Recipe: Stir-fry Tofu with Frozen Vegetables

Simple stir-fry tofu dish with frozen vegetables

This recipe showcases the versatility of a basic tofu dish. It requires less than 5 minutes of cooking time in the wok and minimal preparation. Nonetheless, it is adaptable to any flavor preferences, making it suitable for any meal of the day. By incorporating a frozen vegetable mix, it offers a balanced nutritional profile. With the addition of a rich, gravy-like sauce, this dish can be served over rice and noodles to create a complete meal.

Extra-firm tofu

Ingredients (serving for 2)

• Tofu - extra firm - 1 lb. (Cut them into cubes as shown in the video)

• Frozen vegetable mix - 1/2 cup

• Scallions (top green portion, see prep video in Lesson 4 on prepping scallions) - 1/4 cup

• Canola oil - 2 tablespoons (or any oil of your preference)

• 1 tablespoon of Wok with Tak Basic Seasoning Mix

• Oyster sauce - 2 tablespoons (adjust to taste)

• Sesame oil - 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste)

• Cornstarch - 1 tablespoon (create cornstarch suspension as shown in the video)

Steps

1. Heat the wok over high heat until it is preheated.

2. Add 2 tablespoons of canola oil to the wok.

3. Heat the oil until it reaches a gentle smoking point.

4. Reduce the heat and let the oil gently smoke for about 15 seconds (see the recipe video for more details).

5. Return the heat to high.

6. Introduce frozen vegetables to the wok.

7. Add sesame oil.

8. Stir-fry the contents for 30 sec.

9. Incorporate tofu into the wok.

10. Use the wok spatula to gently turn the ingredients. Avoid breaking up the tofu.

11. Incorporate the Wok with Tak Seasoning Mix. (Adjust according to taste preference.)

12. Add cornstarch water suspension to create a gravy.

13. Adjust the consistency of the gravy (watch the videos for more details).

14. Add 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce. (Adjust according to taste preference.)

15. Mix well and transfer to serving dish.

16. Garnish with scallions.

Additional Comments

Tofu is a versatile food where the way it is prepared significantly influences the final result and enjoyment of the dish. This distinctive ingredient, derived from soybeans, is renowned for its capacity to soak up flavors, serving as a blank slate for culinary innovation.

Tofu is cherished globally for its adaptability to various cuisines, cooking techniques, and seasoning approaches. Along with its nutritional advantages and affordability, tofu is undoubtedly an exceptional ingredient that deserves a place in numerous dishes.

Firm tofu

The way tofu is prepared significantly affects its flavor, texture, appearance, and the ingredients it is combined with. For instance, marinating and grilling tofu can give it a smoky, charred flavor that complements its soft interior, whereas deep-frying can create a crispy outer layer that contrasts nicely with the moist and tender inside, providing a delightful textural variation. Once you master cooking tofu, the possibilities are endless and diverse.

When a person expresses their like or dislike of tofu, it often reflects the specific preparation methods used rather than the ingredient itself. This is significant because tofu can be prepared in numerous ways, each leading to vastly different culinary experiences. For example, silken tofu, which is smooth and creamy, can be blended into desserts or dressings, providing a rich texture without overwhelming flavors. On the other hand, firm or extra-firm tofu can be cubed and sautéed, offering a hearty component to a stir-fry or salad.

Tofu as part of a vegetable medley

Minor differences in the preparation of tofu dishes can have large and significant consequences on the final taste and texture. The way tofu is pressed, marinated, or cooked can dramatically alter its characteristics. Pressing tofu to remove excess moisture allows it to better absorb marinades, enhancing its flavor. Additionally, the cooking method—whether it be baking, frying, or steaming—can contribute to varying levels of crispiness or tenderness, which can influence a diner’s overall impression of the dish.

In essence, preparing tofu is a vital aspect that can either elevate this basic ingredient into a delicious and fulfilling dish or result in a less pleasant outcome. Grasping the subtleties of tofu preparation is crucial for anyone aiming to fully appreciate its potential and cater to a variety of tastes. This recipe offers one of the numerous methods to prepare and cook tofu in a simple and direct manner. Such a dish can be made in under 5 minutes and offers endless opportunities for simple substitutions to create different variations.