Crispy Tofu and Kale Stir-Fry with Creamy Peanut Sauce
This Crispy Tofu and Kale Stir-Fry with Creamy Peanut Sauce is a delightful and wholesome dish that brings together the heartiness of extra-firm tofu and the vibrant flavors of kale, all enveloped in a rich peanut sauce. This recipe encourages you to utilize whatever greens are on hand, such as Swiss chard or beet greens, making it flexible for any season. For a spicy kick, add fresh jalapeño or opt for a dash of cayenne or Tabasco sauce. Using natural peanut butter without hydrogenated oils enhances not just this dish but all your cooking. The key to achieving perfectly crisp tofu lies in frying it at high heat with peanut oil, ensuring a deliciously golden exterior while keeping the inside tender. Serve this nutrient-dense meal over brown rice for a satisfying lunch or dinner that nourishes both body and soul.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
extra firm tofu
12 ounces (sliced into triangles or sticks)
peanut oil
2 tablespoons (for frying)
garlic cloves
4 (minced)
onion
1 medium (chopped)
jalapeno chile
1 (seeded and minced)
kale
1 bunch (stemmed and chopped into large pieces)
peanut butter
1/2 cup (natural, without hydrogenated oils)
tamari soy sauce or soy sauce
2 tablespoons (for flavoring)
mirin
2 tablespoons (for flavoring)
Instructions
1
Begin by slicing the tofu into your preferred shapes—triangles, sticks, or cubes work well.
2
In a large skillet or wok, heat peanut oil over medium-high heat until it’s very hot, shimmering and almost smoking.
3
Carefully add the sliced tofu to the hot oil, ensuring they don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry the tofu, turning gently to brown all sides evenly until they are golden and crispy, about 8-10 minutes.
4
Once crispy, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic, chopped onion, and jalapeño to the pan. Stir-fry these for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
5
Next, add the chopped kale to the pan, tossing it well with the other ingredients. Cook until the kale wilts and reduces in size, about 3-5 minutes.
6
While the vegetables are cooking, prepare the creamy peanut sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the peanut butter, tamari soy sauce, and mirin until smooth and well combined.
7
Pour the peanut sauce over the tofu and kale mixture in the skillet, stirring to coat all the vegetables and tofu evenly. Heat through for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring everything is well combined and warmed.
8
Serve hot over a generous bed of cooked brown rice, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in this recipe?
The main protein used in this recipe is 12 ounces of extra-firm tofu.
Is this Crispy Tofu and Kale Stir-Fry vegan?
Yes, this recipe is vegan as it uses plant-based ingredients like tofu, vegetables, and peanut butter.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe is gluten-free, provided you use tamari soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce.
How should I cut the tofu for this stir-fry?
You can slice the tofu into your preferred shapes, such as triangles, sticks, or cubes.
What type of oil is best for frying the tofu?
Peanut oil is recommended because it can be heated to a high temperature, which helps achieve a crispy exterior.
How do I know when the oil is ready for the tofu?
The oil should be very hot, shimmering, and almost smoking before you add the tofu.
How long does it take to fry the tofu?
It takes about 8-10 minutes to fry the tofu until all sides are golden and crispy.
What should I do if my pan is too small for the tofu?
Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure the tofu gets crispy; you may need to fry it in batches.
What vegetables are included in the stir-fry?
The recipe includes kale, onion, garlic, and a jalapeño chile.
Can I use a different green if I don't have kale?
Yes, you can substitute kale with other greens like Swiss chard or beet greens.
How long should I cook the onion and garlic?
Stir-fry the minced garlic, chopped onion, and jalapeño for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent.
How long does the kale take to cook?
The kale should be tossed with the ingredients and cooked for 3-5 minutes until it wilts.
What ingredients are in the creamy peanut sauce?
The sauce consists of natural peanut butter, tamari soy sauce, and mirin.
What kind of peanut butter is recommended?
Natural peanut butter without hydrogenated oils is recommended for the best flavor and health benefits.
What is mirin and why is it used?
Mirin is a Japanese rice wine that adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the peanut sauce.
How do I make the peanut sauce?
Simply mix the peanut butter, tamari, and mirin in a small bowl until the mixture is smooth.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild kick from one jalapeño; you can remove the seeds to reduce the heat or add more for extra spice.
Can I add extra heat to this recipe?
Yes, you can add a dash of cayenne pepper or Tabasco sauce for a spicy kick.
What is the best way to serve this stir-fry?
It is best served hot over a generous bed of cooked brown rice.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe calls for 4 minced garlic cloves.
What is the texture of the tofu in this dish?
The tofu has a golden, crispy exterior and a tender interior.
How long does it take to heat the sauce through?
After pouring the sauce over the vegetables and tofu, heat it for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Is this recipe high in protein?
Yes, the combination of tofu and peanut butter makes this a protein-rich meal.
Can I use regular soy sauce instead of tamari?
Yes, regular soy sauce works fine if you do not require the dish to be gluten-free.
What size onion should I use?
One medium onion, chopped, is the recommended amount.
How much peanut butter is in the sauce?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of peanut butter.
Do I need a wok to make this?
You can use either a large skillet or a wok.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include tofu, kale, peanut sauce, stir-fry, vegan, healthy, quick meals, protein-rich, gluten-free, and vegetarian.
How many total ingredients are required?
There are 9 main ingredients in this recipe.
Can this be eaten for lunch?
Yes, it is a satisfying and nutrient-dense meal suitable for both lunch and dinner.