Stir-Fried Vegetables with Tofu

Description: This recipe offers a delightful mix of fresh vegetables and firm tofu, served over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal that can be ready in just 20 minutes! The stir-fried tofu is light yet protein-rich, making this dish perfect for vegetarians seeking a wholesome meal.

Serving: 4 servings

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 block of firm tofu, cut into cubes (about 16 pieces)
• 1 large red bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 carrot, peeled and thinly sliced on the diagonal
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 small onion, cut into thin rings
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• A sprinkle of black pepper (optional)
• Paprika (optional for garnish)

Steps to Prepare Stir-Fried Vegetables with Tofu

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients

1. Cut the tofu into bite-sized pieces and pat dry them using paper towels. This helps in achieving a better texture while cooking.
2. Wash all vegetables thoroughly, then slice or dice according to their shapes as mentioned above for best results during stir-frying.

Step 2: Cooking the Tofu

1. In a large non-stick skillet or wok, heat up one tablespoon of sesame oil over medium-high heat. Once it's hot, gently add the tofu cubes and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden brown on all sides. Remove from heat when done and set aside.

Step 3: Stir-Frying Vegetables

1. Return the skillet to medium heat with a fresh tablespoon of sesame oil if needed. Add minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant.
2. Add sliced onion rings into the pan and stir-fry them for another 3-4 minutes, until they become translucent. This adds flavor and texture contrast to your dish.
3. Throw in carrots first as they take more time to cook compared with leafy greens like broccoli and bell peppers. Stir continuously so that each piece gets a bit of golden color from the heat but isn't overcooked.
4. After about 3 minutes, add the red pepper strips and broccoli florets into the skillet, continuing to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until all vegetables are crisp yet tender. Sprinkle in a tablespoon of soy sauce at this stage.

Step 4: Combining Vegetables with Tofu

1. Add the cooked tofu back into the skillet, along with any juices that may have accumulated on top while it rested earlier. Mix thoroughly to ensure everything is well combined and heated through.
2. Season with some black pepper if desired, and a pinch of paprika for color contrast (optional).

Serving Suggestions:

Once done, this dish can be served over steamed white rice or noodles to make it heartier. The flavors are already rich enough that no additional sauces need to be added unless you prefer a touch of sweet and sour sauce on the side.

Tips for Better Results

• For firmer tofu, soak it in cold water before cutting into pieces; this helps maintain its shape during cooking.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, add some chili flakes or red pepper flakes while stir-frying the vegetables. Just be cautious as they can turn up the heat significantly!

Conclusion:

This Stir-Fried Vegetables with Tofu is an easy and nutritious meal that takes little time to prepare yet delivers great taste and satisfaction at home or even packed for lunchboxes. It's not only suitable for vegetarians but also beneficial for those watching their calorie intake as it uses minimal oil and focuses on fresh vegetables and lean protein.