Making your own version of a restaurant meal is always a delicious challenge! This is a simple version of a Korean stir fry, with rich flavours of garlic, ginger and sesame in the Sesame Stir Fry Sauce, some crispy tofu, and a rainbow of veggies. This variety of colours and textures is so full of goodness and it’s easy to do! The crispy tofu is much easier than I thought, using potato starch to create that perfect crunch. So crispy and delicious that even tofu-avoiders will like it! Try the Extra Crispy version, too!
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| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Servings |
servings
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Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon oil
- 1/2 large onion sliced thinly
- 2 cloves fresh garlic
- 1 cup cauliflower chopped in bite-sized chunks
- 1 cup brocolli chopped in bite-sized chunks
- 1/2 cup purple cabbage chopped
- 1/2 cup sliced coloured sweet peppers
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup chopped bok choy
- 1 cup spinach
- 1/2 cup bean sprouts
- a few sugar snap peas optional, but they look great!
- sesame seeds for sprinkling on top
- chopped green onion for sprinkling on top
Crispy Tofu
- 1 block drained and pressed firm or extra firm tofu about 2 cups of cubed tofu, patted dry
- 1/2 cup potato starch makes the coating crispy!
- salt and pepper to taste
- vegetable oil for frying
Extra Crispy Tofu Bites
- 1 block extra firm tofu
- 1/2 cup marinade bought or homemade!
- 1/2 cup corn starch or potato starch
- 1 cup panko crumbs
- vegetable oil for frying
Ingredients
Crispy Tofu
Extra Crispy Tofu Bites
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Instructions
- First, prepare your tofu by pressing as much water out of it as you can and cutting it in to small cubes, about 1/2 inch squares.
- Toss the cubes in a bowl of potato starch spiced with salt and pepper. See below for the Extra Crispy Tofu Bites.
- Wash and chop up the veggies you plan to use, keeping them in separate piles.
- Heat a heavy pan ( I use a cast iron pan) with a shallow layer of vegetable oil for cooking the tofu.
- Heat another large pan or wok with a little oil for the veggies.
- Now to cook! It won't take long! The trick is not over-cooking, as it is better to keep the fresh crunch in some of the veggies! Cook the onion and garlic first and then add the veggies according to size and speed to soften. For example, the denser veggies, like broccoli and cauliflower will need a little longer to soften, so they go in the pan after the onions are translucent. Add a little water to steam the denser veggies
- While veggies are starting to cook, throw your tofu cubes in the hot oil in your other pan and stir often to allow even browning and crisping. I like to add a little sesame oil for flavour. Once the tofu is browned, add some toasted sesame seeds to your pan and stir to add extra texture, nutrition and flavour! Keep this hot in your pan on low heat while you finish cooking the veggies.
- Once the heavier veggies have started to soften, add the medium weight veggies, like the peppers, cabbage and mushrooms. Stir and cook for a few minutes, then add your pre-made Sesame Stir Fry Sauce (or alternative sauce). Stir to combine.
- The lighter veggies, like the spinach, bokchoy, or bean sprouts only need a moment or two, so they are added in just before serving! Adjust the quantity of sauce to suit your taste. Also, if you like a thicker sauce, you can make a quick combination of a Tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 1/4 cup cold water. Stir this mixture into the pan of veggies and bring to a boil.
- Serve this on rice or noodles and enjoy the garden goodness! Instead of the tofu, you could also just top this with some chopped cashews! Sprinkle with roasted sesame seeds and chopped green onion for added texture, flavour and goodness! Enjoy!
Extra Crispy Tofu Bites
- First, prepare your tofu by pressing as much water out of it as you can and cutting it in to small cubes, about 1/2 inch squares.
- Pour your marinade over the cubes and toss to cover. Let marinate for 1/2 hour or more. You can freeze the tofu bites now for use later! It actually makes the inside a little chewier/more "meaty".
- After the cubes have soaked up some of the flavour, toss them with some cornstarch and then into some panko crumbs.
- Fry in a pan of hot oil for 2-4 minutes, stirring to ensure even cooking. Drain on a paper towel and lightly salt, if desired. Enjoy!!
Recipe Notes
A great way to make this even simpler is to have some pre-made sauce in the fridge, or just try some store-bought varieties! I like to make this often, using different combinations of veggies and sauces! Have fun experimenting! The Extra Crispy version has become our favourite! Try drizzling them with Maple Garlic Sauce! It is delicious!
