Are you looking for a delicious and healthy dinner that's also quick to make? Look no further! This tofu and ground beef stir-fry is packed with flavor and nutrients, making it a perfect weeknight meal. It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its best, combining the best of both worlds – the heartiness of ground beef and the healthy goodness of tofu. This easy recipe is perfect for beginners, yet satisfying enough for seasoned cooks. Let's dive in!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 block (14 ounces) extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup snow peas
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional, adds umami)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 2 tablespoons water
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Tofu
Pressing the tofu is crucial for removing excess water and achieving a better texture. Wrap the tofu block in paper towels and place a heavy object on top for at least 30 minutes. This simple step elevates the dish significantly! Once pressed, cube the tofu into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
Heat the sesame oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the onion and garlic to the wok and cook for about 2 minutes, until softened. Then, add the bell pepper, broccoli, and snow peas and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until slightly tender-crisp.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Add the cubed tofu to the wok. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to coat everything evenly.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Pour this mixture into the wok and stir constantly until the sauce has thickened, about 1-2 minutes.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the tofu and ground beef stir-fry hot over a bed of cooked rice. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions, if desired. This delicious dish is a complete meal in itself!
Tips for the Best Tofu and Ground Beef Stir-Fry:
- Press that tofu! This is the key to getting crispy tofu.
- Don't overcrowd the pan. Cook the ground beef and vegetables in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust the seasonings to your taste. Feel free to add more or less soy sauce, oyster sauce, ginger, or red pepper flakes depending on your preference.
- Add other vegetables. Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or zucchini.
Variations:
- Spicy Stir-Fry: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha for extra heat.
- Peanut Stir-Fry: Add 2 tablespoons of peanut butter to the sauce for a creamy and nutty flavor.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the ground beef and double the amount of tofu for a delicious vegetarian stir-fry.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 25-30 grams
- Fat: 15-20 grams
- Carbohydrates: 20-25 grams
This recipe is a simple yet satisfying example of delicious dishes that are both healthy and easy to make. It's a perfect addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and a testament to the versatility of tofu in creating flavorful and healthy meals. Enjoy!