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- 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and cut into cubes - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - 1 cup broccoli florets - 1 carrot, julienned - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon chili paste (adjust according to spice preference) - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 2 green onions, sliced - Sesame seeds for garnish - Salt and pepper to taste The key to a great stir fry is having fresh ingredients. Firm tofu gives a nice bite. Crisp veggies like red bell pepper, broccoli, and carrot add color and crunch. Garlic and ginger bring a bold flavor. Soy sauce and chili paste create a savory and spicy base. - Green onions - Sesame seeds Garnishes add beauty and flavor. Green onions give a fresh taste. Sesame seeds add a nice crunch. Both make your dish look even better! - Tofu alternatives (tempeh, seitan) - Vegetable replacements If you don't like tofu, try tempeh or seitan. They also soak up flavors well. For veggies, you can swap in whatever you have. Zucchini, snap peas, or mushrooms work great too. To start, you need to press the tofu. This step helps remove extra water. Place the tofu block between two plates. Add weight on top to press it for about 15 minutes. This gets rid of moisture and makes it firmer. After pressing, cut the tofu into cubes. Aim for bite-sized pieces. This size helps them cook evenly. You want the tofu to be crispy on the outside and soft inside. For a great texture, use firm tofu. It holds up well in stir-frys. If you prefer a softer option, try silken tofu, but it may break apart easily. Next, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok. Set the heat to medium-high. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the tofu cubes. Fry them until they turn golden brown. This should take about 6 to 8 minutes. Remember to turn them so each side cooks well. Once the tofu is cooked, remove it from the skillet. Now, add your chopped vegetables like red bell pepper, broccoli, and carrot. Stir-fry these for about 4 to 5 minutes. You want them tender yet crisp. When the veggies are almost done, add minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for 1 to 2 more minutes. This adds a lovely aroma to your dish. Now it's time to mix everything together. Return the cooked tofu to the skillet with the veggies. Pour in the soy sauce, chili paste, and sesame oil. Gently toss all the ingredients. Ensure the tofu and vegetables are well coated with the sauce. Next, season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until everything is heated through. This step helps blend the flavors well. Finally, remove the stir-fry from the heat. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. This adds a nice touch and makes your dish look great. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. To get the best tofu, start by pressing it. This step removes excess water. Water makes the tofu soggy. After pressing, cut the tofu into cubes. Aim for bite-sized pieces. Cooking tofu until it’s golden brown gives it a nice texture. You want to fry it in hot oil. This helps it crisp up. To boost flavor, add some spices. Garlic and ginger are great choices. They bring warmth and depth. You can use chili paste to adjust spice levels. If you want more heat, add extra chili paste. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance. This way, you can enjoy every bite. Presentation matters! Plating your dish nicely makes it more inviting. Use a large plate for the stir-fry. Arrange the tofu and vegetables in a colorful way. Add sliced green onions on top for freshness. A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds a nice touch too. Your dish will look beautiful and appetizing. For the full recipe, check the detailed steps above. {{image_2}} You can change up the veggies in your stir fry. Seasonal vegetables work great for freshness. Try adding zucchini, snap peas, or bell peppers. These add color and crunch. Using frozen veggies is a quick option. They are easy to store and ready to cook. Just be sure to thaw them first for the best texture. Fresh veggies often taste better, but frozen can save time and reduce waste. Want to make your dish heartier? Add nuts like cashews or peanuts. They bring a nice crunch and good fat. You can also toss in legumes. Chickpeas or edamame add protein and fiber. Both options help you feel full and satisfied. Mix and match to find your favorite combo. Switching up the sauce can change the whole dish. Try teriyaki or hoisin for a sweeter twist. These sauces can add depth and richness. You can also create your own sauce. Mix soy sauce, garlic, and a bit of honey for a quick fix. Homemade sauces let you control the flavors and spice level. Feel free to experiment until you find what you love. For the full recipe, check out the recipe section above. To keep your chili garlic tofu stir fry fresh, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool down before sealing. This dish will stay good in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to enjoy it later, freezing is a great option. To reheat your stir fry, the best methods are using a skillet or microwave. If using a skillet, add a splash of water to keep it moist. Heat it on medium until warm. If using the microwave, cover the dish with a damp paper towel. This helps prevent overcooking and keeps the tofu's texture nice. Yes, chili garlic tofu stir fry can be frozen! Portion it into smaller containers for easy meals later. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the microwave. Reheat it in a skillet for the best results. This method helps keep the flavors fresh and the tofu crispy. To get crispy tofu, start with firm or extra-firm tofu. Press it to remove water. Cut the tofu into even cubes. Heat oil in your pan until it's hot. Add the tofu cubes in a single layer. Cook them for about 6-8 minutes, turning until golden brown. Don't rush this step! If you crowd the pan, it will steam instead of fry. Letting it fry undisturbed helps it crisp up. Yes! You can make your chili garlic tofu stir fry even spicier. Start by adding more chili paste. You can also include sliced fresh chili peppers. Try using chili oil for an extra kick. For those who love heat, sprinkle crushed red pepper at the end. Make sure to taste as you go. Adjust spice to fit your personal preference. Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free. Use gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce. Many brands offer good options that taste great. Check the label to ensure it meets your needs. You can also explore tamari, which is a gluten-free alternative. It offers a rich flavor, perfect for this stir fry. This blog post covered all you need to know about making a delicious tofu stir fry. We discussed the main ingredients, including firm tofu and fresh veggies, with tips on cooking them perfectly. I shared ideas for variations, storage, and reheating methods. In the end, enjoy experimenting with flavors and ingredients. Tofu stir fry is quick, tasty, and full of options. Get creative, make it your own, and have fun in the kitchen!

Chili Garlic Tofu Stir Fry

Spice up your dinner with this delicious Chili Garlic Tofu Stir Fry! Packed with vibrant veggies and the perfect blend of flavors, this easy recipe is ready in just 30 minutes. Learn how to achieve crispy tofu and a savory sauce that will delight your taste buds.
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Ingredients
  

1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and cut into cubes

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 red bell pepper, sliced

1 cup broccoli florets

1 carrot, julienned

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon chili paste (adjust according to spice preference)

1 tablespoon sesame oil

2 green onions, sliced

Sesame seeds for garnish

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Start by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture. Cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes and set aside.

    Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the tofu cubes and fry until golden brown on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the tofu from the skillet and set aside.

      In the same skillet, add the chopped red bell pepper, broccoli florets, and julienned carrot. Stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.

        Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the stir-fried vegetables. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

          Return the cooked tofu to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the soy sauce, chili paste, and sesame oil. Gently toss everything together, ensuring the tofu and vegetables are well coated.

            Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.

              Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4