Crispy Sesame Ginger Tofu & Colorful Veggie Stir-Fry
Brighten your dinner table with this Crispy Sesame Ginger Tofu & Colorful Veggie Stir-Fry! This dish features crispy, golden tofu infused with the rich flavors of sesame and ginger, combined with vibrant, crisp vegetables. It's a perfect balance of textures and tastes, making it not just nutritious but also delightfully satisfying. Perfect for those seeking a healthy, low-cholesterol meal that can be enjoyed on its own or served over steaming rice or fluffy quinoa. This stir-fry is quick to prepare, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights while enjoyable enough to impress guests.
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
extra firm tofu
14 ounces (drained and pressed)
cornstarch
2 tablespoons (for coating and sauce)
vegetable oil
3 tablespoons (for frying)
chopped green beans
2 1/2 cups (fresh)
sliced carrot
1 cup (fresh)
sesame oil
1 tablespoon (for sauce)
grated ginger
1 1/2 tablespoons (or use 1/2 tablespoon ginger powder)
minced garlic
1 1/2 tablespoons (fresh)
soy sauce
3 tablespoons (for sauce)
rice vinegar
1 tablespoon (for sauce)
red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon (or to taste)
brown sugar
3 tablespoons (for sauce)
water
2 tablespoons (for sauce)
sesame seeds
1 tablespoon (for garnish)
Instructions
1
Begin by draining the tofu: slice the extra firm tofu into 3-4 horizontal slices and place them between two paper towel-lined cookie sheets. Apply weight on the top sheet with canned goods or a cast iron skillet to press out moisture. Change the paper towels until the tofu is thoroughly dry, as this is crucial for achieving crispiness. Once dry, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes and toss with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch until coated.
2
While the tofu is drying, prepare the sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine the sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, rice vinegar, soy sauce, red pepper flakes, brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and water. Blend until smooth and set aside.
3
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the cubed tofu in a single layer. Cook for 3-5 minutes, flipping occasionally, until golden brown on all sides. Once crispy, pour in 2 tablespoons of the prepared sauce, allowing it to caramelize on the tofu for an additional 2-3 minutes. Remove the tofu from the skillet and keep warm.
4
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the chopped green beans and sliced carrots, tossing to coat. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until veggies are vibrant but still crisp. Pour in the remaining sauce and allow it to thicken slightly.
5
Add the previously cooked tofu back into the skillet. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top, stirring to coat everything evenly. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until heated through and well combined.
6
Serve warm immediately, either on its own or over a bed of rice or quinoa, to savor the delightful textures and flavors before the tofu loses its crispiness.
Nutrition Information
8.7g
Fat
20g
Carbs
10g
Protein
3.3g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Crispy Sesame Ginger Tofu & Colorful Veggie Stir-Fry?
It is a nutritious, low-cholesterol dish featuring crispy golden tofu with sesame and ginger flavors, paired with vibrant fresh vegetables.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, this stir-fry is vegan as it uses plant-based ingredients like tofu and vegetable oil.
Is the stir-fry gluten-free?
The recipe is tagged as gluten-free; however, you should ensure you use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 200 calories per serving.
What type of tofu should I use?
Extra firm tofu is required for this recipe to ensure it holds its shape and becomes crispy.
How do I properly press the tofu?
Slice the tofu horizontally, place between paper towels on cookie sheets, and apply weight with a heavy object like a cast iron skillet.
Can I substitute fresh ginger with powder?
Yes, you can substitute 1.5 tablespoons of fresh grated ginger with 1/2 tablespoon of ginger powder.
How much protein does this dish provide?
Each serving contains 10 grams of protein.
What vegetables are included in this stir-fry?
The recipe features 2.5 cups of fresh chopped green beans and 1 cup of sliced carrots.
How is the tofu made crispy?
Tofu is made crispy by pressing out moisture, coating the cubes in cornstarch, and frying them in oil until golden brown.
What kind of oil is used for frying?
Three tablespoons of vegetable oil are used for frying the tofu and vegetables.
What are the ingredients in the stir-fry sauce?
The sauce consists of sesame oil, ginger, garlic, rice vinegar, soy sauce, red pepper flakes, brown sugar, cornstarch, and water.
What are the serving suggestions?
You can enjoy this dish on its own or serve it over a bed of steaming rice or fluffy quinoa.
Is this recipe low in cholesterol?
Yes, this dish is specifically noted as a healthy, low-cholesterol meal option.
How long does it take to fry the tofu?
The tofu should be cooked for 3-5 minutes, flipping occasionally, until golden brown.
Do I need special equipment for the sauce?
A blender or food processor is recommended to combine the sauce ingredients until smooth.
How much cornstarch is used for the coating?
One tablespoon of cornstarch is used specifically for coating the tofu cubes.
Is there added sugar in this recipe?
Yes, the sauce uses 3 tablespoons of brown sugar to provide a touch of sweetness.
Is this dish spicy?
The recipe includes 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, which can be adjusted to your taste preference.
What is used as a garnish?
One tablespoon of sesame seeds is sprinkled over the dish as a final garnish.
What is the total fat content?
The dish contains 8.7 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 20 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this recipe provide dietary fiber?
Yes, each serving provides 3.3 grams of fiber.
How long do the vegetables need to cook?
The green beans and carrots should be sautéed for 3-4 minutes until they are vibrant but still crisp.
When do I add the sauce to the tofu?
Pour 2 tablespoons of sauce onto the crispy tofu in the skillet and let it caramelize for 2-3 minutes before removing it to cook the veggies.
How many ingredients are in the entire recipe?
There are a total of 14 ingredients listed for this recipe.
What size should the tofu cubes be?
The recipe recommends cutting the tofu into 1-inch cubes.
What type of vinegar is best for the sauce?
Rice vinegar is used to provide the traditional stir-fry tang.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe calls for 1.5 tablespoons of fresh minced garlic.
Why should I serve it immediately?
Serving immediately ensures you enjoy the delightful textures before the tofu begins to lose its crispiness.