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There's something incredibly comforting about stir-fries. Perhaps it's the sizzling sound of vegetables hitting a hot pan, or maybe it's the vibrant colors that make your plate come alive. For many, stir-fries have become a go-to meal, effortlessly blending flavors and textures while being quick enough to whip up on a busy weeknight. One of my all-time favorites is the Crunchy Spicy Tofu Stir-Fry. Not only is it packed with flavor, but it’s also a fantastic way to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet.

Crunchy Spicy Tofu Stir-Fry

Discover the joy of cooking with this Crunchy Spicy Tofu Stir-Fry! This vibrant dish combines crispy tofu, colorful vegetables, and a spicy-savory sauce that's bursting with flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, it allows you to savor a delightful plant-based meal while impressing your taste buds. With easy preparation steps and versatile ingredient options, creating this delicious stir-fry is an experience you won’t want to miss. Get ready for a flavorful journey to your dinner table!

Ingredients
  

14 oz (400g) firm tofu, drained and pressed

2 tablespoons cornstarch

3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided

1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips

1 green bell pepper, sliced into thin strips

1 medium onion, sliced into thin wedges

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced

1 cup snap peas, trimmed

2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce

1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust based on spice preference)

1 tablespoon hoisin sauce

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional, adjust to taste)

2 green onions, finely chopped (for garnish)

Sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare the Tofu: Start by cutting the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes. In a mixing bowl, evenly coat the tofu cubes with cornstarch. This helps to create a perfectly crunchy texture when frying.

    Heat the Oil: In a large non-stick skillet or wok, add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and heat it over medium-high heat until shimmering.

      Fry the Tofu: Carefully place the cornstarch-coated tofu cubes into the hot oil in a single layer. Fry them for approximately 4-5 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Once done, use a slotted spoon to remove the tofu from the pan and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels.

        Stir-Fry the Vegetables: In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Toss in the sliced onion, red and green bell peppers, and snap peas. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are vibrant in color and just tender but still crisp.

          Add Aromatics: Reduce the heat slightly and add the minced garlic and ginger to the vegetable mixture. Stir continuously for about 30 seconds or until the garlic is fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

            Combine Sauces: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sriracha, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chili flakes (if using). Pour this flavorful sauce over the stir-fried vegetables, tossing everything to ensure an even coat.

              Add the Tofu: Gently fold the crispy tofu back into the pan with the vegetables. Toss everything together for another 2 minutes, allowing the tofu to soak up some of the delicious sauce.

                Serve: Remove the stir-fry from heat. Garnish your dish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve hot over a bed of steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 25 minutes | 4 servings

                    - Presentation Tips: For an appealing presentation, serve the stir-fry in a large bowl or individual plates and add an extra sprinkle of sesame seeds and a few chili flakes on top for visual interest.