Craving a flavorful and satisfying vegetarian meal that's both quick and easy on the wallet? Look no further than this Deep-fried Tofu Ginger Stir-fry! This recipe transforms humble tofu into a crispy, delectable centerpiece, bursting with the aromatic zing of ginger and a medley of vibrant vegetables. Forget expensive takeout – this dish delivers restaurant-quality taste without the hefty price tag, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a show-stopping addition to your weekend menu. It's surprisingly simple to master, even for beginner cooks.
The secret lies in achieving that perfectly crispy tofu, a texture that elevates the entire dish. We’ll guide you through a foolproof method, ensuring your tofu comes out golden brown and delightfully crunchy. Ready to experience the magic of this incredibly flavorful stir-fry? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions and create a culinary masterpiece together!
Tools Needed
- Frying pan
- Paper towels
- Bag (for flouring tofu)
Ingredients
- Deep-fried Tofu: 300g (2 slices, about 150g each)
- Onion: 1/2
- Flour
- Soy Sauce
- Sake (or water)
- Grated Ginger
- Sugar
- Sesame Seeds
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients and Pan-fry Aromatics
- Cut the deep-fried tofu into roughly 1.5cm pieces. Cut the onion into 1cm wide pieces.
- Fry the onion in a pan with a teaspoon of salad oil over medium heat until lightly browned (about 1.5 minutes per side).
- Remove the onions and wipe the pan clean.
Step 2. Coat and Crisp the Tofu
- Place the deep-fried tofu in a bag, add flour, and coat all sides.
- Fry the tofu in the pan, cut-side down, until lightly browned.
- Flip the tofu and cook the other side until browned.
Step 3. Make the Sauce and Stir-fry
- In a separate bowl, mix together soy sauce, sake (or water), sugar, and grated ginger.
- Add the seasoning mixture to the pan, bring to a boil, then stir in the tofu.
- Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, then add the fried onions.
Step 4. Finish and Serve
- Turn off the heat and serve.
Read more: Shojin Ryori: Delicious Buddhist Vegetarian Recipes
Tips
- Sprinkling flour on the tofu before frying helps create a crispy exterior and keeps the inside moist.
- Lightly frying the onions first brings out their sweetness.
- Quickly wipe the pan after frying the onions to prevent burning the tofu.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen tofu?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and press it thoroughly to remove excess moisture before frying. This helps achieve a crispier result.
2. What if I don't have all the vegetables listed?
Feel free to substitute! Use whatever vegetables you have on hand – broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, snow peas all work well.
3. How can I make the tofu extra crispy?
Pressing the tofu well is key. A cornstarch or arrowroot powder coating before frying also helps create a wonderfully crispy exterior.
This Crispy Tofu Ginger Stir-fry is a testament to how delicious and satisfying meatless meals can be. Its ease of preparation and budget-friendly ingredients make it a perfect addition to your regular cooking repertoire. Enjoy this flavorful and healthy dish, and don't hesitate to experiment with your favorite vegetables and sauces!