How to Make the Perfect Crispy Tofu Stir Fry
Asian · Medium · 35 min · 4 servings
This crispy tofu stir fry proves that vegan food can be incredibly satisfying with golden pan-fried tofu and vibrant vegetables in a savory umami sauce. This vegan recipe is quick enough for busy weeknights and delivers restaurant-quality results right at home.
Why this recipe works
This Crispy Tofu Stir Fry recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 35 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 380 calories with 20g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 8 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 400 g extra firm tofu pressed and cubed
- 3 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 large red bell pepper sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Press and Coat the Tofu
Press the extra firm tofu for at least 15 minutes to remove as much moisture as possible. Cut into 1 inch cubes and toss in cornstarch until evenly coated on all sides. This step is essential for achieving maximum crispiness when cooking.
Step 2: Pan-Fry the Tofu
Heat 2 tablespoons of neutral oil in a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the cornstarch-coated tofu cubes in a single layer without crowding the pan. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until deep golden and crispy on all sides.
Step 3: Stir Fry the Vegetables
Remove the crispy tofu and set aside. In the same pan add the broccoli florets and bell pepper. Stir fry on high heat for 4 to 5 minutes until tender-crisp and slightly charred at the edges. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
Step 4: Sauce and Combine
Whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, and maple syrup then pour over the vegetables. Return the crispy tofu to the pan and toss everything together over high heat for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce coats everything. Serve over steamed rice.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- extra firm tofu → tempeh cut into cubes for a nuttier flavor and higher protein content
- soy sauce → coconut aminos for a soy-free gluten-free vegan stir fry sauce
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not pressing the tofu long enough leaving excess moisture that prevents the tofu from getting crispy and causes dangerous oil splattering
- Overcrowding the pan with tofu which causes steaming instead of frying resulting in soft chewy tofu rather than crispy golden cubes
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 380 calories, 20g protein, 42g carbs, 16g fat, 6g fiber.
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