This tofu stir fry is packed with crisp vegetables, golden tofu, and a bold sauce that is savory, lightly sweet, and a little spicy. It is a great weeknight dinner, and it works well with either rice or noodles.
1poundextra firm tofupressed and cut into bite-sized cubes
3tablespoonscornstarch
For the stir fry
2tablespoonsolive oildivided
1medium carrotpeeled and cut into thin matchsticks
2small red onionscut into bite-sized pieces
1red bell peppercut into bite-sized pieces
1yellow bell peppercut into bite-sized pieces
4cupsbroccoli florets
3green onionssliced
2garlic clovesminced
For serving
Cooked rice or noodles
1tablespoonsesame seeds
Fresh lime juice
Chopped peanuts
2teaspoonssesame oil
Instructions
In a medium bowl, whisk together the water, soy sauce, sriracha, maple syrup, chili flakes, ginger, and 2 teaspoons cornstarch. Set aside.
Pat the tofu dry, then toss it with 3 tablespoons cornstarch until evenly coated.
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large wok or skillet over medium high heat. Add the tofu and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and crisp.
Transfer the tofu to a plate, then add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the wok. Add the carrot and broccoli, then cook for 3 minutes, stirring often.
Add the red onions and bell peppers, then cook for 3 to 4 minutes until just tender.
Add the garlic and green onions, then cook for 30 seconds.
Return the tofu to the wok, then pour in the sauce.
Stir for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything well.
Serve over rice or noodles, then finish with sesame seeds, lime juice, chopped peanuts, and a drizzle of sesame oil.
Notes
Use extra firm tofu for the best texture. If the tofu is not pressed well, it will steam instead of crisping.
Cut the vegetables into similar sized pieces so they cook evenly.
Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking the tofu. Cook in batches if needed.
This recipe is flexible, so you can swap in snow peas, mushrooms, cabbage, or zucchini.
For a milder sauce, reduce the sriracha or leave out the chili flakes.
This recipe makes 4 generous servings when served on its own. If served with rice or noodles, it stretches to 6 servings more comfortably.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until hot.
You can freeze the cooked stir fry for up to 2 months, but the vegetables will soften after thawing. For the best texture, freeze the tofu and sauce only, then cook fresh vegetables when serving.