Go Back
Tofu Stir Fry

Tofu Stir Fry - Affordable Food Ideas

I remember the first time I tried tofu stir fry. I stood in the kitchen with my friend, who was determined to show me how to turn this unassuming block of soy into something magnificent. It was a culinary awakening. 
Who knew a simple dish could pack so much flavor while being extraordinarily healthy? That's right. Tofu stir fry is not just good for you; it's downright delicious!
When cooked right, tofu can absorb flavors, creating a delightful experience with each bite. My journey led me to create my own recipe, packed with vibrant vegetables and tasty sauces. 
Let me take you through everything you need to know about tofu stir fry, from the basics to tips and tricks that will make your cooking a breeze.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 294
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 large garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
  • 2 tablespoons toasted black sesame seeds
  • 10 ounces baby spinach leaves
  • 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon toasted nori flakes
  • 1 small bunch scallions, thinly sliced, divided
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium tamari, divided, plus more to taste
  • 2 blocks extra-firm pressed tofu
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil
For serving:
  • Cauliflower rice
  • Cooked brown rice
  • Quinoa
  • Soba or rice noodles

Method
 

Step 1: Press the Tofu
  1. Start by draining the tofu. Wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and place something heavy on top to press out excess moisture. Leave it for about 15-20 minutes. 
    This step is essential as it helps the tofu absorb the flavors during cooking.
Step 2: Prepare the Veggies
  1. While waiting for the tofu, wash and chop your vegetables. Mince the garlic and ginger finely. The more finely you chop, the more flavor they will release. Slice the scallions, keeping the green and white parts separate.
Step 3: Cube the Tofu
  1. Once the tofu has been pressed, cut it into bite-sized cubes. It’s best to aim for uniformity in size for even cooking.
Step 4: Sauté Garlic and Ginger
  1. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the tablespoon of neutral oil. Once hot, throw in the minced garlic and ginger. Stir for about 30 seconds to a minute until fragrant but not burnt.
Step 5: Cook the Tofu
  1. Add the tofu cubes to the skillet. Sauté gently for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown on all sides. You want the outside to be crispy while keeping the inside soft.
Step 6: Add Sauce
  1. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of tamari and the toasted sesame oil over the tofu. Gently toss everything together, coating the tofu evenly in the sauce.
Step 7: Add Vegetables
  1. Add your chopped vegetables to the skillet. Start with the scallion whites, followed by the spinach. Stir everything together, allowing the greens to wilt, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 8: Finish with Sesame Seeds
  1. Once everything is combined and the veggies are tender, sprinkle on the black sesame seeds and nori flakes. Stir once more to incorporate.
Step 9: Taste and Adjust
  1. Take a moment to taste your stir fry. Add more tamari if you like it saltier or throw in a pinch of your favorite spice if you want to jazz it up.
Step 10: Serve
  1. Now comes the fun part! Serve your tofu stir fry over cauliflower rice, brown rice, quinoa, or noodles. Garnish with the remaining scallion greens for a fresh touch.

Notes

  • Choose Firm Tofu: Use extra-firm tofu for best results; it holds up well in stir fries.
  • Heat Matters: High heat is key for proper sautéing. Make sure your pan is hot before adding the ingredients.
  • Don’t Crowd the Pan: If you have too much food in the pan, it can steam instead of fry. Cook in batches if necessary.
  • Customize Vegetables: Feel free to include any of your favorite veggies. Bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots are excellent choices.
  • Check for Freshness: The fresher the ingredients, the better the flavor.