Vegetable and Tofu Stir-Fry
Vegetable and Tofu Stir-Fry is all in the wrist. You've got a handful of veggies, a hunk of tofu, and a hot pan. Sauté them together and then douse them in a salty, slightly sweet soy sauce. Within minutes you'll have a meal that is supremely savory, texturally complex, and also happens to be healthy to boot.
This recipe is the result of a long and arduous journey. It all started when I was a young boy, growing up in a small town in China. My family was poor, and we often had to make do with whatever food we could find. One day, my mother came home with a bag of vegetables and a block of tofu. She didn't know what to do with them, so she asked me to figure it out. I had never cooked before, but I was determined to make something delicious. I started by slicing the vegetables and tofu into small pieces, and then I sautéed them in a hot pan with a little bit of oil. I added some soy sauce and ginger, and then I cooked everything until it was tender and the tofu was browned. The dish was a hit with my family, and I've been making it ever since.
Vegetable and Tofu Stir-Fry Vegetable and Tofu Stir-Fry Vegetable and Tofu Stir-Fry Vegetable and Tofu Stir-Fry
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 10 | Serves: 2
Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/2 head of broccoli, cut into 1-inch florets
  • 1/2 cup carrots, sliced into matchsticks
  • 1/2 cup tofu, drained and cubed
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Instructions
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the bell pepper, broccoli, carrots, tofu, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes to the pan.
  3. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the tofu is browned, about 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in the soy sauce.
  5. Cook for 1 minute more, or until the sauce has thickened.
  6. Sprinkle with the cilantro and serve.
Why It Works
  • The high heat of the pan creates a flavorful crust on the tofu and vegetables.
  • The soy sauce adds a salty, slightly sweet flavor to the dish.
  • The ginger adds a touch of warmth and complexity.
  • The cilantro adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor.