The great thing about a stir-fry is that it is a way to use of vegetables that you have in the refrigerator. You do not need to have a large portion of any one vegetable to make a successful stir-fry. Each time you make a stir-fry you can use a different sauce as well. It can be an ever-changing recipe. Of course, when you find a combination you like, you may want to make it time and time again!
Base Ingredients (serves 2):
1 package EXTRA FIRM TOFU (Azumaya brand is Non-GMO and Gluten Free)
1/2 a box of Thai Kitchen Stir-Fry Rice Noodles or 2 Cups cooked rice
Toasted Sesame Oil
Vegetables (aim for 4 -6 cups uncooked):
5 Large Broccoli Stems/Leaves
5 Large Cauliflower Stems/Leaves
1/2 Yellow Onion
4-6 Garlic Cloves (depending on size)
Sauce:
I used 1 cup Tessemae’s Lemon Chesapeake All Natural Dressing/Marinade/Dip
1/2 Cup Vegetable Broth (Unsalted is preferable).
Toppings:
Nuts or Seeds
Instructions:
1. Decide if you wish noodles or rice. If you wish rice, start the rice cooking as step one. If you want noodles, wait till the vegetables and tofu are done. Cooking rice is 2 cups of liquid per 1 cup of dry rice. Cook a single batch if you are not interested in leftovers, double (or more) the recipe if you wish leftovers.
2. For crispier TOFU (omit this step if you are not looking for crispy), drain the package and allow some water to be removed. I place the tofu block in a kitchen towel and place it between two dinner plates for about 1 hour. This step can be done the night before, while you are at work, or skipped entirely.
3. Wash and chop the vegetables you are using. Try to make the vegetables into even sized so they cook at the same rate. With the greens and stems, I do put the stems in the pan a few minutes before the “leafy section”.
4. In a sautee pan place 2 TBSP Toasted Sesame Oil and the vegetables. Add the marinade and broth. Cook on medium heat. Stir from time to time. If you need additional liquid to soften the vegetables, add ¼ cup of water at a time.
5. After the vegetables have started, cut the tofu and place in a second sautee pan with 2 TBSP Toasted Sesame Oil. Sprinkle pepper on the tofu if you wish the additional flavor. Cook on medium heat and rotate the tofu periodically so all sides brown and form a bit of a crust.
6. When vegetables and tofu are done, turn the burners off and let rest for a few minutes. If you are making noodles, bring a pot of water to a boil. Once a running boil is attained, break the noodles in half and cook for 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium and stir once or twice. Drain noodles.
Serve:
On your plate put a bed of noodles or rice then add the vegetables. The tofu can be sprinkled on top or arranged in a pattern for a finished presentation.
Option: Sprinkle nuts or sesame seeds over the top.
