Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry

Name: Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 28 oz firm tofu, pressed and cubed; 1/4 cup cornstarch; 2 cups vegetable oil; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes; 3 tbsp tamari or soy sauce; 2 tbsp rice vinegar; 2 tsp agave nectar; 4 cups broccoli florets; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 2 scallions, sliced; 1 tbsp sesame seeds

Golden-crispy tofu with a spicy, aromatic sauce and crunchy vegetables. A trending TikTok favorite that's protein-packed and completely plant-based.

40 minMediumServes 4280 cal/serving

ChineseDinnerStovetopVeganVegetarianGluten-Free

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Ingredients

28 oz firm tofu, pressed and cubed
1/4 cup cornstarch
2 cups vegetable oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
3 tbsp tamari or soy sauce
2 tbsp rice vinegar
2 tsp agave nectar
4 cups broccoli florets
1 red bell pepper, chopped
2 scallions, sliced
1 tbsp sesame seeds

Instructions

1

Press the 28 oz pressed and cubed firm tofu between paper towels for 10 minutes to remove excess moisture. Cut into 1-inch cubes.
2

Toss the tofu with 1/4 cup cornstarch and a pinch of salt until coated.
3

Heat the 2 cups vegetable oil in a large wok over medium-high heat. Working in batches, fry the tofu for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
4

Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of oil. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant. Add 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes.
5

Add the 4 cups broccoli florets and 1 chopped red bell pepper, stir-frying for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
6

In a small bowl, mix 3 tbsp tamari or soy sauce, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, and 2 tsp agave nectar. Pour into the wok and add the crispy tofu. Toss gently until coated.
7

Garnish with 2 sliced scallions and 1 tbsp sesame seeds. Serve over rice.

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Questions

What should Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry look like when it is ready?

Go by the cues in the method rather than the clock. Step 3: cook until golden and crispy. Step 5: cook until tender-crisp.

What can I use instead of rice vinegar in Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry?

The entry for Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry calls for 2 tbsp rice vinegar. In its place: Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar, softened with a pinch of sugar, is close. Avoid plain distilled vinegar at full strength, which is much sharper.

Can I make Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry less spicy?

Yes. The heat in Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry comes from 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes. For a milder plate, halve the flakes; nothing else in the method changes.

Is Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry gluten-free?

Yes. As written, nothing in the ingredient list for Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry is wheat, barley or rye. Gluten hides in packaged goods, so read the label on the cornstarch and the soy.

Does Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry contain sesame?

Yes: 1 tbsp sesame seeds. The full allergen list for this entry is soy and sesame. Seeds used as a garnish can simply be left off; the oil has no true substitute. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

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