Go Back
- 1 block firm tofu, pressed and cubed - 2 tablespoons cornstarch - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated - 1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips - 1 cup broccoli florets - 1 medium carrot, julienned - 3 green onions, chopped (white and green parts separated) The star of this dish is firm tofu. It soaks up all the flavors. Pressing the tofu removes extra moisture. This makes it crispy when cooked. The fresh vegetables add color and crunch. I love using red bell pepper, broccoli, and carrot. Each one gives the dish unique tastes and textures. - 3 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sriracha - 1 teaspoon sesame oil For sauce, I use soy sauce. It adds a rich umami flavor. Sriracha brings heat, and you can adjust it. If you like it spicier, add more. A little sesame oil adds depth and richness to the dish. These sauces blend well with the tofu and veggies. - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds - Fresh cilantro leaves - 3 green onions, chopped (green parts) Garnishes make the dish pop. I use sesame seeds for crunch and nutty flavor. Fresh cilantro adds a bright taste. Green onions add a nice finish and extra color. These simple touches make the stir fry look and taste amazing. {{ingredient_image_2}} Pressing and Cubing Tofu Start with firm tofu. Press it for 15 minutes. This removes extra water. Next, cut the tofu into small cubes. Aim for even sizes. This helps them cook well. Coating in Cornstarch Put the cubed tofu in a bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Toss gently so all sides are coated. This step makes the tofu crispy when cooked. Pan-Frying Steps Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large pan. Use medium-high heat for best results. Place the tofu cubes in a single layer. Fry them for 5 to 7 minutes. Turn them often to cook evenly. Achieving Crispiness Look for golden brown color on all sides. This means the tofu is ready. Remove the tofu from the pan and place it on a plate. Set it aside to keep it warm. Sautéing Garlic and Ginger In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon of oil. Then add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 inch of grated ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds. You want them to smell nice, but not burn. Stir-Frying the Vegetables Now, add sliced red bell pepper, broccoli florets, and julienned carrot. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes. Stir them often. They should look bright and stay a bit crunchy. Mixing Tofu with Sauce Return the crispy tofu to the pan. Drizzle in 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of sriracha, and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Stir everything gently. Ensuring Even Coating Make sure all the tofu and vegetables are coated well. Heat them together for 2 to 3 minutes. This helps the flavors mix nicely. Adding Garnishes Before serving, sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the top. This adds a nice touch. Toss lightly to combine. Serving Suggestions Serve the stir fry in deep bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves. For a complete meal, add steamed jasmine rice or quinoa on the side. Enjoy your tasty dish! - Marinating the Tofu: Marinating the tofu boosts its flavor. Mix soy sauce, garlic, and ginger in a bowl. Add the tofu and let it sit for 15 minutes. This way, the tofu absorbs all the yummy flavors. - Timing for Cooking Vegetables: Cook the vegetables right after the tofu. Add them to the hot pan for quick cooking. This keeps them bright and crunchy. Stir-fry them for just a few minutes. The goal is to keep their color and bite. - Different Tofu Types: Use firm or extra-firm tofu for this dish. These types hold their shape well. Soft tofu can break apart easily. So stick to the firmer varieties for the best results. - Alternative Cooking Methods: If you want a different texture, you can bake the tofu. Toss the cubes with a bit of oil and bake until crispy. This method gives a nice crunch without frying. - Serving Dishes: Serve the stir fry in deep bowls. This way, all the colors pop. It looks inviting and tasty. Plus, deep bowls keep the sauce from spilling. - Garnishing Techniques: Use fresh cilantro and sesame seeds to garnish. Sprinkle them on top just before serving. This adds flavor and a nice touch to your dish. A little extra green onion adds a vibrant look too. Pro Tips Press Tofu Thoroughly: Make sure to press the tofu for at least 15 minutes to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy texture when frying. Use High Heat for Frying: When pan-frying the tofu, make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the tofu. This will help to create a golden, crispy exterior. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the tofu in a single layer without overcrowding the pan. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve that desired crunch. Customize Your Spice Level: Adjust the amount of sriracha according to your heat preference. Start with less and add more if you like it spicier. {{image_4}} You can easily switch up the protein in this dish. If you want meat, chicken or shrimp work well. Just cut them into small pieces and cook them before the tofu. Add the cooked protein back to the pan when you mix in the sauce. For a vegan twist, try tempeh or chickpeas. Tempeh has a nice nutty flavor that pairs well with the spices. Chickpeas add protein and a different texture. Cook them until they are warm and slightly crispy, then combine them with the tofu. Want more heat? Increase the sriracha. You can also add red pepper flakes for extra spice. Taste as you go to find your perfect level of heat. If you want new flavors, try different sauces. Hoisin or oyster sauce can add sweetness. You can also use teriyaki sauce for a richer taste. Each sauce gives a unique twist to the stir fry. Fresh, in-season produce can elevate your dish. In the spring, add snap peas or asparagus. In summer, try zucchini or bell peppers. In fall, use squash or Brussels sprouts. Winter is great for kale or root veggies. Choose what looks fresh at your market. Customize based on what you like and what you find. This keeps your stir fry exciting and fresh every time you make it. - Store leftovers in an airtight container. - Use glass or plastic containers for easy reheating. After cooking, let the stir fry cool. Once cool, transfer it to your container. This method keeps the tofu fresh for about three to four days. - Use a microwave for quick heating. - Stovetop reheating keeps the texture better. When you microwave, use a low power setting. Heat in short bursts, stirring often. If using a stovetop, add a splash of water. This helps steam the dish and keeps it moist. - Freeze leftovers for longer storage. - Use freezer-safe containers or bags. To freeze, let the stir fry cool completely. Portion it out and seal tightly. For best results, consume within three months. - Thaw in the fridge overnight. - Reheat on the stovetop for best quality. Avoid thawing at room temperature. This keeps the food safe and helps maintain flavor and texture. To make tofu crispy, you need to press it first. - Press tofu for at least 15 minutes. - This removes water and helps it fry better. - Cut tofu into even cubes. - Toss the cubes in cornstarch for a crunchy coat. Frying the tofu in hot oil also matters. Use a non-stick skillet or wok. Heat oil on medium-high. Add tofu in a single layer. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Flip it gently for even cooking. Yes, you can switch up the veggies! - Try bell peppers, snap peas, or zucchini. - Mushrooms or bok choy work well too. - Use what you have on hand. Mixing vegetables adds different tastes and colors. Just remember to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking. This dish pairs well with many sides. - Serve it over steamed jasmine rice. - Quinoa is a great option too. - You can even try brown rice for a healthy twist. Adding a simple salad can brighten up your meal, too. Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free. - Use tamari instead of soy sauce. - Check labels to ensure your sauces are gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the full flavor without gluten. Adjusting spice is easy! - For a milder dish, reduce or skip the sriracha. - Add a little honey for sweetness if needed. If you like it spicy, add more sriracha or fresh chili. Always taste as you go for the best results! Tofu stir fry is simple and tasty. We covered ingredients, from firm tofu to fresh veggies. You learned how to cook tofu and add flavor with soy sauce and spices. Our tips on textures and presentation will help your dish shine. Remember, you can customize it with proteins or veggies based on what you like. Store leftovers properly and reheat for the best taste. Enjoy making this dish your own, and share your tasty creation with others!

