Congee made with spicy tofu

Tofu stir-fry is a delicious and versatile dish that's quick and easy to prepare. It's packed with protein, veggies, and flavor, making it a nutritious option for lunch or dinner. Here's how to make a flavorful tofu stir-fry:

Ingredients: 1 block (14-16 oz) extra-firm tofu 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari 2 tablespoons cornstarch 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying) 1 bell pepper, sliced 1 cup broccoli florets 1 carrot, julienned or sliced

1/2 onion, thinly sliced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1-inch piece of ginger, minced or grated 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (for sauce) 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce 1 teaspoon sesame oil Optional toppings: sliced green onions, sesame seeds, chopped peanuts or cashews

Prepare the Tofu: Drain the tofu and wrap it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Place a heavy object (such as a skillet or a few cans) on top of the wrapped tofu and let it sit for 15-30 minutes to press out excess moisture. Once pressed, unwrap the tofu and cut it into cubes or strips.

Marinate the Tofu: In a shallow dish, whisk together 2 tablespoons of soy sauce or tamari with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to make a marinade. Add the tofu cubes to the marinade and toss gently to coat. Let the tofu marinate for at least 15 minutes.

Cook the Tofu: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated tofu cubes to the skillet in a single layer. Cook the tofu for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the tofu from the skillet and set it aside.

Prepare the Stir-Fry Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of soy sauce or tamari, rice vinegar or lime juice, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil to make the stir-fry sauce. Set aside.

Stir-Fry the Vegetables: In the same skillet or wok, add a little more oil if needed. Add the sliced bell pepper, broccoli florets, julienned carrot, and thinly sliced onion to the skillet. Stir-fry the vegetables for 3-4 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp.

Add Aromatics: Clear a space in the center of the skillet and add the minced garlic and ginger. Cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant, then stir to combine with the vegetables.

Combine Tofu and Sauce: Return the cooked tofu to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared stir-fry sauce over the tofu and vegetables, tossing everything together until evenly coated.

For extra flavor, you can add other vegetables such as snap peas, mushrooms, or baby corn to the stir-fry. Adjust the seasonings in the sauce to suit your taste preferences. You can add a little honey or brown sugar for sweetness, or chili garlic sauce for heat. Be sure to use extra-firm tofu for stir-frying, as it holds its shape better and crisps up nicely. To save time, you can use pre-cut vegetables or a bag of frozen stir-fry vegetables.

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