Tofu That Tastes Good: Stir-Fry

Tofu That Tastes Good: Stir-Fry

2 servings
A tofu-veggie stir fry made tasty with a simple technique that gives the tofu perfect texture and flavor. Serve over rice or on its own for a healthy and delicious weeknight meal. Feeds 2-3.

Ingredients

  • 14-ounce package firm or extra-firm tofu
    1
  • roughly chopped green beans
    2 c
  • diced carrots or red pepper
    1 c
  • toasted sesame oil for sautéing)

    (or sub peanut or coconut

    2 tbsp
  • low-sodium soy sauce)

    (ensure gluten-free for gf eaters

    ¼ c
  • fresh grated ginger
    1 tbsp
  • organic brown sugar

    reduce slightly for less sweet sauce

    2 tbsp
  • agave or maple syrup)

    (or honey if not vegan // reduce slightly for less sweet sauce

    1 tbsp
  • cornstarch
    1 tbsp
  • brown rice
  • peanut sauce

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (204 C) and begin drying your tofu. Drain, remove it from the package and place between two thick towels folded into the shape of the tofu. Then place a plate or bowl on top and top it with something heavy like a book or skillet. Alternatively, use a tofu press.

  2. 2

    Let it dry for about 15 minutes, changing your towels if they get too wet. Once dry, unwrap, chop tofu into roughly 1-inch cubes or rectangles (see photo).

  3. 3

    Arrange tofu on a lightly greased or parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking and bake for a total of 25-35 minutes, flipping once halfway through to ensure even cooking. This will dry out the tofu and help give it a more meat-like texture. If you want a tougher texture, cook it for 30-35. For a slightly more tender texture, pull it out at 20-25 minutes to check.

  4. 4

    Once it’s golden brown and a bit tough and firm, remove from the oven set it out to dry a bit more while you prep your vegetables. Ideally, it would set out another 45 minutes or even longer. I haven’t tried letting it set out for much longer, but I don’t think it would hurt either way.

  5. 5

    If serving over rice, start the rice at this point.

  6. 6

    In a small mixing bowl, whisk together all of the sauce ingredients – set aside.

  7. 7

    To a large skillet over medium-high heat, add sesame oil and swirl to coat. Then add veggies and toss to coat. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring often. When the vegetables have some color and have softened a bit, add the sauce and stir. It should bubble and thicken. Then add the tofu and stir to coat.

  8. 8

    Cook the mixture for 3-5 minutes, stirring often. When veggies are cooked to your preferred doneness, remove from heat. Serve as is or over rice for a more filling meal. Best when eaten fresh, though will keep in the refrigerator for a couple days.

Tofu That Tastes Good: Stir-Fry

Tofu That Tastes Good: Stir-Fry

60 min2 servings492 cal

Similar Recipes

Ratings & Reviews

Be the First to Rate

Your rating helps others discover amazing recipes. Share your experience and let others know what you think!

About this Recipe

Tired of bland, rubbery tofu that leaves you wishing for takeout? This Tofu That Tastes Good: Stir-Fry recipe is here to change your mind, delivering a truly satisfying and flavorful weeknight meal that’s both healthy and delicious.

This recipe works by focusing on a simple technique that gives your tofu the perfect texture and flavor, ensuring it's never soggy or uninspired. Paired with a vibrant medley of fresh vegetables and a perfectly balanced sweet-and-savory sauce, it transforms humble tofu into the star of your plate.

What can you expect from this stir-fry? Each bite offers a delightful contrast of firm, flavorful tofu alongside crisp-tender green beans and tender carrots or red pepper. The sauce, infused with fresh ginger, soy, and a touch of sweetness from brown sugar and agave, coats every ingredient beautifully, creating a harmonious and addictive flavor profile. It's designed to be a deeply satisfying entrée, perfect for serving over fluffy brown rice, allowing the sauce to meld wonderfully with the grains.

Feel free to customize this stir-fry to your liking. While green beans and carrots or red pepper are fantastic, you can easily swap in other crisp-tender vegetables like broccoli florets or snap peas. For the cooking oil, toasted sesame oil adds a rich depth, but peanut or coconut oil are excellent alternatives. If you're managing sweetness, feel free to slightly reduce the brown sugar and agave. Always ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free if you're catering to dietary needs.

This Tofu That Tastes Good: Stir-Fry is an ideal centerpiece for a healthy and hearty weeknight dinner. Serve it generously over warm brown rice, and consider drizzling with a little extra peanut sauce for an added layer of rich flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions