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- 1 block firm tofu - Mixed bell peppers (red, yellow, green) - Broccoli florets - Carrot - Honey - Low-sodium soy sauce - Sesame oil - Fresh ginger - Garlic - Cornstarch - Vegetable oil - Sesame seeds - Green onions The key to a great Honey Garlic Tofu Stir Fry is the balance of flavors and textures. First, the main ingredients make the dish vibrant and colorful. Firm tofu offers protein and absorbs delicious sauces well. I love using a mix of bell peppers. They add sweetness and crunch. Broccoli adds a nice bite, and carrots provide a touch of earthiness. Next, the sauce ingredients bring everything together. Honey gives sweetness, while low-sodium soy sauce adds saltiness without being overpowering. Sesame oil adds a nutty flavor, while fresh ginger and garlic give a warm, aromatic touch. Finally, the additional ingredients elevate the dish. Cornstarch helps the tofu get crispy. Vegetable oil is perfect for frying. Sesame seeds and green onions on top make the dish look appealing and add a fresh crunch. With these ingredients, you can create a quick and tasty meal that everyone will love! {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, you need to press the tofu. This step removes extra moisture and helps the tofu crisp up. Place the tofu block between two plates. Add weight on top for about 30 minutes. After pressing, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes. These small pieces cook evenly and get crispy. Next, grab a mixing bowl and add 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Toss the tofu cubes in the cornstarch. Make sure each piece is coated well. This coating is important for that crispy texture when frying. Now, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil shimmers. Carefully place the coated tofu cubes into the hot oil. Fry the tofu for about 5-7 minutes. Turn the pieces so they brown on all sides. When golden and crispy, take the tofu out and set it aside on a plate. In the same skillet, if needed, add a little more vegetable oil. Then, add 2 cups of mixed bell peppers, 1 cup of broccoli florets, and 1 medium carrot cut into thin strips. Stir-fry these veggies for about 4-5 minutes. You want them tender but still crunchy. Next, create a small space in the middle of the skillet. Push the vegetables to the side. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger. Stir these for about 1 minute until they smell great. Now it’s time to bring it all together. Add the crispy tofu back to the skillet. Drizzle 1/4 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of low-sodium soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over everything. Toss gently to coat the tofu and veggies in the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors. Taste your stir fry and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more honey for sweetness. Finally, plate the stir fry and enjoy the beautiful colors and aromas. - Achieving crispy tofu: Start by pressing the tofu. Press it for about 30 minutes. This step removes extra moisture. Next, cut it into 1-inch cubes. Coat these cubes with cornstarch. This helps create a crunchy surface when frying. Heat the oil until it shimmers before adding the tofu. Fry the tofu for 5-7 minutes, turning to brown all sides. - Ideal cooking temperatures: Use medium-high heat for frying. This heat cooks the tofu evenly. It also helps the vegetables stay crisp. If the heat is too low, the tofu won’t crisp. If it's too high, it may burn. - Adjusting sweetness: The honey adds sweetness to the dish. You can change the amount based on your taste. If you want it sweeter, add more honey. If you prefer less sweetness, use less or skip it. - Additional seasoning options: Try adding chili flakes for heat. You can also add a splash of rice vinegar for tang. Fresh herbs like cilantro can add extra flavor. Feel free to experiment to find your perfect balance. - Using sesame seeds and green onions: Sprinkle sesame seeds on top before serving. This adds crunch and looks nice. Chop green onions and scatter them over the dish. They give a fresh flavor and bright color. - Presentation ideas for serving: Serve your stir fry in a big bowl or a colorful platter. This makes it more inviting. Pair it with fluffy rice or quinoa for a complete meal. The contrast in texture and flavor makes it more enjoyable. Pro Tips Press Tofu Properly: Ensure you press the tofu for at least 30 minutes to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a crispier texture when frying. Coat Evenly: Dust the tofu cubes with cornstarch thoroughly. An even coating will ensure that every piece gets that perfect crispy exterior. Vegetable Crunch: Stir-fry the vegetables just until they are tender but still retain a crunchy texture. This enhances the overall mouthfeel of the dish. Adjust Sweetness: Taste your stir-fry before serving and adjust the honey or soy sauce to your liking for the perfect balance of sweet and savory. {{image_4}} You can switch tofu for tempeh. Tempeh has a nutty flavor and a firm texture. It absorbs sauce well and gives a nice bite. If you want seafood, add shrimp. Cook shrimp until pink for a tasty twist. Chicken is another option. Cut it into small pieces and cook until fully done. Try using snap peas or zucchini instead of bell peppers. Both add crunch and flavor. You can also use cauliflower florets or green beans for variety. Seasonal veggies like asparagus or mushrooms work well too. Feel free to mix and match based on what you have. Make this dish gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari has a similar taste without the gluten. If you need a vegan option for honey, maple syrup is a great choice. It brings sweetness without using animal products. Agave syrup can also work if you prefer. To store leftovers safely, let your stir fry cool down to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and prevents spoilage. I recommend using glass or BPA-free plastic containers. They help retain the flavors and make reheating easy. To reheat your stir fry, use a skillet over medium heat. This method warms the dish evenly and keeps the texture nice. You can also use a microwave for quick reheating. If you choose the microwave, use a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a lid. This helps steam the food and keeps it moist. You can freeze cooked stir fry for later meals. First, let it cool completely. Then, pack it tightly in a freezer-safe container. This prevents freezer burn. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, use the skillet method to restore the texture. This way, your stir fry stays delicious! For stir fry, firm or extra firm tofu works best. Firm tofu has more protein and less moisture. Extra firm tofu is even denser and holds its shape better. Soft tofu is too delicate for stir fry. It may break apart and become mushy. Firm and extra firm tofu crisp up nicely when cooked. This gives you a great texture and flavor in your dish. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. For meal prep, cook the tofu and veggies first. Store them in separate airtight containers. This keeps everything fresh. You can mix them just before serving. Reheat the tofu and veggies in a skillet or microwave. Add the sauce then for best flavor. This saves time on busy nights. To add spice, try these options: - Add sliced jalapeños or other hot peppers. - Mix in red pepper flakes while cooking. - Use a spicy soy sauce or chili sauce. - Add sriracha or hot sauce to taste. These tweaks can give your dish a nice kick. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference. This blog post shared how to cook a delicious tofu stir-fry. You learned about the main ingredients, like tofu and colorful veggies. The step-by-step guide showed you how to prepare and cook everything for the best flavor and texture. You also received tips for variations, storage, and reheating your stir-fry. In closing, making this dish can be easy and fun. Experiment with flavors and ingredients to suit your taste. Enjoy the healthy meal you create!

