Introduction
Craving a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful weeknight meal? Look no further than this Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry with Spicy Peanut Sauce! We’re talking perfectly golden-brown, crispy tofu coated in a fiery and nutty peanut sauce, tossed with vibrant vegetables for a dish that’s both satisfying and good for you. This recipe is not only delicious but also easily customizable to your preferred spice level and vegetable choices. It’s vegan-friendly, gluten-free adaptable, and ready in under 30 minutes. Get ready to elevate your tofu game!
Creating the Perfect Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry
Preparing the Tofu
The secret to crispy tofu lies in removing excess water. Here’s how:
- Pressing the Tofu: Wrap the tofu block in paper towels and place a heavy object (like a cast iron skillet or books) on top for at least 30 minutes. This removes moisture and allows the tofu to crisp up better.
- Cubing and Coating: Cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes. Toss the cubes with cornstarch (or arrowroot starch for gluten-free) to create a light coating that will promote crispiness.
Mastering the Spicy Peanut Sauce
This peanut sauce is the star of the show! Here’s how to make it:
- Ingredients: You’ll need peanut butter (smooth or crunchy, your preference!), soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free), rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey or maple syrup (for a touch of sweetness), sriracha (for heat!), garlic, and ginger.
- Mixing it Up: Combine all the sauce ingredients in a bowl and whisk until smooth. Add a little water if needed to reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings to your liking β more sriracha for extra spice, more honey for sweetness, etc.
The Stir-Fry Process
Quick and easy is the name of the game!
- Crisping the Tofu: Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the tofu and cook until golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary.
- SautΓ©ing the Vegetables: Remove the tofu from the skillet and set aside. Add your favorite vegetables (broccoli florets, bell peppers, carrots, snow peas, snap peas, and onions work great) to the skillet and stir-fry until tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes.
- Combining Everything: Add the crispy tofu back to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the spicy peanut sauce over the tofu and vegetables and stir to coat everything evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Vegetable Variations
Feel free to experiment with different vegetables! Some great options include:
- Broccoli
- Bell Peppers (red, yellow, orange)
- Carrots
- Snow Peas
- Snap Peas
- Onions (yellow, white, or red)
- Mushrooms
- Bok Choy
Serving Suggestions
This crispy tofu stir-fry is delicious on its own, but here are some serving ideas:
- Serve over cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine).
- Serve over noodles (rice noodles, soba noodles, or ramen noodles).
- Garnish with chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, and sliced green onions.
Conclusion
This Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry with Spicy Peanut Sauce is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! It’s a healthy, flavorful, and customizable meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of crispy tofu, vibrant vegetables, and a fiery peanut sauce is simply irresistible. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a truly satisfying and delicious tofu dish. Don’t forget to share your creations and modifications β we love to see how you make this recipe your own!
