Description
This Savory Tofu and Cabbage Stir-Fry is a delightful weeknight meal that’s as simple as it is satisfying. Packed with tender tofu and crisp cabbage, it’s coated in a rich, umami-packed sauce that will have you reaching for seconds. It’s a wonderfully wholesome and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion.
Imagine a vibrant bowl filled with perfectly browned tofu and a medley of colorful, tender-crisp vegetables, all brought together by a glossy, savory sauce.
Ingredients
1 tbsp light (regular) soy sauce
1 tbsp dark soy sauce (or an extra tablespoon of regular soy sauce)
1 tbsp rice vinegar
2 tsp maple syrup or sugar
1/2 tbsp sesame oil
1/2 tsp vegetable bouillon paste or 1/2 a crushed vegetable bouillon cube
1–2 tbsp avocado oil
4 scallions, sliced with whites and greens separated
1 red chili pepper, sliced (optional)
4 cloves garlic, crushed or grated
1/2 inch ginger, grated or minced
1, 450g block of super firm tofu (or extra firm tofu, pressed and drained)
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp ground coriander
2 cups green cabbage, shredded
Instructions
1. In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup or sugar, sesame oil, and vegetable bouillon. Whisk until blended and set aside.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add avocado oil. Add the white parts of the scallions and chili pepper, if using, and saut until the scallions begin to soften.
3. Add the garlic and ginger to the skillet and saut for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Crumble the tofu into the pan, then add the smoked paprika and ground coriander. If the pan seems dry, add a little more oil. Saut the tofu until it is well coated in the spices, cooking for 3-5 minutes.
5. Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet and stir-fry until it starts to soften, about 4 minutes.
6. Pour the prepared sauce over the tofu and cabbage mixture. Stir to combine and continue to cook until the tofu and vegetables have evenly absorbed the sauce.
7. Serve with rice or noodles, and garnish with the green parts of the scallions.
Notes
Evenly Cut Tofu: Cutting your tofu into uniform cubes ensures they cook evenly and develop a consistent golden-brown crust.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When browning the tofu, cook it in batches if necessary. Overcrowding will cause the tofu to steam rather than fry, resulting in a less crispy texture.
High Heat for Stir-Frying: Once you start stir-frying the vegetables and sauce, use medium-high heat. This helps maintain the crispness of the vegetables and allows the sauce to thicken quickly.
Mix Sauce Ingredients Separately: Whisking the sauce ingredients together in a separate bowl before adding them to the skillet ensures the cornstarch is fully dissolved and prevents lumps.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired