What makes a perfect weeknight dinner? A quick and easy homemade stir fry with tender broccoli, crunchy red peppers, and savory tofu, all cooked to perfection in just one pan. Try making this family favorite for a delicious and healthy meal. Save this idea for your next easy weeknight dinner inspiration.

tofu stir fry with broccoli and red peppers

Introduction

This tofu stir fry with broccoli and red peppers is a vibrant, flavorful, and incredibly easy dish to prepare, making it a perfect candidate for a weeknight dinner or a quick lunch. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the use of everyday ingredients that can be found in most kitchens. It’s a great way to get creative with vegetables and protein, offering a balanced and nutritious meal that’s both healthy and delicious. The combination of crispy tofu, tender broccoli, and sweet red peppers, all wrapped up in a savory sauce, will have you coming back for more.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: This dish strikes a perfect balance between salty, sweet, and umami flavors, using ingredients that are readily available in most supermarkets.
• Ease of preparation: The recipe is straightforward and quick, requiring minimal preparation time and cooking expertise.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its simplicity, the dish presents well and can be served at casual gatherings or special occasions, impressing your guests with its vibrant colors and enticing aromas.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients for this tofu stir fry include firm or extra-firm tofu, broccoli, red peppers, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, olive oil, and your choice of seasonings. For the tofu, you can use any firmness you prefer, but firmer tofu holds up better to stir-frying. Broccoli and red peppers provide a nice contrast in texture and flavor, while garlic and ginger add depth to the dish. Soy sauce is used for its salty, umami taste, but you can substitute it with tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a lower-sodium alternative. Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or spices to suit your taste preferences.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preparing your ingredients. Cut the tofu into small cubes and wrap it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to press out excess moisture. Meanwhile, chop the broccoli into florets, slice the red peppers into strips, mince the garlic, and grate the ginger.
2. Step 2: Heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the tofu and cook until it’s golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the tofu from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if necessary, then add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant, then add the broccoli and red peppers. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender but still crisp, about 3-5 minutes. Return the tofu to the skillet and pour in your sauce (a mixture of soy sauce, a bit of water, and any desired spices or seasonings). Stir everything together to combine and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and everything is well coated.
4. Step 4: Finally, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve the tofu stir fry hot, garnished with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for added texture and flavor.

Handy Tips

• For a crisper texture on your tofu, make sure to press out as much moisture as possible before cooking, and don’t overcrowd the skillet.
• Customize the dish with your favorite spices or herbs. For example, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick of heat.
• Avoid overcooking the vegetables to preserve their color and nutritional value. Stir-frying quickly over high heat helps achieve this.

Heat Control

Heat control is crucial in stir-frying to achieve the perfect doneness for your ingredients. Ideally, you want to cook over medium-high to high heat to get a good sear on the tofu and to cook the vegetables quickly. This helps retain their crunch and color. Be attentive and adjust the heat as necessary to prevent burning, especially when adding the garlic and ginger, as they can quickly go from perfectly cooked to burnt.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this dish comes from the vegetables and the tofu. To achieve the perfect crunch, don’t overcook the broccoli and red peppers. They should still have a bit of bite to them when you’re done. For the tofu, pressing out excess moisture before cooking and not overcrowding the skillet will help it brown nicely on the outside, providing a satisfying crunch on the outside and a tender interior.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Use a mixture of soy sauce and cornstarch to thicken your sauce for a glossy, professional finish.
• Prepare all your ingredients before starting to cook. This makes the stir-frying process much smoother and ensures that everything is cooked to perfection.
• Clean as you go to avoid a big mess at the end. This includes washing and chopping ingredients in a way that minimizes waste and cleanup.

Storage Tips

• This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a skillet or in the microwave until warmed through.
• For longer storage, consider freezing. Place the cooled stir-fry in an airtight container or freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat frozen stir-fry in a skillet with a bit of oil or in the microwave.
• Use airtight, microwave-safe containers for reheating convenience and to preserve the freshness of the dish.

Gift Packaging Ideas

While stir-fries are typically not thought of as gift items, they can be beautifully packaged for a sick friend, a new neighbor, or as part of a meal train. Consider portioning the dish into individual servings, placing them in decorative, microwave-safe containers, and topping with a sprinkle of green onions or sesame seeds for a pop of color. Add a side of rice or noodles, and don’t forget to include reheating instructions for a thoughtful touch.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Try adding a bit of cumin for a smoky flavor, chili flakes for heat, or curry powder for an Indian-inspired twist.
• Creative toppings: Sesame seeds, chopped nuts, diced green onions, or a sprinkle of grated cheese can add texture and flavor.
• Ingredient swaps: Substitute the broccoli with carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms for a change of pace. You can also use different types of protein like tempeh, seitan, or even chicken for a non-vegetarian option.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If your tofu is too soft, it may be due to not pressing out enough moisture. If your vegetables are too mushy, they were likely overcooked.
• Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have soy sauce, you can substitute it with other seasonings like oyster sauce (for non-vegetarians), hoisin sauce, or simply with more garlic and ginger for added depth.
• Over/undercooking signs: Tofu that’s undercooked may be pale and soft, while overcooked tofu can be dark and dry. Vegetables that are undercooked will be crunchy and raw-tasting, while overcooked ones will be mushy and unappetizing.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, this dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Simply cool it, place it in an airtight container or freezer bag, and reheat when needed.
• Is it gluten-free? The dish can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Always check the ingredients of your seasonings to ensure they meet your dietary needs.
• Can I double the recipe? Absolutely, this recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to serve a larger crowd. Just be sure to use a large enough skillet to accommodate all the ingredients.

Conclusion

This tofu stir fry with broccoli and red peppers is a versatile and delicious meal that can be adapted to suit a variety of tastes and dietary preferences. With its quick preparation time and use of common ingredients, it’s an excellent choice for busy weekdays or for when you need a healthy meal fast. Feel free to experiment with different spices, vegetables, and proteins to make the dish your own, and don’t hesitate to share your creations with friends and family. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.