Discover the ultimate weeknight meal with this Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry! Prepare a vibrant dish packed with fresh veggies and a savory sauce, all ready in just 30 minutes. This healthy and satisfying recipe is designed for busy nights, making it easy to impress your family or friends.
1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and cubed
2 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
1 bell pepper (red or yellow), sliced into strips
2 cups broccoli florets, washed and trimmed
1 cup sugar snap peas, ends trimmed
3 green onions, chopped (both white and green parts)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Cooked rice or quinoa, for serving
Sesame seeds, for garnish
![- 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and cubed - 2 tablespoons cornstarch - 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), sliced into strips - 2 cups broccoli florets, washed and trimmed - 1 cup sugar snap peas, ends trimmed - 3 green onions, chopped (both white and green parts) - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - Salt and pepper, to taste - Cooked rice or quinoa, for serving - Sesame seeds, for garnish Crispy tofu stir-fry needs the right mix of ingredients. First, you want firm tofu. Firm tofu holds its shape well when cooked. Press it to remove extra water. This step is key for crispy tofu. Next, cornstarch gives the tofu that crunchy coat. The oil you use is also important. Vegetable oil works great because it has a high smoke point. For vegetables, I love using bell peppers, broccoli, and sugar snap peas. They add color and crunch. Green onions give a fresh taste. Garlic and ginger add a nice kick. For sauces, soy sauce and hoisin sauce bring rich flavor. Sesame oil adds a nutty note. Adjust salt and pepper to your taste. Serve the stir-fry over warm rice or quinoa. Finish it off with sesame seeds for a pleasing look and extra crunch. Check out the Full Recipe for detailed steps and tips! - First, press the tofu to eliminate excess moisture. Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object on top. Let it press for about 15 minutes. This step helps it absorb flavors better. - Next, cube the tofu into 1-inch pieces. In a medium bowl, toss the cubes with cornstarch. This coating gives the tofu a nice, crispy texture when cooked. - Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. - Once hot, add the coated tofu in a single layer. Cook for 3-4 minutes without moving them. This allows one side to get golden brown and crispy. - After that, flip the tofu to crisp the other side for another 3-4 minutes. Remove the tofu and let it drain on a plate lined with paper towels. - In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. When it shimmers, add the sliced bell pepper, broccoli florets, and sugar snap peas. - Stir-fry the veggies for about 5 minutes. You want them vibrant and tender-crisp. They should still look bright and fresh. - Now, return the crispy tofu to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. - Stir everything together gently. Make sure the tofu and veggies are coated with the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat everything through and combine the flavors. - Taste your stir-fry. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. - Before serving, sprinkle chopped green onions over the dish for a fresh touch. - Serve the crispy tofu stir-fry over warm cooked rice or quinoa for a filling meal. - Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture and a delightful finish. This dish is colorful, tasty, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. For the complete details, check out the Full Recipe. To get crispy tofu, pressing is key. Pressing removes extra moisture. This helps the tofu absorb flavors. Wrap the tofu in a clean towel. Place a heavy object on top. Let it sit for about 15 minutes. For frying, use oils with high smoke points. Vegetable oil is a great choice. Canola or peanut oil also work well. These oils help achieve that perfect golden crust. Add spices to boost the flavor of your stir-fry. Try ground cumin or smoked paprika. They add warmth and depth. Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro can brighten the dish. Fresh ingredients often taste better than dried. Use fresh garlic and ginger for a strong kick. Use a large skillet or wok for stir-frying. A wide surface helps food cook evenly. Make sure the pan is hot before adding oil. This prevents sticking and helps with browning. Control the heat for best results. Start at medium-high to sear the tofu. Then lower the heat when adding veggies. Cook them quickly to keep them crisp. This balance gives you a vibrant, tasty dish. For more tips, check out the Full Recipe for Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry. {{image_4}} You can swap tofu for other proteins in this stir-fry. Tempeh is a great choice. It has a nutty taste and absorbs flavors well. Seitan works too, if you want a chewy texture. If you prefer meat, shrimp or chicken can make tasty options. Just cook them until they are done. This way, you can enjoy different flavors every time. Feel free to mix and match vegetables. Carrots, snap peas, and bell peppers are all good choices. You can also add mushrooms or zucchini for extra flavor. Seasonal veggies work best, so check what’s fresh at your local market. Using local produce can make your dish even tastier. You can make your own stir-fry sauce at home. A simple mix of soy sauce and honey adds great sweetness. Try adding rice vinegar for tang. For a spicy kick, add some chili sauce or sriracha. Each twist will change the taste of your dish, keeping it exciting. For a full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To store leftover crispy tofu stir-fry, cool it down first. Place it in a clean, airtight container. This will keep it fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure the temperature stays below 40°F (4°C) for safety. Reheating crispy tofu can be tricky. To keep it crispy, use a stovetop skillet rather than a microwave. Heat the skillet on medium heat. Add a splash of oil, then add the stir-fry. Stir gently for a few minutes. This method helps the tofu stay crunchy. If you must use a microwave, heat it in short bursts. Stir in between to avoid sogginess. You can freeze crispy tofu stir-fry, but it may change texture. To freeze, first, cool the dish completely. Place it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, use the stovetop method for best results. The best tofu for stir-fry is firm or extra-firm tofu. Firm tofu holds its shape well. It absorbs flavors but stays together during cooking. Extra-firm tofu is even denser, making it crispier when cooked. If you prefer a crunchier texture, choose extra-firm tofu. Yes, you can use frozen vegetables. They are convenient and save prep time. However, they may release extra water, affecting texture. To avoid this, stir-fry them longer to evaporate the moisture. Fresh vegetables offer better crunch and flavor, but frozen is a great option too. To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce. You can also find gluten-free hoisin sauce at stores. Check the labels to ensure they meet gluten-free standards. This way, you can enjoy the tasty stir-fry without worry. Crispy tofu lasts for about 3-5 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Look for signs of spoilage, like a sour smell or slimy texture. If it smells off or looks strange, it’s best to toss it. Yes, you can make oil-free crispy tofu stir-fry. Use a non-stick pan or a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet. Instead of oil, use vegetable broth or water to sauté vegetables. Note that the tofu may not get as crispy without oil, but it will still taste great. You can find the full recipe for Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry in the Full Recipe section. It includes a complete list of ingredients and step-by-step instructions. This will help you create a delicious meal with ease. This blog post covered the basics of making a delicious crispy tofu stir-fry. You learned about essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. Cooking tofu until golden helps create a great texture and flavor. With endless variations available, you can customize your stir-fry to fit your tastes. Whether you're using seasonal veggies or alternative proteins, the process remains simple. Enjoy experimenting and creating a dish that suits you perfectly! Happy cooking!](https://spoonfulsavory.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/d6981d91-a2cb-4de4-849f-745604216f2f-250x250.webp)