Are you craving a quick and tasty meal? My Teriyaki Tofu Stir Fry is both flavorful and simple to make! Using fresh veggies and savory teriyaki sauce, this dish packs a punch. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy tofu! In this post, I’ll guide you through each step, from prepping the tofu to perfecting the sauce. Gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 14 oz firm tofu, pressed and cubed
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– 1 cup bell peppers (red, yellow, green), sliced
– 1 cup broccoli florets
– 1 cup sugar snap peas
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 inch ginger, grated
I love starting with firm tofu. It holds its shape well and absorbs flavors great. Pressing the tofu is key. This step removes excess water and helps it crisp up. While the tofu is pressing, prepare your veggies. Slice the bell peppers, chop the broccoli, and trim the sugar snap peas. Fresh ingredients bring bright colors and nutrients to this dish.
Teriyaki Sauce Components
– 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
– 3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
For the teriyaki sauce, I use low-sodium soy sauce. It offers flavor without too much salt. Honey or maple syrup adds a sweet touch. Rice vinegar gives it a nice tang. The cornstarch slurry helps thicken the sauce so it clings to your tofu and veggies.
Garnish Options
– Chopped green onions
– Sesame seeds
Garnishing is fun! I like to add chopped green onions for a pop of color and flavor. Sesame seeds give a nice crunch and look beautiful. You can sprinkle these on right before serving for an extra touch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Tofu
Start with the tofu. First, you need to press the tofu. Place it on a plate and put a heavy object on top. This helps remove extra water. Let it sit for about 15 minutes. After pressing, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes. This size is great for cooking and eating.
Creating the Teriyaki Sauce
Next, let’s make the teriyaki sauce. In a small bowl, mix together these ingredients:
– 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
– 3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (this is your slurry)
Stir the mixture well. Set the sauce aside for later.
Cooking Process
Now, it’s time to cook. Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the cubed tofu. Sauté the tofu for about 5-7 minutes. Cook until it is golden brown on all sides. Once done, remove the tofu from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of sesame oil. Toss in 3 cloves of minced garlic and 1 inch of grated ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until it smells great. Then, add 1 cup of sliced bell peppers, 1 cup of broccoli florets, and 1 cup of sugar snap peas. Stir-fry these vegetables for about 4-5 minutes. They should be tender-crisp.
Next, return the cooked tofu to the skillet. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the tofu and vegetables. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. This will help the sauce thicken and coat the food well.
When it’s all done, remove from heat. You can now serve it hot, topped with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a nice finish. Enjoy your delicious teriyaki tofu stir fry!
Tips & Tricks
Tofu Preparation Tips
To get the best tofu, start by pressing it.
– Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel.
– Place something heavy on top, like a skillet.
– Let it sit for 15-30 minutes to drain excess water.
For golden-brown tofu, follow these tips:
– Cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes.
– Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with sesame oil.
– Cook the tofu, turning it often, for about 5-7 minutes.
Vegetable Stir Fry Techniques
To keep your veggies crisp, here’s what I do:
– Cut them into even pieces for even cooking.
– Sauté them in hot oil quickly, about 4-5 minutes.
– Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches if needed.
Here are some cooking times for each vegetable:
– Bell peppers: 3-4 minutes
– Broccoli: 4-5 minutes
– Sugar snap peas: 2-3 minutes
Sauce Thickening Tips
To adjust your teriyaki sauce’s thickness:
– Create a cornstarch slurry with 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water.
– Add this slurry to the sauce during cooking.
– Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
This will help you get that perfect sauce for your stir fry!
Variations
Vegetable Substitutions
You can use many vegetables in teriyaki tofu stir fry. If you like carrots, they add great color and crunch. Snap peas bring a nice sweetness and snap. Mushrooms add an earthy flavor that pairs well with the sauce. Feel free to mix and match your favorites for a unique dish.
Protein Alternatives
If you want a change from tofu, tempeh is a great option. It has a firm texture and absorbs flavors well. Seitan is another choice; it’s high in protein and has a chewy bite. Both options work well in this stir fry and will keep it hearty.
Flavor Enhancements
To spice things up, add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha. These will give your stir fry a little kick. If you want to cut down on sugar, use a low-sugar teriyaki sauce. This way, you can enjoy the flavor without worrying about extra sweetness.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your teriyaki tofu stir fry fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic will work well. Ensure the stir fry cools down before sealing. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This helps keep the flavors intact while preventing spoilage.
Reheating Guidelines
When it’s time to enjoy leftovers, use a skillet for the best results. Heat over medium heat until warm. You can also use a microwave, but be sure to cover it. Stir halfway through to heat evenly. This method keeps it tasty and avoids a soggy texture.
Freezing Instructions
Freezing teriyaki tofu stir fry is easy. Pour the cooled stir fry into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible. Label the bags with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat on the stove for the best flavor.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this teriyaki tofu stir fry vegan. The main ingredient to replace is honey. Use maple syrup instead. This swap keeps the sweetness and flavor without using animal products. All other ingredients are already vegan-friendly.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this stir fry gluten-free, choose a gluten-free soy sauce. Brands like Tamari work well. Always check labels to ensure no wheat is present. This small change keeps the flavor while being safe for gluten-free diets.
What can I serve with teriyaki tofu stir fry?
This dish pairs well with several sides. Here are my top choices:
– Steamed jasmine rice
– Fluffy quinoa
– Soft rice noodles
These options balance the dish and add texture. You can also mix and match for variety!
In this blog post, we explored making a delicious teriyaki tofu stir fry. We covered the key ingredients, including firm tofu, fresh veggies, and a tasty teriyaki sauce. You learned step-by-step instructions, tips for perfect tofu, and exciting variations to try.
As you create this dish, remember to experiment and find what you enjoy most. Enjoy sharing your yummy stir fry with friends and family!
