Sweet Honey Garlic Tofu Stir Fry

$- 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, drained and pressed - 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided) - 4 tablespoons honey - 3 tablespoons soy sauce In this dish, firm tofu is key. It holds shape and absorbs flavors well. Vegetable oil gives the stir fry a nice sear. Honey adds sweetness, while soy sauce brings depth. - 1 bell pepper (any color), sliced - 1 cup broccoli florets - 1 cup snap peas - Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish I love using colorful vegetables. Bell pepper adds crunch and sweetness. Broccoli brings a nice bite. Snap peas add freshness. Garnishing with sesame seeds and green onions adds a lovely touch. - 2 tablespoons cornstarch - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon ginger, grated - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar - 1 teaspoon sesame oil Cornstarch helps the tofu crisp up. Garlic and ginger give great flavor. Rice vinegar adds a tangy note. Sesame oil rounds out the taste with a nutty richness. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by draining the tofu. Place it on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Press it gently to remove extra moisture. This helps the tofu get crispy. Next, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes. Aim for uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Then, coat the cubes with cornstarch. This gives them a delightful crunch when cooked. Heat two tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the tofu cubes. Cook them for about 8 to 10 minutes. Turn them occasionally until they are golden brown on all sides. This step creates a delicious texture. Once cooked, remove the tofu from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add one tablespoon of oil. Now, toss in sliced bell pepper, broccoli florets, and snap peas. Stir-fry these vegetables for about 4 to 5 minutes. Cook until they are tender-crisp. This keeps them vibrant and full of flavor. Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet. Cook them for one minute until fragrant. This step adds depth to your dish. Reduce the heat to medium. Return the cooked tofu to the skillet. Pour in the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir everything together until the tofu and vegetables are well-coated in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld. Finally, remove it from the heat and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve it over jasmine rice or quinoa for a complete meal. To get crispy tofu, use cornstarch. The cornstarch coating helps create a nice crust. First, drain and press your tofu well. This step removes excess water. Cut it into bite-sized cubes and coat them evenly with cornstarch. It will fry up beautifully and give you that perfect crunch. For tender-crisp veggies, cook them at high heat. Heat your pan before adding the vegetables. Start with the bell pepper, broccoli, and snap peas. Stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes. You want them to stay vibrant and slightly firm. Overcooking makes them mushy, so keep an eye on the time. Want to boost the flavor? Try adding spices like red pepper flakes or a splash of lime juice. You can also mix in some hoisin sauce for a sweet kick. If you're feeling adventurous, toss in a few chopped peanuts for crunch. These little tweaks can take your stir fry to the next level! Pro Tips Press Tofu Well: Ensure the tofu is pressed thoroughly to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a crispy texture when frying. Use High Heat: Cooking the tofu and vegetables over medium-high heat allows for better caramelization and keeps the veggies crisp. Add Sauce at the Right Time: Stir in the sauce once the tofu and vegetables are nearly cooked to prevent them from becoming soggy. Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh off the stove while the tofu is crispy and the vegetables vibrant. {{image_2}} If you want to switch up the protein in this dish, tempeh is a great choice. Tempeh has a nutty flavor and a firm texture that holds up well in stir fry. Simply cut it into cubes like tofu and follow the same cooking steps. You can also use chicken if you prefer. Just slice boneless chicken thighs or breasts into bite-sized pieces. Cook them in the same way as the tofu, ensuring they reach a safe internal temperature. This keeps your meal tasty and satisfying. Feel free to customize your stir fry with your favorite vegetables. Seasonal veggies like zucchini, asparagus, or carrots work great too. You can even throw in some baby spinach or kale for extra nutrients. The key is to mix and match what you love. Stir fry is all about flexibility, so have fun with it! You can easily tweak the sauce for your taste. If you want more sweetness, add more honey. For a saltier flavor, increase the soy sauce. If you like a tangy kick, add a bit more rice vinegar. Taste as you go to find the perfect balance. This is your meal, so make it just how you like it! Store any leftover Sweet Honey Garlic Tofu Stir Fry in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. Place the container in the fridge. Use leftovers within 3 days for the best taste. You can use glass or plastic containers. Make sure they seal well to lock in flavor. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat. This method helps keep the tofu crispy. Add a splash of water or broth if it seems dry. Stir gently until warmed through. Avoid using the microwave if you want to keep the texture nice. You can freeze this stir fry, but it's best to do it without the tofu. The tofu might change texture when frozen. Store the veggies and sauce in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. It can stay in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Cook the tofu fresh for the best results. Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegan. Instead of honey, use maple syrup or agave nectar. Both options add sweetness without using any animal products. Just swap the honey with the same amount of your chosen sweetener. This change keeps the flavor profile while making the dish vegan-friendly. To enhance the flavors in your stir fry, consider these tips: - Add more garlic and ginger for a punch of taste. - Use fresh herbs like cilantro or basil at the end for a fresh burst. - Include a splash of lime juice for acidity. - Consider adding crushed red pepper or a dash of hot sauce for heat. - Try different sauces, like hoisin or oyster sauce, to mix up the flavor. For stir fry, firm tofu works best. It holds its shape during cooking and has a nice texture. Look for tofu labeled as "firm" or "extra-firm." These types hold up well when you fry them, giving you a crispy outside and a soft inside. Avoid silken tofu, as it can break apart easily in the pan. This recipe covers everything from choosing fresh ingredients to cooking methods. Firm tofu, colorful veggies, and tasty seasonings combine for a fantastic stir fry. You can switch proteins, customize veggies, or adjust sauces to fit your taste. Don't forget the tips on crispy tofu and storing leftovers. Get cooking and enjoy a satisfying meal! With practice, you'll perfect your stir fry skills and impress your family.$

Sweet Honey Garlic Tofu Stir Fry

A delicious and healthy stir fry featuring crispy tofu coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, paired with fresh vegetables.

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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 (14 oz) firm tofu, drained and pressed
2 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
1 whole bell pepper (any color), sliced
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup snap peas
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, grated
4 tablespoons honey
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
to taste sesame seeds for garnish
to taste green onions for garnish

Instructions

Start by cutting the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes and then coat them evenly with cornstarch.
In a large non-stick skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the tofu cubes and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the sliced bell pepper, broccoli florets, and snap peas. Stir fry for about 4-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet, and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Reduce the heat to medium and return the cooked tofu to the skillet. Pour in the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir everything together until the tofu and vegetables are evenly coated in the sauce.
Continue to cook for 2-3 more minutes until everything is heated through and the sauce has slightly thickened.
Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions.

Notes

Serve the stir fry over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice or quinoa and drizzle with a little extra sesame oil for added flavor. Enjoy!

Keyword healthy, honey garlic, stir fry, tofu, vegetarian