Elevate your dinner game with this delicious crispy tofu stir fry! Packed with vibrant vegetables and coated in a savory sauce, this recipe is a perfect blend of flavor and crunch. Discover how to achieve the ultimate crispy tofu texture and whip up a meal that'll impress everyone at the table. Ready to savor every bite? Click through to explore the full recipe and transform your weeknight dinners!
1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, thoroughly pressed and cubed
2 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
1 bell pepper, choice of red or yellow, sliced into thin strips
1 cup broccoli florets, fresh
1 medium carrot, julienned (cut into thin matchsticks)
3 green onions, chopped (both white and green parts)
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 tablespoons honey or agave syrup
Sesame seeds, for garnish
Salt and black pepper, to taste
![- 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, thoroughly pressed and cubed - 2 tablespoons cornstarch - 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided - 1 bell pepper, choice of red or yellow, sliced into thin strips - 1 cup broccoli florets, fresh - 1 medium carrot, julienned (cut into thin matchsticks) - 3 green onions, chopped (both white and green parts) - 2 garlic cloves, finely minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 3 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 2 tablespoons honey or agave syrup - Sesame seeds, for garnish - Salt and black pepper, to taste - Sesame seeds for garnish - Additional vegetables or protein options - Choosing the right tofu: Always pick firm or extra-firm tofu. Soft or silken tofu won’t hold its shape or crisp up well. - Freshness of vegetables: Use fresh veggies for the best taste and crunch. Check for bright colors and firm textures. Using these ingredients will ensure your crispy tofu stir fry is flavorful and satisfying. Be sure to check the [Full Recipe] for detailed cooking instructions that bring all these great flavors together! How to press tofu for optimal crispiness To make crispy tofu, start by pressing it. Wrap the block of tofu in a clean kitchen towel. Place a heavy skillet or some books on top for about 15 minutes. This helps remove extra moisture, making the tofu crispier. Coating tofu in cornstarch After pressing, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes. Place the cubes in a mixing bowl. Toss them lightly with cornstarch. Make sure all pieces are well-coated. This coating will help create that perfect crispy texture when cooked. Heating oil and frying tofu In a large non-stick skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the coated tofu cubes in a single layer. Cook without moving them for 5-7 minutes. Turn them gently until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove the tofu and set it aside on a plate. Sautéing garlic and ginger In the same skillet, add the last tablespoon of vegetable oil. When hot, add minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds. Stir constantly so they don't burn. This will fill your kitchen with a lovely aroma. Stir-frying vegetables Next, add the sliced bell pepper, broccoli florets, and julienned carrot to the skillet. Stir-fry the vegetables for 4-5 minutes. They should be bright and just tender but still crisp. Adding sauce and returning tofu Now, bring back the crispy tofu to the skillet. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, sesame oil, and honey or agave syrup. Drizzle this mixture over the stir-fry. Gently stir everything together and let it cook for 2 more minutes. This will let all the flavors blend nicely. Pressing tofu is key for crispiness. It removes extra moisture that makes tofu soggy. Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel. Place a heavy skillet on top for about 15 minutes. This helps the tofu firm up and get a nice texture. For frying, use a non-stick skillet or wok. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil until it shimmers. Carefully add the tofu cubes in one layer. Leave them undisturbed for 5-7 minutes. This step helps create a golden brown crust. Turn them gently to ensure they brown on all sides. To add more flavor, consider spices like chili flakes or paprika. These can elevate the dish without much effort. You might also want to try fresh herbs like basil or cilantro. Sauces can change the flavor profile too. Instead of just soy sauce, try teriyaki or hoisin sauce. Mixing in a little lime juice can brighten the dish. Feel free to experiment with different seasonings to find your favorite combination. Pair this stir fry with steamed rice or quinoa. Both options soak up the sauce well. You can also serve it with noodles for a heartier dish. For presentation, use a large bowl or platter. Arrange the colorful veggies and crispy tofu nicely. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a lovely touch. This simple step makes your meal even more inviting. For the full recipe, check out the Crispy Tofu Stir Fry section above. {{image_4}} You can swap the tofu for other proteins. Tempeh or seitan works well. If you want a lighter option, try chickpeas. They add a nice texture too. For vegetables, feel free to mix it up. Snow peas, bell peppers, or zucchini are great choices. You can use whatever you have on hand. This keeps the dish fresh and fun. This stir fry is already vegan. You can easily keep it that way. Just ensure your soy sauce is vegan-friendly. If you want extra protein, add nuts or seeds. They fit right in! If you need a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce. It has a similar taste and works perfectly. You can also use gluten-free hoisin sauce for a sweet twist. You can give this dish a global twist. Think about adding curry powder for an Indian flair. Or use chili paste for a kick of heat. For sauces, try teriyaki, sweet and sour, or even a peanut sauce. Each option brings a new taste. Experiment and find your favorite flavor combo. To keep your leftovers fresh, place them in an airtight container. Store the crispy tofu stir fry in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, make sure it cools down before sealing. This helps to avoid moisture build-up, which can make the tofu soggy. Freezing is great for long-term storage. To freeze the stir fry, cool it completely first. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. You can store it in the freezer for up to three months. Just remember, the texture may change slightly after thawing. Reheating the stir fry can be tricky if you want to keep that crispy texture. The best way is to use a skillet. Heat a little oil over medium heat and add the stir fry. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring often. This will help crisp up the tofu again. You can also use an oven. Spread the stir fry on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes. This method works well, too! For the full recipe, check out the Crispy Tofu Stir Fry above. Can I use frozen tofu? Yes, you can use frozen tofu. Freezing changes the texture, making it more sponge-like. This can help it soak up more flavor from sauces. Just make sure to thaw and press it well before cooking. How do I make this dish spicier? To add spice, try adding chili flakes or fresh chopped chili peppers. You can also use hot sauce or a spicy soy sauce. Adjust the amount based on your tolerance for heat. What's the best pan for stir-frying? A non-stick skillet or wok works best for stir-frying. A wok allows for high heat and even cooking. If you don’t have a wok, a large non-stick skillet will also do the job. How do I prevent vegetables from getting soggy? To keep vegetables crisp, cook them quickly over high heat. Cut them into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. Stir-fry in batches if needed, and avoid overcrowding the pan. Is crispy tofu healthy? Yes, crispy tofu is healthy. It provides protein and is low in calories. Pairing it with fresh vegetables adds vitamins and minerals, making it a balanced meal. What is the calorie count per serving? Each serving of crispy tofu stir fry has about 300-350 calories. This can vary based on the amount of oil and sauce used. Adjust ingredients to fit your dietary needs. This blog post covered how to make a tasty tofu stir fry. You learned about main ingredients like firm tofu, fresh veggies, and flavorful sauces. I shared tips for perfect crispy tofu and ideas for variations, substitutions, and dietary needs. Remember to store leftovers properly for another meal. Enjoy exploring different flavors and find the best ways to make this dish your own. Happy cooking!](https://dailydishcraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/9026f69c-bdc0-4ab2-9657-9228eeeb52f2-250x250.webp)