Are you looking for a quick, easy, and healthy dinner that’s also bursting with flavor? Then look no further! This Brain Food A La Cube recipe is designed to be both delicious and nutritious, perfect for busy weeknights or a satisfying weekend meal. It’s packed with ingredients known to boost brainpower, making it the ultimate "brain food." Get ready to impress yourself and your family with this simple yet elegant dish!
Ingredients:
This recipe serves 2-3 people. Feel free to double or triple the ingredients to cater to a larger group.
- 1 lb firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Cooked brown rice or quinoa, for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions:
-
Prep the Tofu: Press the tofu to remove excess water. This is crucial for achieving a crispy texture. Cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes.
-
Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the red onion and garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
-
Add the Vegetables: Add the bell pepper and broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until slightly tender-crisp.
-
Incorporate Tofu and Seasonings: Add the tofu cubes to the skillet. Pour in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine.
-
Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water until smooth. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the skillet and stir continuously until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
-
Add Peas and Garnish: Stir in the frozen peas. Cook for another minute until heated through. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the Brain Food A La Cube hot over a bed of cooked brown rice or quinoa. This adds a hearty element to the meal and makes it even more satisfying. A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds extra flavor and texture.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Brain Food A La Cube:
-
Pressing the Tofu: Properly pressing the tofu is key to achieving a crispy texture. You can use a tofu press or simply wrap the tofu in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object on top for at least 30 minutes.
-
Don't Overcrowd the Pan: If you're working with a large batch, cook the tofu in batches to ensure even browning and cooking.
-
Adjust the Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking.
Variations:
- Add Protein: Include cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- Vegetable Swap: Substitute other vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or zucchini.
- Different Sauce: Experiment with different sauces like teriyaki or sweet chili sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 300-350 Protein: 20-25g Carbohydrates: 25-30g Fat: 10-15g
This delicious and healthy Brain Food A La Cube recipe is a great addition to your weekly meal plan. It's quick, easy, and customizable, perfect for those seeking simple yet satisfying homemade cooking experiences. Enjoy!