Sweet and Savory Honey Garlic Tofu Stir Fry

A delicious stir fry featuring crispy tofu, vibrant vegetables, and a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and diced into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 cups mixed bell peppers, sliced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets, bite-sized
  • 1 medium carrot, julienned into thin strips
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 4 cup honey
  • 1 4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish
  • Fresh green onions, chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Start by pressing the tofu to eliminate excess moisture; this will take about 30 minutes. Once adequately pressed, cut the tofu block into 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking and texture.
  • In a mixing bowl, carefully coat the tofu cubes with cornstarch, ensuring each piece is evenly dusted. This step is crucial for achieving a deliciously crispy exterior when frying.
  • Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  • Gently add the coated tofu cubes to the hot skillet. Fry for approximately 5-7 minutes, turning the tofu occasionally so all sides become perfectly golden and crispy. Once done, remove the tofu from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
  • In the same skillet, if needed, add a splash more vegetable oil to facilitate cooking. Then, introduce the sliced bell peppers, broccoli florets, and julienned carrot. Stir-fry these vibrant vegetables for about 4-5 minutes, cooking until they're just tender but still retain a nice crunch.
  • Create a small space in the center of the skillet by pushing the vegetables to the side. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger directly into this space, sautéing for about 1 minute until they become fragrant and aromatic.
  • Carefully return the crispy tofu cubes to the skillet. Next, drizzle the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, and sesame oil over the mixture. Toss everything together thoroughly, ensuring that the tofu and vegetables are well-coated in the sweet and savory sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and everything to heat through.
  • Once done, taste your stir fry and adjust the seasoning or honey if you prefer it sweeter. Remove the skillet from the heat and prepare for plating.

Notes

Serve with steamed rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
Keyword honey garlic, stir fry, tofu, vegetarian