Teriyaki Tofu Stir-Fry

$- 1 block firm tofu, drained and pressed - 2 tablespoons cornstarch - 3 tablespoons vegetable oil - 1 bell pepper (any color), sliced - 1 cup broccoli florets - 1 cup snap peas - 2 carrots, thinly sliced - 3 green onions, chopped - ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) - 2 tablespoons honey or agave syrup - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 garlic clove, minced - 1 inch ginger, grated - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish) In this recipe, firm tofu serves as the star. It absorbs flavor well and holds its shape. I love using fresh vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, and carrots. They add color, crunch, and nutrition. For the teriyaki sauce, mix soy sauce, honey or agave, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. This sauce makes everything taste amazing. You can add sesame seeds on top for that extra touch. {{ingredient_image_1}} Draining and Pressing the Tofu Start with a block of firm tofu. Place it on a plate. Put a clean towel over it. Add some weight on top, like a can. Let it sit for about 15 minutes. This removes excess water, making the tofu firmer. Coating with Cornstarch Cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes. In a bowl, add 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Toss the tofu cubes in the cornstarch until they are fully coated. This helps the tofu become crispy when cooked. Searing Process Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the tofu in a single layer. Cook for about 10 minutes, turning often. You want the tofu to be golden brown and crispy. Once done, remove the tofu from the pan and set it aside. Sautéing Technique In the same skillet, add the last tablespoon of oil. Then, toss in sliced bell pepper, broccoli florets, snap peas, and thinly sliced carrots. Stir-fry these for about 5-7 minutes. You want them to be tender but still crunchy. Mixing the Ingredients In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of honey or agave syrup, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 inch of grated ginger. This sauce adds a sweet and savory flavor to your dish. Final Cooking Steps Add the crispy tofu back to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Pour the teriyaki sauce over everything. Stir gently to coat all the ingredients. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through. When serving, sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top for extra flavor and a nice look. Enjoy your meal! - Tips for Tofu Preparation To get the perfect tofu, start with firm tofu. Drain it well and press it for at least 15 minutes. This helps remove excess water. Cut the tofu into small cubes. Coat the cubes with cornstarch. This step makes them crispy when cooked. - Ideal Vegetable Crunch Use fresh vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, and carrots. Cut them into even pieces to ensure they cook at the same rate. Stir-fry the veggies for just 5 to 7 minutes. You want them crisp but tender. This keeps the bright colors and fresh taste. - Suggestions for Seasoning Don’t skip the teriyaki sauce! Mix soy sauce, honey or agave syrup, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. This blend gives your stir-fry a sweet and savory punch. You can adjust the sweetness by adding more honey or agave. - Customized Sauce Variations Feel free to make your sauce special. Add a splash of sesame oil for a nutty flavor. Want some heat? Toss in some red pepper flakes. For a tangy twist, add a bit of lime juice. Experiment to find what you love best! Pro Tips Choose the Right Tofu: Use firm or extra-firm tofu for the best texture. Soft or silken tofu will break apart and not hold its shape during cooking. Get Crispy Tofu: Make sure to press the tofu to remove excess moisture before coating it with cornstarch. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy texture. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables. Cauliflower, zucchini, or mushrooms can add variety and flavor to your stir-fry. Adjust Sauce to Taste: Taste the teriyaki sauce before adding it to the stir-fry. You can adjust the sweetness or saltiness by adding more honey or soy sauce as needed. {{image_2}} Protein Substitutes If you want to switch up the protein, try these options: - Seitan: This wheat-based meat works well and has a chewy texture. - Tempeh: Made from fermented soybeans, tempeh offers a nutty flavor. - Chickpeas: These add protein and fiber while making the dish hearty. Vegetable Swaps You can easily change the vegetables in this stir-fry. Here are some ideas: - Zucchini: Slice it thinly for a fresh crunch. - Bell peppers: Use different colors for a vibrant look. - Cauliflower: Use florets for a nice bite and added fiber. Gluten-Free Options To make this dish gluten-free, simply use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari is a great soy sauce alternative that tastes just as good. Also, ensure that your cornstarch is labeled gluten-free. Vegan Alternatives For a vegan dish, replace honey with agave syrup or maple syrup. Both give a sweet touch that pairs well with the teriyaki sauce. This way, you keep the flavor while staying within vegan guidelines. To keep your teriyaki tofu stir-fry fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture loss. Place the leftovers in the fridge. They can last up to three days. Before you eat, check for any signs of spoilage. If it looks or smells off, toss it. If you want to save your stir-fry for later, freezing works great. Allow the dish to cool completely first. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Wrap it tightly to avoid freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. To reheat, thaw the stir-fry in the fridge overnight. Then, heat it in a skillet over medium heat until hot. You can also use the microwave. Just stir it every minute to ensure even heating. Enjoy your delicious meal! How long does Teriyaki Tofu Stir-Fry last in the fridge? Teriyaki Tofu Stir-Fry lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. Can I use frozen vegetables? Yes, you can use frozen vegetables. They work well in this dish. Just add them to the pan without thawing. Cook them until they are hot and tender. What is the best way to prepare tofu for stir-frying? Start by draining and pressing the tofu. This removes excess water. Cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes. Toss them with cornstarch for a crispy finish. Can I make Teriyaki Tofu Stir-Fry in advance? You can prepare the stir-fry in advance. Cook it, cool it, and store it in the fridge. Reheat it in a skillet or microwave before serving. How do I make the dish spicier? To spice it up, add chili flakes or sriracha to the teriyaki sauce. You can also stir in sliced fresh chili peppers when cooking the veggies. Adjust the heat to your taste! This blog post covered how to make a tasty Teriyaki Tofu Stir-Fry. We discussed the main ingredients, like firm tofu and fresh veggies. I shared step-by-step instructions, tips for the best texture, and ways to enhance flavor. You can also try different ingredients and adjust for dietary needs. For a delicious meal, remember to follow the steps and store wisely. Enjoy your cooking!$

A delicious and healthy stir-fry featuring crispy tofu and vibrant vegetables in a savory teriyaki sauce.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

1 block firm tofu, drained and pressed
2 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 bell pepper any color, sliced
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup snap peas
2 carrots thinly sliced
3 green onions chopped
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
0.25 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
2 tablespoons honey or agave syrup
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
1 inch ginger, grated

Instructions

Prepare the tofu: Cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes. In a bowl, toss the tofu cubes with the cornstarch until well-coated.
Sear the tofu: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the tofu cubes in a single layer. Cook until golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 10 minutes. Remove the tofu from the pan and set aside.
Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the bell pepper, broccoli, snap peas, and carrots. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Make the teriyaki sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey or agave syrup, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
Combine: Add the crispy tofu back into the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the teriyaki sauce over everything and mix gently to coat all ingredients. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top.

Notes

Plate the stir-fry over a bed of steamed rice or quinoa, and drizzle a bit more teriyaki sauce on top for a glossy finish. Garnish with additional sesame seeds and green onions for a vibrant look.

Keyword stir-fry, teriyaki, tofu, vegetarian