| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 275 | 16g | 2g | 22g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 13g | 3g | 12g | 1.6g |
Why I Love Thai Sesame Ginger Tofu Stir-Fry
Whenever I think of my Italian grandparents, I can’t help but recall the smell of simmering spaghetti sauce wafting through their home. But my culinary curiosity extends far beyond my roots, it’s why I fell hard for dishes like the Sesame Ginger Tofu Stir-Fry. With its potent blend of Asian-inspired flavors and satisfying veggie crunch, this vibrant Thai dish has won my heart and stomach over.
A Fusion of Flavors
The Sesame Ginger Tofu Stir-Fry is an edible tapestry of Thai inspiration and healthy ingredients. It features the wonderful melody of ginger, garlic, sesame, and a kick from the crushed red pepper flakes that hint at a burst of spice. The dish happily marries these intense flavors with the more subtle, almost sweet, nuttiness of the tofu. Even though we’re talking about a stir-fry, not a pasta dish, it reminds me how my grandma would masterfully balance flavors in our family dishes. I guess that’s why I’m so drawn to it.
Nutrient-Packed Goodness
Here’s a fun fact: stir-frying, which represents the very heart of many Asian cuisines, is a clever way to make a nutrient-dense dish. Vegetables retain more of their vitamins when they’re quickly cooked, like they are in this quick and breezy stir-fry. Plus, tofu, the main protein, is a great low-fat source of protein. This dish is a win-win: fill your belly and nourish your body at the same time!
Although I was not inspired directly by a particular chef for this recipe, I confess that Yeung Koon Yat, the famed stir-fry master from Hong Kong, always comes to mind whenever stir-fry enters the conversations. The way he tosses the ingredients into the wok while maintaining an intimate control over the flame, his technique is a joy to observe!
So, treat yourself to the delightful contrast between the colorful vegetables, crispy tofu and the irresistibly spicy-sweet sauce of this Sesame Ginger Tofu Stir-Fry. Each bite is a reminder of the culinary journey that’s taken me from my Italian-American upbringing to the discovery of global flavors. I hope you fall in love with this dish just as much as I have.
What You’ll Need
- 2 tbsp of sesame oil
- 1/2 cup of fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 red bell peppers, thinly sliced
- 2 yellow bell peppers, thinly sliced
- 2 cups of snap peas
- 1 cup of broccoli florets
- 2 medium carrots, thinly sliced
- 2 blocks of firm tofu, cubed
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce
- 2 tbsp of rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp of cornstarch
- 1/2 cup of water
- 2 tbsp of fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup of maple syrup or honey
- 2 tsp of crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup of sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro leaves (for garnish)
Method
Step One
Start by heating up the sesame oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the fresh ginger and minced garlic. Sauté these ingredients for 2 to 3 minutes until they become fragrant.
Step Two
Next, add the thinly sliced red and yellow bell peppers, snap peas, broccoli florets and sliced carrots. Stir-fry these vegetables for about 5 minutes, or until they start to soften.
Step Three
In the same pan, add the cubed tofu. Stir-fry for another 5 minutes until the tofu is lightly browned on all sides.
Step Four
In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, water, fresh lime juice, maple syrup or honey, and crushed red pepper flakes to make the sauce.
Step Five
Pour the sauce over the tofu and vegetables in the pan. Stir well to combine and continue to cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
Step Six
Remove the pan from heat and sprinkle the stir-fry with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro leaves for garnish. Serve immediately with rice on the side, if desired.
