This spicy tofu stir-fry is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, perfect for a quick and healthy meal. The combination of tofu, bell peppers, and broccoli creates a colorful and nutritious dish that is both satisfying and easy to prepare. With a hint of heat from the chili sauce, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
If you don't typically cook with tofu, you might need to look for it in the refrigerated section of your supermarket, often near the produce or dairy sections. Chili sauce can usually be found in the international foods aisle, specifically in the Asian section. Make sure to get firm tofu as it holds up better during cooking.
Ingredients for Spicy Tofu Stir-Fry Recipe
Tofu: A versatile plant-based protein that absorbs flavors well, providing a satisfying texture to the dish.
Soy sauce: Adds a salty, umami flavor that enhances the overall taste of the stir-fry.
Garlic: Provides a pungent, aromatic flavor that is essential in many Asian dishes.
Ginger: Adds a warm, spicy note that complements the other ingredients.
Bell peppers: Contribute a sweet, crunchy texture and vibrant color to the stir-fry.
Broccoli: Adds a nutritious, slightly bitter element that balances the dish.
Chili sauce: Brings heat and a touch of sweetness, elevating the flavor profile.
Vegetable oil: Used for stir-frying, it has a high smoke point and neutral flavor.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When preparing tofu, ensure it is well-drained to achieve a crispier texture when stir-frying. Press the tofu between paper towels or a clean kitchen towel, placing a weight on top for at least 15 minutes. This removes excess moisture, allowing the tofu to brown more effectively and absorb the flavors of the soy sauce and chili sauce.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
tofu - Substitute with tempeh: Tempeh has a firm texture and absorbs flavors well, making it a great alternative to tofu in stir-fry recipes.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce and has a similar umami flavor.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, slightly sweet flavor that can complement the other ingredients in the stir-fry.
ginger - Substitute with galangal: Galangal has a similar spicy and aromatic profile to ginger, making it a suitable replacement.
bell peppers - Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini has a mild flavor and similar texture, which works well in stir-fry dishes.
broccoli - Substitute with cauliflower: Cauliflower has a similar texture and can be used in place of broccoli in stir-fry recipes.
chili sauce - Substitute with sriracha: Sriracha provides a similar level of heat and flavor, making it a good alternative to chili sauce.
vegetable oil - Substitute with sesame oil: Sesame oil adds a rich, nutty flavor to the stir-fry, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How To Store / Freeze This Dish
Allow the spicy tofu stir-fry to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
Transfer the cooled stir-fry into an airtight container. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent any odors from seeping in.
Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the dish within 3-4 days. This keeps the tofu and vegetables fresh and flavorful.
For longer storage, place the stir-fry in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Label the container with the date to keep track of its freshness.
When freezing, try to remove as much air as possible from the container or bag. This helps prevent freezer burn and preserves the texture of the tofu and vegetables.
To reheat, thaw the stir-fry in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. This gradual thawing helps maintain the dish's texture and flavor.
Reheat the stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of vegetable oil or soy sauce if needed to refresh the flavors. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
Alternatively, you can reheat the dish in the microwave. Place the stir-fry in a microwave-safe dish, cover it loosely with a microwave-safe lid or wrap, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Enjoy the reheated spicy tofu stir-fry as is, or serve it over freshly cooked rice or noodles for a complete meal.
How To Reheat Leftovers
Stovetop Method:
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Add a splash of vegetable oil or a bit of water to prevent sticking.
- Add the leftover Spicy Tofu Stir-Fry and stir occasionally.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the tofu and vegetables are heated through.
Microwave Method:
- Place the Spicy Tofu Stir-Fry in a microwave-safe dish.
- Cover with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
- Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Check the temperature and heat for an additional 30 seconds if needed.
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the Spicy Tofu Stir-Fry evenly on a baking sheet.
- Cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Steaming Method:
- Set up a steamer basket over a pot of boiling water.
- Place the Spicy Tofu Stir-Fry in the steamer basket.
- Cover and steam for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.
- This method helps retain the moisture and texture of the tofu and vegetables.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the Spicy Tofu Stir-Fry in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
- This method can help to re-crisp the tofu while keeping the vegetables tender.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Wok: A large, round-bottomed cooking pan that is ideal for stir-frying due to its high sides and even heat distribution.
Spatula: A flat, broad tool used for flipping and stirring ingredients in the wok.
Knife: Essential for mincing garlic and ginger, and slicing bell peppers and tofu.
Cutting board: A sturdy surface for safely chopping and slicing ingredients.
Measuring spoons: Used to accurately measure out the soy sauce, chili sauce, and vegetable oil.
Mixing bowl: Useful for draining and cubing the tofu before cooking.
Garlic press: Optional, but can be used to efficiently mince the garlic.
Grater: Optional, but can be used to mince the ginger if you prefer not to use a knife.
Serving dish: A plate or bowl to serve the finished stir-fry hot.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Prep ingredients in advance: Chop bell peppers and broccoli ahead of time to save minutes during cooking.
Use pre-minced garlic and ginger: Opt for store-bought minced garlic and ginger to cut down on prep time.
Press tofu early: Drain and press tofu beforehand to remove excess water, ensuring it cooks faster and gets crispier.
One-pan method: Use a large wok to cook everything together, minimizing cleanup and speeding up the process.
Batch cooking: Double the recipe and store leftovers for quick meals later in the week.
Spicy Tofu Stir-Fry
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 block Tofu firm, drained and cubed
- 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon Ginger minced
- 1 cup Bell Peppers sliced
- 1 cup Broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon Chili Sauce
- 2 tablespoon Vegetable Oil
Instructions
- Heat oil in a wok over medium-high heat.
- Add garlic and ginger, stir-fry for 1 minute.
- Add tofu and cook until golden brown.
- Add bell peppers and broccoli, stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
- Add soy sauce and chili sauce, mix well.
- Cook for another 2 minutes. Serve hot.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts for This Dish
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