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Fresh Buddha’s Delight Vegetable Stir Fry with Crispy Tofu

fresh buddhas delight vegetable stir fry - featured image

A quick, easy, and healthy stir fry featuring crispy tofu and a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables tossed in a gently spiced sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests with wholesome, colorful comfort food.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 14 oz (400 g) firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot powder
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil (canola or avocado oil) for frying
  • 1 cup broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
  • 1 cup snap peas, trimmed
  • 3 green onions, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha

Instructions

  1. Press the tofu to remove moisture for 15-20 minutes using a tofu press or heavy plates wrapped in a clean towel.
  2. Cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes and toss gently with 2 tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot powder until evenly coated.
  3. Whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, toasted sesame oil, and optional red pepper flakes in a small bowl; set aside.
  4. Chop broccoli into small florets, slice carrot thinly, prepare bell pepper strips and snap peas, mince garlic and ginger, and chop green onions.
  5. Heat 2 tablespoons neutral oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry tofu cubes in a single layer for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  6. In the same pan, add more oil if needed, sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add broccoli, carrots, and bell pepper; stir fry for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened but still crunchy.
  7. Add snap peas and green onions; cook for another 2 minutes.
  8. Pour the prepared sauce over the vegetables, stir to coat evenly. Return tofu to the pan and gently toss for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

Press tofu well to ensure crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying tofu to get an even golden crust. Stir fry vegetables quickly over high heat to keep them crunchy and vibrant. Taste sauce before adding to adjust saltiness. Use tamari and arrowroot powder for gluten-free version.

Nutrition

Keywords: vegetable stir fry, crispy tofu, healthy recipe, vegan, gluten-free, quick dinner, easy stir fry, plant-based protein