels. Then, use something heavy like a cast-iron skillet or books to press it for 20-30 minutes.
Cutting and Cubing Methods
- After pressing, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes for even cooking and a delightful texture in the stir-fry.
- The firm, evenly-sized cubes will ensure the plant-based protein cooks through and develops a crispy exterior when sautéed.
With the tofu ready, you can add it to your Spicy Tofu & Vegetable Stir Fry. It makes for a tasty, healthy meal.“Proper tofu preparation is the foundation for a delicious, crispy stir-fry.”
Spicy Tofu & Vegetable Stir Fry Step-by-Step Guide
Get ready to make a tasty stir-fry technique with this Spicy Tofu and Vegetable Stir Fry recipe! This easy guide will have you enjoying a delicious, one-pot meal in just 20 minutes. Let’s get started.
- Start by pressing the tofu. Place the 2 (14-ounce) packages of extra-firm tofu between paper towels or clean kitchen towels, and apply weight for 15 minutes to remove excess moisture. This will help the tofu get crispy when sautéed.
- Cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes and toss them with 3 tablespoons of cornstarch until well coated.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the coated tofu cubes and sauté for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown on all sides. Remove the tofu from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add the vegetables, including 10 ounces of baby spinach, 3 large garlic cloves (minced), and 1 tablespoon of minced fresh ginger. Sauté for 3 minutes, covered, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- While the vegetables are cooking, prepare the flavorful stir-fry sauce by combining 1 to 2 teaspoons of fresh chili paste (sambal oelek), 2 tablespoons of hoisin sauce, and ¼ cup of low-sodium soy sauce.
- Return the sautéed tofu to the skillet with the vegetables and pour the stir-fry sauce over the top. Toss everything together, and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and coats the ingredients evenly.
- Finally, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of toasted sesame seeds over the top and serve your delicious stir-fry technique immediately, either on its own or with a side of rice or noodles.
Enjoy your flavorful Spicy Tofu and Vegetable Stir Fry, a perfect one-pot meals option for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Creating the Perfect Stir Fry Sauce
Make your spicy stir-fry even better with a homemade sauce. It’s easy to make and you can change it to fit your taste. With a few ingredients, you can create a sauce that tastes like it came from a restaurant.
Sauce Ingredients and Proportions
The best stir-fry sauce has savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. Start with 3 tablespoons of soyaki sauce and 1 tablespoon of sweet ginger sauce. Add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to thicken it.
This mix makes a smooth sauce that sticks well to your stir-fried tofu and veggies.
Customizing Heat Levels
If you like it spicy, add sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce. Start with a little and add more until it’s just right. Also, adjust the sweetness and salt to your taste.
With a few tweaks, you can make a sauce that’s just right for you. It will match the flavors of your dish perfectly. Let your creativity in the kitchen shine!
Vegetable Selection and Preparation Tips
Choosing the right vegetables is key to a great spicy tofu and vegetable stir-fry. Go for a vegetable medley that’s vibrant and colorful. Think about using snap peas, broccoli, cabbage, mushrooms, and asparagus. These veggies not only taste great but also add important nutrients to your healthy meal prep.
Make sure to chop your veggies into small pieces for even cooking. This way, every bite will be full of flavor and texture. Remember, smaller pieces cook faster, so watch them closely to avoid overcooking.
| Vegetable | Preparation Tips |
|---|---|
| Snap Peas | Slice diagonally into 1-inch pieces |
| Broccoli | Cut florets into small, evenly-sized pieces |
| Cabbage | Shred into thin strips |
| Mushrooms | Slice or quarter, depending on size |
| Asparagus | Cut into 1-inch segments, discarding tough ends |
Using a pre-packaged stir-fry vegetable blend can save you time. These blends offer a mix of textures and flavors. Choose a vegetable medley that pairs well with spicy tofu and delights your taste buds.
Cooking Techniques for Crispy Tofu
To get your tofu dishes and vegan recipe just right, focus on temperature and timing. First, make sure your skillet is very hot before adding the tofu. Cook on medium-high, turning the tofu every 2 minutes for even browning.
This method keeps the tofu moist and adds a nice crunch. It’s important to take the tofu out of the pan before adding the veggies. This stops the tofu from getting too dry.
After the veggies are tender-crisp, put the tofu back in. Toss it with the stir-fry sauce. The sauce adds great flavor without making the tofu soggy.
Temperature Control Tips
For the best results, use a sturdy, nonstick skillet. Heat it over medium-high before adding oil and tofu. This high heat is crucial for a golden-brown outside without drying the inside. Adjust the heat to avoid burning the tofu.
Timing and Sequencing
- Cook the tofu first, in batches if necessary, until crispy and golden brown on all sides.
- Remove the tofu from the pan and set it aside while you cook the vegetables.
- Once the veggies are tender-crisp, reintroduce the tofu and toss it with the stir-fry sauce.
- This sequencing ensures the tofu remains crisp and the vegetables retain their texture and freshness.
Mastering temperature and timing will help you make deliciously crispy tofu. It pairs perfectly with the vibrant veggies in your stir-fry. Enjoy this tasty vegan recipe any night.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Make your spicy tofu and vegetable stir-fry even better by adding Asian cuisine touches. Serve it over hot rice or noodles for a full meal. Or, try it with cauliflower rice for a low-carb choice.
Top your dish with green onions and sesame seeds for color and taste. Pair it with miso soup or an Asian salad for a balanced dinner.
| Serving Suggestions | Pairings |
|---|---|
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These suggestions and pairings can turn your stir-fry into a complete Asian cuisine meal. Share it with your loved ones for a tasty and healthy Meatless Monday.
Storage and Meal Prep Instructions
Enjoying this tasty Spicy Tofu & Vegetable Stir Fry doesn’t have to stop after dinner. With a few simple steps, you can keep this healthy meal fresh for days. It becomes a quick and easy quick weeknight dinner option all week.
To keep leftovers, just put the stir-fry in an airtight container and chill it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat it again, heat it up in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a bit of water if it gets too dry.
For easy meal prep, divide the stir-fry into individual containers with some rice. This way, you have a full, balanced meal ready to take with you anytime. Just heat it up and enjoy!
With these tips, you can enjoy the flavors of this Spicy Tofu & Vegetable Stir Fry for days. Save time and enjoy tasty, healthy meals all week.
Conclusion
The Spicy Tofu & Vegetable Stir Fry is a tasty and healthy meal ready in 20 minutes. It’s packed with protein from tofu, colorful veggies, and a tasty sauce. This vegan dish is perfect for busy nights or meal prep.
Follow the easy steps in this guide to make a stir-fry like a pro at home. Pressing the tofu right, making a great sauce, and stir-frying well are key. You can also adjust the dish to fit your taste and diet.
If you want to eat more plant-based meals or need a quick dinner, try this stir fry. Serve it over brown rice or your favorite grain for a full meal. It’s something everyone in your family will enjoy.
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