Spicy Tofu Stir-Fry Recipe

Tofu: Firm tofu is used for its ability to hold shape during cooking, providing a satisfying texture.

Red bell pepper: Adds sweetness and a pop of color to the dish.

Green bell pepper: Offers a slightly bitter contrast to the red bell pepper, enhancing the flavor profile.

Onion: Provides a savory base and aromatic depth to the stir-fry.

Soy sauce: A salty, umami-rich sauce that enhances the overall taste.

Sriracha: A spicy chili sauce that adds heat and a touch of sweetness.

Vegetable oil: Used for frying, it has a neutral flavor that doesn't overpower the dish.

Garlic: Adds a pungent, aromatic flavor that complements the other ingredients.

Cornstarch: Mixed with water to create a slurry, it thickens the sauce, giving it a glossy finish.

To achieve a perfectly crispy texture for the tofu, ensure that it is well-pressed before cooking. This step removes excess moisture, allowing the tofu to brown evenly and develop a delightful crust. You can press the tofu by wrapping it in a clean kitchen towel and placing a heavy object on top for about 15-20 minutes. This technique enhances the overall texture and flavor of the stir-fry.

• cubed firm tofu - Substitute with tempeh: Tempeh has a similar texture and protein content, making it a great alternative for tofu in a stir-fry.

• sliced red bell pepper - Substitute with sliced yellow bell pepper: Yellow bell peppers offer a similar sweetness and crunch, maintaining the color variety in the dish.

• sliced green bell pepper - Substitute with sliced zucchini: Zucchini provides a mild flavor and a similar texture, adding a different color to the stir-fry.

• sliced onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder taste and can add a subtle sweetness to the dish.

• soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative that offers a similar umami flavor profile.

• sriracha - Substitute with chili garlic sauce: Chili garlic sauce provides a similar heat level and adds a bit of garlic flavor.

• vegetable oil - Substitute with sesame oil: Sesame oil adds a nutty flavor that complements the Asian-inspired dish.

• minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in smaller quantities to provide a similar garlic flavor.

• cornstarch mixed with water - Substitute with arrowroot powder mixed with water: Arrowroot powder acts as a similar thickening agent and is a good alternative for those avoiding corn products.

• Allow the spicy tofu stir-fry to cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the dish soggy.

• Transfer the cooled stir-fry into an airtight container. Choose a container that fits the quantity snugly to minimize air exposure, which can affect the freshness of the tofu and vegetables.

• For short-term storage, place the container in the refrigerator. The stir-fry will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. This is perfect for meal prep or enjoying leftovers throughout the week.

• If you plan to keep the stir-fry longer, freezing is the way to go. Divide the stir-fry into portion-sized containers or freezer bags. This makes it easy to defrost just what you need.

• When using freezer bags, remove as much air as possible before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn, preserving the texture and flavor of the bell peppers and onion.

• Label the containers or bags with the date of storage. This ensures you use the stir-fry within 1-2 months for optimal taste and quality.

• To reheat, thaw the stir-fry in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. For a quick fix, you can also use the microwave's defrost setting.

• Reheat the stir-fry in a pan over medium heat. Add a splash of soy sauce or water to refresh the flavors and prevent sticking. Stir occasionally until heated through.

• Serve your reheated spicy tofu stir-fry with freshly cooked rice or noodles for a delightful meal that tastes just as good as the first day.

• Use a non-stick skillet: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Toss in the leftover spicy tofu stir-fry and stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes. This method helps maintain the tofu's crispy texture.

• Microwave with care: Place the spicy tofu stir-fry in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until thoroughly warmed. This method is quick but may soften the tofu slightly.

• Oven method for larger batches: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the spicy tofu stir-fry evenly on a baking sheet. Cover with foil to prevent drying out. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway through. This method is ideal for reheating larger quantities while preserving the dish's flavors.

• Steamer basket for gentle reheating: Fill a pot with a small amount of water and bring it to a simmer. Place the spicy tofu stir-fry in a heatproof dish and set it in a steamer basket over the simmering water. Cover and steam for about 5-8 minutes. This method gently reheats the dish, keeping the vegetables vibrant and the tofu tender.

• Air fryer for a crispy finish: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Spread the spicy tofu stir-fry in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Heat for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This method revives the tofu's crispiness while warming the entire dish.

• Wok: A large, round-bottomed cooking vessel ideal for stir-frying due to its high sides and ability to distribute heat evenly.

• Spatula: A flat, broad tool used for flipping and stirring ingredients in the wok, ensuring even cooking.

• Knife: Essential for slicing the red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and onion into uniform pieces.

• Cutting board: A sturdy surface to safely chop and prepare vegetables and tofu.

• Measuring spoons: Used to accurately measure the soy sauce, sriracha, and vegetable oil for the recipe.

• Mixing bowl: Useful for combining the cornstarch with water before adding it to the stir-fry.

• Garlic press: Handy for mincing the garlic cloves quickly and efficiently.

• Serving spoon: Ideal for transferring the finished stir-fry onto plates or bowls for serving.

Prep ingredients in advance: Chop the tofu, bell peppers, and onion ahead of time and store them in airtight containers.

Use pre-minced garlic: Save time by using store-bought minced garlic instead of mincing fresh cloves.

One-pan cooking: Cook the tofu and vegetables in the same wok to minimize cleanup.

Batch cook: Double the recipe and store leftovers for quick meals later in the week.

Quick sauce mix: Combine soy sauce and sriracha in a small bowl before starting to streamline the cooking process.