Spicy Garlic Tofu Stir Fry

A flavorful and vibrant stir fry featuring crispy tofu, fresh vegetables, and a spicy garlic sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 block firm tofu, pressed and cubed
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated
  • 1 unit red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 medium carrot, julienned
  • 3 unit green onions, chopped (white and green parts separated)
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • to taste fresh cilantro leaves (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Tofu: Start by pressing the tofu for at least 15 minutes to eliminate excess moisture, which helps it achieve a crispy texture. Once done, cut the tofu into small, even cubes. In a bowl, toss the tofu cubes in cornstarch until they are evenly coated.
  • Pan-Fry the Tofu: In a large non-stick skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed tofu in a single layer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until the tofu is golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove the tofu from the skillet and set it aside.
  • Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing them for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Cook the Vegetables: Add the sliced red bell pepper, broccoli florets, and julienned carrot to the skillet. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 3-5 minutes until they are vibrant and tender-crisp.
  • Combine Tofu and Flavorings: Return the crispy tofu to the skillet. Drizzle in the soy sauce, sriracha, and sesame oil. Gently toss all the ingredients together, ensuring they are evenly coated and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Finish and Garnish: Sprinkle chopped green onions (white parts) and sesame seeds over the stir fry. Toss everything lightly to mix before serving.

Notes

Serve with steamed jasmine rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
Keyword quick meal, spicy, stir fry, tofu, vegetarian