Orange Ginger Tofu Stir Fry

$- Firm tofu - Fresh orange juice - Soy sauce - Fresh ginger - Garlic To make a great Orange Ginger Tofu Stir Fry, you need a few crucial ingredients. Firm tofu serves as the base for this dish. It holds its shape and absorbs flavors well. Fresh orange juice adds a bright, sweet taste. Soy sauce gives the dish saltiness and umami. Fresh ginger and garlic add warmth and depth. - Red bell pepper - Baby broccoli or broccoli florets - Carrot The vegetables make this stir fry colorful and healthy. Red bell pepper brings sweetness and crunch. Baby broccoli or broccoli florets add a nice bite and nutrients. Carrots offer a sweet flavor and vibrant color. Together, these veggies balance texture and taste. - Olive oil - Cornstarch - Seasonings for taste - Garnish options: sesame seeds and green onions Olive oil helps cook the tofu and vegetables without sticking. Cornstarch thickens the sauce, making it rich and glossy. You can use salt and pepper to adjust flavors. For garnish, sesame seeds and green onions add a nice finish. They also enhance the dish's visual appeal. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, cut the firm tofu into bite-sized cubes. You want them about one inch thick. Next, pat the tofu dry with a paper towel. This step is key! Removing moisture helps the tofu get crispy when you cook it. If you skip this, the tofu will steam instead of fry, and you won’t get that nice golden color. Now, let’s make the sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the freshly squeezed orange juice, soy sauce, minced ginger, and minced garlic. This blend gives your stir fry its great flavor. Make sure to mix it well so that all the ingredients combine. Set the sauce aside for later. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the tofu cubes. Cook them for about 8 to 10 minutes. Flip the cubes every few minutes until they are golden brown on all sides. After browning the tofu, add the sliced red bell pepper, baby broccoli, and julienned carrot. Stir-fry these veggies for around five minutes. You want them to be tender but still crisp. Next, pour the orange-ginger sauce you made earlier into the skillet. Stir everything together. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to blend the flavors. To thicken the sauce, add the cornstarch mixed with water. Stir continuously until it reaches your desired thickness. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Your Orange Ginger Tofu Stir Fry is now ready to enjoy! To achieve crispy tofu, start with firm tofu. Drain and press it well. This helps remove moisture. Cut the tofu into small cubes. Sauté it over medium-high heat in olive oil. Cook until golden brown. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Flip the cubes occasionally for even cooking. If you prefer alternatives, you can use tempeh or seitan. Both have great textures and flavors. They can also soak up the sauce well. For vibrant colors and flavors, choose fresh veggies. I recommend using red bell pepper, baby broccoli, and carrots. They add crunch and sweetness to the dish. In different seasons, feel free to swap in other vegetables. Zucchini, snow peas, or bell peppers work well too. Balance the flavors by mixing sweet and savory vegetables. This gives your stir fry depth. You can customize the sauce to fit your taste. If you like it sweeter, add more orange juice. For heat, try adding red pepper flakes or sriracha. You can also enhance the citrus flavor by adding lime juice. This brightens up the dish. Adjust the soy sauce for saltiness as needed. Always taste as you go to find your perfect mix. Pro Tips Press the Tofu: Ensure to press your tofu well to remove excess moisture; this helps it absorb the flavors better and achieve a crispy texture. Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for freshly squeezed orange juice and fresh ginger to enhance the overall flavor of the dish. Customize the Veggies: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables based on what you have on hand, such as snap peas or bell peppers. Adjust the Sauce: Taste the sauce before serving; you can add more soy sauce for saltiness or more orange juice for sweetness as per your preference. {{image_2}} You can switch the tofu for chicken, shrimp, or tempeh. Chicken works great if you want a meat option. Just cut it into small pieces and cook it until golden. Shrimp adds a nice touch of seafood flavor. Cook them until they turn pink. Tempeh is a good choice for a plant-based protein. It has a nutty taste and firm texture. To spice things up, add chili paste or sesame oil. Chili paste gives a kick that many love. A bit goes a long way, so start small. Sesame oil adds a warm, nutty flavor. Just a drizzle can change the dish. You can also add fresh herbs like cilantro. It brightens the dish and adds a fresh taste. You can try other sauces too. Teriyaki sauce brings a sweet and savory flavor. Just swap it with the orange-ginger sauce. Peanut sauce is another tasty option. It adds creaminess and a rich taste to the stir fry. Each sauce gives a new twist to your meal. To store your Orange Ginger Tofu Stir Fry, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Refrigerate it within two hours of cooking. This helps keep the flavors fresh. It will last up to four days in the fridge. Make sure to label the container with the date. To reheat leftovers, I recommend using a skillet. Heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the stir fry and cook until it’s warm. This method keeps the tofu crispy. You can also use a microwave. Just heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. Be careful not to overcook it, as this can make the tofu tough. You can freeze this stir fry for later use. Place it in a freezer-safe container. It will stay good for about three months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat in a skillet for the best texture. Avoid freezing if you use delicate vegetables, as they may become mushy. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook the tofu and vegetables, then let them cool. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, reheat them in a pan. Add the sauce fresh to keep the flavors bright. This makes meal prep easy and saves time on busy days. You can serve this stir fry with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Steamed jasmine rice - Quinoa for a nutty flavor - Cauliflower rice for a low-carb option - Noodles for a heartier meal - A fresh salad with a light dressing These sides complement the orange ginger flavors well. Yes, this recipe can be gluten-free. Just replace soy sauce with gluten-free tamari. Make sure your cornstarch is also gluten-free. The other ingredients in the recipe are naturally gluten-free. This makes it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities. Enjoy your tasty meal without worry! This recipe for Orange Ginger Tofu Stir Fry is packed with flavor and nutrients. You learned about the key ingredients, like firm tofu, fresh veggies, and a zesty sauce. I shared tips for perfecting your tofu and how to customize the dish to fit your taste. Remember, you can mix it up with other proteins or sauces. Storing leftovers properly keeps the dish fresh. This stir fry is both quick and easy, making it a great choice for any meal. Enjoy creating a delicious dish that fits your lifestyle!$

A vibrant and flavorful stir fry featuring tofu, fresh vegetables, and a zesty orange-ginger sauce.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

1 block firm tofu, drained and pressed
1 cup orange juice
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
1 cup baby broccoli or broccoli florets
1 medium carrot, julienned
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish sesame seeds and chopped green onions

Instructions

Start by cutting the tofu into bite-sized cubes. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, minced ginger, and garlic. Set aside.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and cook until golden brown, about 8-10 minutes, flipping occasionally for even cooking.
Once the tofu is nicely browned, add the sliced red bell pepper, baby broccoli, and carrot to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender yet still crisp.
Pour the orange-ginger sauce mixture into the skillet, and stir well to combine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to the skillet to thicken the sauce, stirring continuously until the sauce reaches the desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

Notes

For best flavor, use freshly squeezed orange juice.

Keyword ginger, orange, stir fry, tofu, vegetarian