Are you looking for a delicious, healthy, and incredibly quick dinner recipe? Look no further! This tofu and bean sprout stir-fry is packed with flavor, nutrients, and requires minimal cooking time, making it perfect for busy weeknights. This easy recipe is a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its best, delivering a satisfying meal without sacrificing your precious time. It's one of those best recipes that’s both simple and impressive.
Ingredients:
- 1 block (14 oz) extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 5 oz bean sprouts
- 1/2 cup chopped scallions
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Instructions:
Prepare the Tofu:
- Press the tofu to remove excess water. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy texture. You can do this by wrapping the tofu in a clean kitchen towel and placing a heavy object on top for at least 15 minutes.
- Cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes. Toss the tofu cubes with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. This helps create a crispy exterior.
Stir-Fry the Ingredients:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the red bell pepper and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add the tofu cubes and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Add the bean sprouts and stir-fry for another minute until they are slightly wilted but still crisp.
Make the Sauce and Combine:
- In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Pour the sauce over the tofu and bean sprout mixture in the wok. Stir to combine and cook for another minute until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Garnish with chopped scallions.
- Serve hot over cooked rice or noodles.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Pressing the Tofu: Don't skip the tofu pressing step! It significantly improves the texture and prevents the stir-fry from becoming soggy.
- High Heat: Use medium-high heat for stir-frying to achieve a nice sear on the tofu and prevent overcooking the vegetables.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: If you have a lot of tofu, stir-fry it in batches to ensure even browning.
- Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes to your liking.
Variations:
- Add Protein: Include cooked chicken, shrimp, or beef for a heartier meal.
- More Veggies: Add other vegetables like broccoli, carrots, snow peas, or mushrooms.
- Different Sauce: Experiment with other sauces like teriyaki or oyster sauce.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of Sichuan peppercorns or a dash of sriracha for extra heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe is a great source of plant-based protein, fiber, and vitamins. The exact nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving size. However, you can expect a relatively low-calorie, healthy meal. Always check the nutritional information of individual ingredients for precise values. This easy and healthy meal is a perfect quick dinner idea for a busy weeknight, proving that delicious dishes can also be incredibly healthy. It’s a recipe that showcases the best of homemade cooking and is perfect for those looking for food recipes that are both tasty and nutritious.