Tofu Stir Fry

Hello all.  This is the first time I have made tofu that I actually think compares to the tofu you get in restaurant dishes.  Except it's not fried like I suspect theirs is : )  It's BAKED.  Win for your tastebuds and a win for your insides.

Tofu Preparation:

The secret to getting crispy tofu is to buy firm tofu at the grocery store, drain it, and place it in a  shallow dish with a plate and something heavy on top of it {canned food, a bowl, a book, etc.} and let it drain for 15-30 minutes.  Slice into cubes and place on a lightly sprayed baking sheet.  Bake for 30-40 minutes at 400 degrees, turning once halfway.
This method creates perfect golden brown nuggets and once you take the pan out and let the tofu cool, it gets drier/crispier. The perfect situation for absorbing sauce.

Stir Fry Sauce

• 2/3 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth
• 1/3 cup rice wine vinegar
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp sesame seed oil 
• 1 clove minced garlic
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger 
• 2 tbsp corn starch 
• 1/4 cup water
• Veggies: whatever you feel like! I used snow peas only , but next time I want to use broccoli, carrots, mushrooms, snow peas, and baby corn. (variety and options are my thing)
• Cooked Rice or Quinoa 

1. After tofu is done baking, start making the sauce.  Combine soy sauce, vegetable broth, rice wine vinegar, sesame seed oil, and minced garlic and ginger in a bowl.  Dissolve cornstarch in water separately and then add to the rest of the sauce mixture. 
2. Place a small amount of oil in a pan and stir fry veggies for 5-7 minutes or until desired tenderness.  Pour sauce over veggies and stir around until sauce is slightly boiling and thick. 
3. Add tofu and stir to coat. 
4. Serve over cooked rice or quinoa 

This will serve 2 people.  Maybe 4 if more a medley of vegetables are added {check out my suggestions above}.  You will have extra sauce, but there are plenty of other ways you can use it such as eating it over rice the next day or with soba noodles...Marinating chicken, tofu, or any other kind of protein...using it as a dip for fresh spring rolls.

Yep, I'm thinking leftovers are just fine. 

And don't forget after all your "hard" work slaving away in the kitchen to make yourself some tea {cinnamon for me!} and put it in a very special mug that reminds you of a very special animal. 

RIP my sweet Woofie.  You will always be in my heart. 4/6/14