Stir Fried Tofu and Cabbage (Printable)
Crispy tofu and tender cabbage in savory garlic-ginger sauce ready in 30 minutes.
# Ingredient List:
→ For the Stir Fry
01 - 14 oz firm tofu, drained and cubed
02 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
03 - 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
04 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
05 - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
06 - 1 medium carrot, julienned
07 - 1 small green cabbage (about 1.1 lbs), thinly sliced
08 - 2 spring onions, sliced
09 - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
→ For the Sauce
10 - 3 tablespoons soy sauce
11 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
12 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
13 - 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
14 - 1 teaspoon cornstarch
15 - 2 tablespoons water
16 - 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
# How to Make:
01 - Whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, maple syrup (or honey), cornstarch, water, and chili flakes in a small bowl. Set aside.
02 - Pat tofu dry and cut into 3/4-inch cubes. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add tofu and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and crispy on all sides. Remove tofu and set aside.
03 - Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the pan. Add onion, garlic, and ginger; stir fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
04 - Add carrot, bell pepper (if using), and cabbage. Stir fry for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are just tender but still bright and crisp.
05 - Return crispy tofu to the pan. Pour prepared sauce over the stir fry. Toss well to coat and cook for 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens and everything is heated through.
06 - Sprinkle with sliced spring onions. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles if desired.
# Helpful Tips:
01 -
- Crispy tofu cubes satisfy that craving for texture without any meat
- The sauce comes together in seconds but tastes like it simmered for hours
02 -
- Crowding tofu in the pan steams instead of crisps, so work in batches if necessary
- The sauce thickens rapidly once it hits the hot pan, so have everything ready before pouring
03 -
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep it gluten-free
- Adding roasted peanuts at the end creates the most satisfying texture contrast