- My tofu crumbled.
- You used silken tofu or didn't press the water out. Always use 'Firm' or 'Extra Firm' tofu for stir-fries!
Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry with Cilantro
The essence of stir-fry is speed and high heat. The goal is vegetables that stay crisp and vibrant, and tofu that develops a crust while remaining creamy inside. This isn't a mushy stew, but a meeting of fresh textures in a savory sesame sauce.
Ingredients
1
block (14 oz)
Firm Tofu
2
medium
Carrots
1
medium
Zucchini
1
whole
Bell Pepper
2
cups
Broccoli Florets
2
cloves
Garlic
1
tbsp
Fresh Ginger, grated
4
tbsp
Soy Sauce
2
tbsp
Sesame Oil
1
tsp
Chili Flakes
1
bunch
Fresh Cilantro
2
tbsp
High-Heat Oil (e.g., Sunflower)
Shopping List (0)
Equipment Needed
- Wok or Large Skillet: For high heat cooking.
- Paper Towels: For pressing tofu.
Allergen Information
Soy
Sesame
Instructions
1
✓
Wrap tofu in paper towels and place a heavy object on top for 10 minutes to press out excess water. Cube it.
Tip: If water remains, the tofu will steam instead of fry and won't absorb the sauce.
2
✓
Cut vegetables into uniform, bite-sized pieces. Break broccoli into small florets.
Tip: Uniform size guarantees even cooking.
3
✓
In a hot wok with a little oil, fry tofu until golden brown, then remove.
Tip: Leave it alone! Don't shake constantly, let a crust form.
4
✓
Add fresh oil to the wok, toss in hard veggies (carrot, broccoli), and stir-fry for 2 minutes. Add softer ones (pepper, zucchini), then ginger and garlic.
Tip: Garlic and ginger burn easily, so add them later.
5
✓
Return tofu to the pan, drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil. Toss for 1 minute.
Tip: Sesame oil provides the finishing aroma.
6
✓
Serve topped generously with fresh cilantro.
Tip: Heat destroys cilantro's flavor; garnish only at the end.
Recipe FAQ
Ingredients
- 1 block (14 oz) Firm Tofu
- 2 medium Carrots
- 1 medium Zucchini
- 1 whole Bell Pepper
- 2 cups Broccoli Florets
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 1 tbsp Fresh Ginger, grated
- 4 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 2 tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1 tsp Chili Flakes
- 1 bunch Fresh Cilantro
- 2 tbsp High-Heat Oil (e.g., Sunflower)