Zesty Napa Cabbage and Tofu Stir-Fry
This Zesty Napa Cabbage and Tofu Stir-Fry brings together an explosion of flavors and textures, highlighted by the crunch of fresh napa cabbage and the sweetness of vibrant bell peppers. The firm tofu, marinated in a deliciously spicy chili-garlic sauce, perfectly absorbs the umami-rich notes from soy sauce and sesame oil. The dish is quick to prepare, making it an ideal weeknight dinner while offering the flexibility to incorporate your favorite seasonal vegetables like eggplant or snap peas. With firm, yet tender veggies and a flavorful sauce that coats every bite, this stir-fry promises delight in every mouthful. Serve it warm over a bed of rice for a satisfying and nutritious meal that will tantalize your taste buds!
N/A
Servings
240
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
firm tofu
8 ounces (cubed)
chili-garlic sauce
2 teaspoons (to taste)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
sesame oil
2 tablespoons (divided)
soy sauce
4 tablespoons (low-sodium preferred)
rice vinegar
1 tablespoon
rice wine
2 tablespoons
fresh grated ginger
1 teaspoon
low sodium vegetable broth
1/4 cup
mushrooms
1 cup (sliced in half)
large red pepper
1 (chopped into 1 by 2 inch pieces)
green onion
1/4 cup (sliced)
shredded napa cabbage
2 cups
fresh cilantro
1/4 cup (chopped)
cornstarch
1 teaspoon (mixed in 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry)
Instructions
1
Begin by cubing the firm tofu into approximately 1 by 2 inches. Lay the cubes on a layer of paper towels, cover with additional towels, and gently press to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial for improving the texture of the tofu.
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the chili-garlic sauce, minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, rice wine, grated ginger, and vegetable broth. Mix well. Add the cubed tofu, ensuring each piece is coated in the marinade. Let it soak for 15 to 20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
3
Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Carefully transfer the marinated tofu to the pan and brown all sides for about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the tofu from the pan and set aside.
4
In the same pan, prepare to thicken the marinade by stirring in the cornstarch slurry with the remaining marinade. If the mixture looks too thick, add a few tablespoons of soy sauce, rice wine, or vinegar until desired consistency is achieved.
5
Add sliced mushrooms and bell peppers to the pan. Stir-fry on high heat for approximately 2 minutes, continuously moving the vegetables to ensure they are evenly cooked.
6
Next, add the sliced green onions and shredded napa cabbage. Continue stirring constantly for another 1-2 minutes, until the cabbage begins to soften but remains crisp.
7
Pour the seasoned marinade over the vegetables, then return the browned tofu to the pan. Toss everything together until heated through and coated with the sauce.
8
Remove from heat, sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro, and give it one last gentle mix.
9
Serve hot over your choice of rice, and enjoy your vibrant and spicy stir-fry!
Nutrition Information
11g
Fat
22g
Carbs
11g
Protein
5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Zesty Napa Cabbage and Tofu Stir-Fry?
It is a quick and flavorful dish featuring firm tofu marinated in a spicy chili-garlic sauce, combined with crunchy napa cabbage, mushrooms, and bell peppers.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, this recipe is vegan as it uses tofu and vegetable-based ingredients.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian.
What type of tofu should I use?
You should use firm tofu for the best texture in this stir-fry.
How should I prepare the tofu?
Cube the tofu into 1 by 2 inch pieces and press them between paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Why is pressing the tofu important?
Pressing the tofu removes moisture, which helps improve its texture and allow it to brown better.
What ingredients are in the marinade?
The marinade consists of chili-garlic sauce, minced garlic, sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, rice wine, grated ginger, and vegetable broth.
How long should the tofu marinate?
Let the tofu soak in the marinade for 15 to 20 minutes.
How long does it take to brown the tofu?
It takes about 5-7 minutes to brown all sides of the tofu over medium-high heat.
How do I thicken the stir-fry sauce?
Thicken the sauce by stirring a cornstarch slurry into the remaining marinade in the pan.
How do I make a cornstarch slurry?
Mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water.
What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
If the sauce is too thick, add a few tablespoons of soy sauce, rice wine, or vinegar until you reach the desired consistency.
Which vegetables are cooked first?
The sliced mushrooms and bell peppers are stir-fried first for approximately 2 minutes.
When do I add the napa cabbage?
Add the napa cabbage and green onions after the mushrooms and peppers have cooked for 2 minutes.
How long should the cabbage cook?
Stir-fry the cabbage for 1-2 minutes until it begins to soften but remains crisp.
What is the recommended garnish?
The dish is finished with a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro.
What should I serve with this stir-fry?
This stir-fry is best served warm over a bed of rice.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Yes, you can easily incorporate seasonal vegetables like eggplant or snap peas.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 240 calories per serving.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
This recipe contains 11g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this meal?
There are 22g of carbohydrates.
What is the protein content?
This dish provides 11g of protein.
How much fiber is in this stir-fry?
This recipe contains 5g of fiber.
Is this recipe spicy?
Yes, it is described as spicy due to the chili-garlic sauce and fresh ginger.
How many ingredients are needed?
The recipe calls for 15 ingredients total.
Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?
Yes, low-sodium soy sauce is actually preferred for this recipe.
What type of oil is used for frying?
Sesame oil is used for both the marinade and for frying the ingredients.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, it is an ideal weeknight dinner because it is quick to prepare once the tofu is marinated.
What is the texture of the vegetables?
The vegetables are intended to be firm yet tender, with the cabbage specifically remaining crisp.
What type of cabbage is used?
The recipe specifically uses shredded napa cabbage.