Tofu Stir-Fry

Tofu, also known as bean curd, is a versatile and popular plant-based protein made from soybeans. It has been a staple in Asian cuisine for centuries and has gained popularity worldwide as a protein source for vegetarians and vegans, as well as for those seeking alternative protein options. So here's a step-by-step guide for making a basic tofu stir-fry:

Tofu Stir-Fry Recipe

Ingredients you'll need:

- Firm or extra-firm tofu (14 oz / 400g), drained and cubed

- Vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, snap peas), sliced or chopped

- Cooking oil (e.g., vegetable oil, sesame oil)

- Garlic cloves, minced (2-3 cloves)

- Ginger, minced (about 1 teaspoon)

- Soy sauce (2-3 tablespoons)

- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon)

- Optional toppings: chopped green onions, sesame seeds, chopped cilantro

Step 1: Prepare the Tofu

- Start by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture. Place the tofu block on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Place another towel or paper towels on top and gently press to extract moisture. You can also place a heavy object (like a plate with something on top) over the tofu to aid in pressing. Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

- In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce and cornstarch until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. This will be your sauce to coat the tofu and vegetables.

Step 3: Cook the Tofu

- Heat a non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of cooking oil.

- Once the oil is hot, add the cubed tofu to the pan. Let it cook undisturbed for a few minutes until the bottom is golden brown. Gently flip the tofu cubes to brown on all sides. This might take about 10 minutes. Once the tofu is browned, transfer it to a plate.

Step 4: Cook the Vegetables

- In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Add minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

- Add your sliced or chopped vegetables to the pan. Stir-fry for a few minutes until they are slightly tender but still crisp.

Step 5: Combine Tofu and Vegetables

- Return the cooked tofu to the pan with the vegetables.

Step 6: Add Sauce

- Pour the soy sauce and cornstarch mixture over the tofu and vegetables. Gently stir to coat everything evenly with the sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

- Once everything is heated through and well-coated, remove the pan from the heat.

- Serve the tofu stir-fry over cooked rice or noodles. You can garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or chopped cilantro for added flavor and visual appeal.

Feel free to customize your tofu stir-fry by adding other seasonings, sauces, or vegetables according to your taste preferences. Enjoy your delicious and nutritious tofu stir-fry!