Asian Inspired Tofu and Broccoli Cashew Stir-Fry
Indulge in a satisfying and nutrient-rich stir-fry that marries the crisp tenderness of broccoli with the hearty texture of tofu. This dish, enhanced with a blend of savory and slightly spicy flavors, makes for a delightful main course that's perfect with brown rice or Asian-style noodles. Adding toasted cashews gives it a delightful crunch, while the optional sweet-and-sour note adds an extra burst of flavor. Whether you’re a tofu enthusiast or just venturing into plant-based meals, this dish promises to please everyone at the dinner table.
4
Servings
300
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Firm Tofu
1 (14.5 ounce) package (Drained and cut into pieces)
Broccoli
1.5 lbs (Stalks peeled and cut into rounds, florets bite-sized)
Coarse Salt
to taste (For boiling water)
Vegetable Oil
2 tablespoons (For frying)
Soy Sauce
3 tablespoons (For sauce)
Rice Vinegar
2 tablespoons (For sauce)
Red Pepper Flakes
1/4 teaspoon (For sauce)
Garlic Cloves
4 cloves (Minced for sauce)
Cornstarch
1 tablespoon (For sauce)
Toasted Cashews
1/2 cup (For garnish)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by pressing the tofu. Arrange the tofu slices in a single layer on a baking sheet covered with several layers of paper towels. Place additional paper towels on top of the tofu and weigh it down with another baking sheet, using canned goods for extra pressure. Allow it to drain for approximately 20 minutes to remove excess moisture.
2
2. In the meantime, prepare the broccoli. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and blanch the broccoli stalk rounds and florets until they reach a bright green color, about 2 minutes. Drain the broccoli and set aside.
3
3. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the tofu pieces and sauté until they are golden brown on all sides, turning them gently halfway through, which should take about 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer the tofu to paper towels to remove any excess oil.
4
4. Prepare the sauce by whisking together soy sauce, rice vinegar, red pepper flakes, minced garlic, and cornstarch with 3/4 cup of water in a small bowl. Ensure the mixture is well combined and set it aside.
5
5. Using the same skillet, increase the heat to high and add the blanched broccoli. Stir often to cook until the broccoli is crisp-tender, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
6
6. Re-whisk the sauce to ensure the cornstarch is fully integrated, then pour it into the skillet with the broccoli. Return the sautéed tofu to the skillet and stir everything together until the tofu is well coated with the sauce, about 1 minute.
7
7. Serve the stir-fry topped with toasted cashews for an extra layer of crunch and flavor.
Nutrition Information
18g
Fat
24g
Carbs
16g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to press the tofu?
You should press the tofu for approximately 20 minutes to remove excess moisture.
What type of tofu is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for one 14.5 ounce package of firm tofu.
Why should I press the tofu before cooking?
Pressing the tofu removes excess moisture, which helps it achieve a better texture and brown properly during sautéing.
How should I prepare the broccoli?
The stalks should be peeled and cut into rounds, and the florets should be cut into bite-sized pieces.
How long do I blanch the broccoli?
Blanch the broccoli in boiling salted water for about 2 minutes until it reaches a bright green color.
What kind of oil should I use for sautéing?
The recipe recommends using 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
How long does it take to sauté the tofu?
Sauté the tofu for 10 to 15 minutes until golden brown on all sides.
What are the ingredients in the stir-fry sauce?
The sauce consists of soy sauce, rice vinegar, red pepper flakes, minced garlic, cornstarch, and 3/4 cup of water.
Is this stir-fry recipe spicy?
It has a slight kick from the addition of 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
How do I thicken the sauce?
The cornstarch in the sauce mixture acts as a thickener when heated in the skillet.
When do I add the cashews?
Toasted cashews are added as a garnish at the very end to provide extra crunch and flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, the recipe is vegan as it uses tofu and plant-based ingredients.
What should I serve with this stir-fry?
This dish is perfect when served over brown rice or with Asian-style noodles.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
How much protein is in this dish?
This recipe provides 16 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 18 grams of fat per serving.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to make 4 servings.
Can I substitute the cashews with other nuts?
Yes, toasted peanuts or almonds would also provide a nice crunch if you don't have cashews.
Why do I need to re-whisk the sauce before adding it to the pan?
Re-whisking ensures that the cornstarch is fully integrated and hasn't settled at the bottom of the bowl.
What temperature should I use to cook the broccoli in the skillet?
The broccoli should be cooked over high heat for 2 to 3 minutes until it is crisp-tender.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe uses 4 minced garlic cloves for the sauce.
Can I make this dish sweet and sour?
Yes, the description mentions an optional sweet-and-sour note can be added for an extra burst of flavor.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 24 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much broccoli do I need?
The recipe calls for 1.5 lbs of broccoli.
Should the tofu be drained?
Yes, the tofu should be drained and cut into pieces before pressing.
How do I know when the broccoli is blanched?
The broccoli is ready when it turns a bright green color, which usually takes about 2 minutes.
Is coarse salt required?
Coarse salt is used to taste specifically for the boiling water when blanching the broccoli.
What is the main flavor profile of this dish?
The dish features a blend of savory and slightly spicy flavors with a nutty crunch from the cashews.
Is this dish considered a main course?
Yes, it is a satisfying and nutrient-rich main dish.
What are the main tags for this recipe?
Key tags include stir-fry, tofu, broccoli, cashew, asian, vegan, healthy, and easy.