| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
Content varies greatly depending on the nutrition of the specific ingredients used, but assuming standard nutritional info, the details might look like:
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 155 | 8g | 1g | 13g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 3g | 11g | 1.8g |
I’ve had a longstanding love affair with Italian-American cuisine, no doubt handed down from my Italian grandparents – hearty meals of spaghetti and meatballs, rich sauces, and tons of cheese. But there’s one dish that breaks away from this more traditional culinary route yet still holds a special place in my heart. Let me introduce you to the Bamboo Shoot and Tofu Stir Fry, an Asian-inspired delight that has won over my Italian taste buds. Combining the firm, creamy texture of tofu with the tender crunch of bamboo shoots, this stir fry is an explosion of flavor in every bite.
Bountiful Benefits of Bamboo and Tofu
While my love for the dish comes in part from its amazing taste, the health benefits cannot be overstated. For one, bamboo shoots are low in calories and high in dietary fiber, making them an excellent choice for anyone looking to maintain a healthy diet. They’re also loaded with potassium, aiding in heart health. Tofu, on the other hand, is a fantastic source of plant-based protein. It also contains all nine essential amino acids, along with iron, calcium, manganese, and phosphorous, among others. This mineral-rich fusion of tofu and bamboo shoots brings not just flavor, but also well-rounded health benefits to your table, something that I, as a grandfather and outdoor enthusiast, value greatly.
A Twist on Tradition
Even though Bamboo Shoot and Tofu Stir Fry isn’t exactly an Italian staple, it echoes some familiar themes. For instance, the textural contrast between the tofu and bamboo shoots is reminiscent of the classic Italian play between pasta and meatballs. Furthermore, the sautéed onions, garlic, and bell peppers bring to mind the comfort of homemade marinara sauce. This delightful blend of Asian and Italian-inspired elements makes this stir fry something truly special.
This standout dish can easily hold its own at the dinner table, but it also pairs well with other Asian-inspired favorites like Simple Anise Pho or Crispy Sesame Chicken. No matter how you choose to enjoy this versatile stir fry, one thing is certain – it’s definitely a recipe worth trying.
What You’ll Need
- 1 lb fresh bamboo shoots, sliced
- 1 block of firm tofu
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Method
Step One
Start by cutting the tofu into bite-sized cubes. Afterwards, peel the fresh bamboo shoots and slice them thinly.
Step Two
Heat up the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Add the sliced onion, minced garlic and chopped bell peppers into the pan and stir-fry for a couple of minutes until they start to soften.
Step Three
Add the sliced bamboo shoots and tofu cubes to the pan. Continue to stir-fry for another five minutes until the tofu starts to brown slightly.
Step Four
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, cornstarch, water and sugar until well combined. Pour this mixture over the tofu and bamboo shoots in the pan. Stir well to ensure that all ingredients are well coated with the sauce.
Step Five
Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan, and stir-fry for another few minutes until the mushrooms are cooked. If desired, season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step Six
Before serving, garnish the stir-fry with freshly chopped cilantro. Enjoy this Bamboo Shoot and Tofu Stir Fry with a side of warm rice.
