Tofu Sesame Ginger Stir-fry Recipe

Description:

A vibrant and flavorful stir-fry featuring crispy tofu cubes tossed in a savory and slightly sweet sesame ginger sauce. The dish is a colorful medley of golden-brown tofu, vibrant red and green bell peppers, and glistening sauce. The sesame seeds add a pleasing crunch, while the green onions provide a fresh, contrasting color and a subtle onion flavor. The tofu is perfectly cooked, offering a satisfying texture – slightly crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. Served over fluffy white rice, this dish is a complete and satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• - 1 block (14 oz) extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
• - 1 tbsp sesame oil
• - 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• - 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• - 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• - 2 cloves garlic, minced
• - 1 inch ginger, minced
• - 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• - 1/4 cup honey
• - 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• - 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• - 1/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnish
• - Cooked rice, for serving

Instructions:

1. 1. Press the tofu: Wrap the tofu block in several layers of paper towels and place a heavy object (like a few books) on top for at least 30 minutes to remove excess water. This ensures a crispier tofu. After 30 minutes, cut into 1-inch cubes.
2. 2. Prepare the vegetables: Thinly slice the bell peppers and onion. Mince the garlic and ginger. Set aside.
3. 3. Stir-fry the tofu: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil and 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, until golden brown and slightly crispy on all sides. Remove the tofu from the wok and set aside.
4. 4. Sauté the vegetables: Add the onion to the wok and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the bell peppers, garlic, and ginger and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the peppers are slightly tender-crisp.
5. 5. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar.
6. 6. Combine and simmer: Return the tofu to the wok. Pour the sauce over the tofu and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
7. 7. Garnish and serve: Stir in the sesame seeds. Garnish with chopped green onions. Serve hot over cooked rice.
8. 8. Plate and photograph: Arrange the stir-fry on a plate with a bed of fluffy white rice. Garnish with extra sesame seeds and a sprinkle of fresh green onions. The final dish should be a vibrant mix of colors, showcasing the golden-brown tofu, bright peppers, and glossy sauce. The sesame seeds add a textural element and the green onions provide a pop of fresh green against the warm tones of the dish.