Tofu and Veg Stir-Fry with Rice

Enjoy a nutritious and satisfying meal with a Tofu and Veg Stir-Fry served alongside fragrant rice. This quick and easy recipe combines the goodness of protein-packed tofu, a colorful variety of vegetables, and fluffy rice, resulting in a well-rounded and flavorful dish.

In this food blog article, we’ll guide you through the steps to create a delicious stir-fry that will tantalize your taste buds and provide essential nutrients. Get ready to indulge in a wholesome and vibrant combination that is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!

Ingredients:

To prepare the mouthwatering Tofu and Veg Stir-Fry with Rice, gather the following ingredients:

For the stir-fry:

• 14 oz (400g) firm tofu, drained and cubed
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil (divided)
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 bell peppers, thinly sliced
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 carrots, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional toppings: sesame seeds, chopped green onions

For the rice:

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 cups water
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Start by cooking the rice. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, water, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is fluffy and cooked through. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the cubed tofu, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Gently toss to coat the tofu evenly.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated tofu cubes and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden and slightly crispy. Remove the tofu from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil. Add the sliced onion, bell peppers, broccoli florets, and carrots. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
5. Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the cleared area. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
6. Combine the cooked tofu with the stir-fried vegetables in the skillet. Drizzle hoisin sauce and rice vinegar over the mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together to coat the tofu and veggies in the sauce.
7. Remove the skillet from heat and serve the Tofu and Veg Stir-Fry on a bed of cooked rice. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor and garnish.
8. Enjoy your wholesome and flavorful meal!

Recipe Tips:

• For extra flavor, you can marinate the tofu cubes in advance with a combination of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of sesame oil for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking.
• Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like snap peas, mushrooms, zucchini, or baby corn to suit your preferences.

Substitutions:

• If you don’t have firm tofu, you can use extra-firm tofu or even tempeh as a substitute.
• Swap the basmati rice with jasmine rice, brown rice, or quinoa for a different twist.

FAQs:

Q: Can I make this stir-fry ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the tofu and vegetable stir-fry in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a skillet or microwave before serving. Cook fresh rice when ready to serve.

Q: Can I make this dish vegan-friendly? A: Absolutely! This recipe is already vegan-friendly as it utilizes plant-based ingredients like tofu and vegetables. Just ensure that the soy sauce or tamari you use is labeled as vegan.

Q: What are soy cubes? A: Soy cubes, also known as soy nuggets or soy chunks, are a plant-based protein option made from whole soybeans. They are typically dehydrated and can be rehydrated and used in various dishes as a meat alternative or protein source.

Q: Which bean is used to make tofu? A: The primary bean used to make tofu is soybean. Soybeans are soaked, ground, and then cooked to extract the soy milk, which is then coagulated and pressed to create tofu. Other types of beans, such as chickpeas or black beans, can also be used to make different variations of tofu.

Q: What color is tofu? A: Tofu is typically off-white or pale yellow in color. The color can vary slightly depending on the processing method and ingredients used, but it is generally a neutral and light shade.

Q: What is tamari tofu? A: Tamari tofu is a variation of tofu that is marinated or cooked with tamari sauce. Tamari is a type of soy sauce made without wheat, which gives it a rich and savory flavor. When used with tofu, it adds a delicious umami taste and depth of flavor.

Q: What are tofu croutons? A: Tofu croutons are small, crispy cubes of tofu that can be used as a crunchy topping for salads, soups, or other dishes. They are typically seasoned and baked or air-fried to achieve a crispy texture, adding a protein-packed twist to your favorite recipes.

Indulge in the delightful flavors of a Tofu and Veg Stir-Fry with Rice, a wholesome and vibrant meal that brings together protein-packed tofu, colorful vegetables, and fragrant rice. This quick and easy recipe allows for customization and provides a balanced combination of nutrients. With its mouthwatering taste and versatility, this dish is perfect for weekday dinners or meal prepping.