Vegan Recipe With Tofu: Easy, Delicious Meals to Try Today

If you’re looking to add a versatile, protein-packed ingredient to your vegan cooking repertoire, tofu is an excellent choice. Not only is it affordable and easy to find, but its mild flavor makes it a perfect canvas for a variety of spices, sauces, and cooking methods.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just exploring plant-based meals, tofu offers a nutritious and satisfying alternative to meat. Today, we’ll explore a delicious vegan recipe featuring tofu that’s simple to prepare and bursting with flavor, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

This recipe highlights tofu’s ability to soak up bold seasonings while maintaining a pleasing texture, ensuring that every bite is full of savory goodness. Plus, it’s packed with wholesome ingredients that will keep you energized and satisfied.

If you love experimenting with plant-based dishes, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan tofu recipe is a crowd-pleaser because it’s:

• Highly adaptable: You can customize the spices and veggies to your liking.
• Protein-rich: Tofu provides a great source of plant-based protein that keeps you full.
• Easy to prepare: Quick steps mean you’ll have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.
• Flavorful: The marinade and seasoning blend infuse the tofu with a robust, savory taste.
• Healthy: Made with fresh vegetables and minimal oil, it’s a nutritious option for any meal.

Ingredients

• 14 oz (400g) firm tofu, pressed and cubed
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave nectar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small broccoli head, cut into florets
• 1 medium carrot, julienned
• 2 green onions, sliced thin
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
• Cooked rice or quinoa, to serve

Equipment

• Non-stick skillet or wok
• Mixing bowl
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Plate lined with paper towels (for pressing tofu)

Instructions

1. Press the tofu: Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel and place it on a plate. Put a heavy object (like a cast iron pan) on top and let it press for 15-20 minutes to remove excess moisture.
2. Prepare the marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, maple syrup, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Whisk well to blend all ingredients.
3. Cube the tofu: After pressing, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes and gently toss them in the marinade. Let the tofu marinate for at least 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to coat evenly.
4. Cook the tofu: Heat a non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated tofu cubes (reserve the marinade) and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown on all sides.
5. Sauté the vegetables: Add the sliced bell pepper, broccoli florets, and julienned carrot to the pan. Pour the reserved marinade over the veggies and tofu. Stir-fry for another 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are tender yet crisp.
6. Finish and garnish: Sprinkle the sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the stir-fry. Give everything a final toss to combine.
7. Serve: Spoon the tofu and vegetable stir-fry over a bed of cooked rice or quinoa for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

“For extra crispiness, bake the tofu cubes at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes before adding them to the stir-fry.”

You can easily customize this recipe to suit your tastes or what you have on hand:

• Swap veggies: Try snap peas, zucchini, mushrooms, or baby corn for variety.
• Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for heat.
• Make it nutty: Toss in a handful of chopped peanuts or cashews for crunch.
• Use different sauces: Experiment with teriyaki, hoisin, or peanut sauce for new flavor profiles.

For a soy-free option, explore our Soy Free Vegan Recipes for Delicious Plant-Based Meals to find alternatives that fit your needs.

Nutrition Facts

This recipe balances macronutrients well, offering a hearty dose of protein and fiber while keeping fats moderate and carbohydrates controlled. It makes an excellent choice for anyone aiming for a balanced vegan meal.

Serving Suggestions

This tofu stir-fry pairs wonderfully with simple grains like steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or fluffy quinoa. For added texture and flavor, serve alongside a crisp green salad or some steamed edamame.

It also works well as a filling for wraps or stuffed into pita bread for a quick lunch option.

If you enjoy Asian-inspired flavors, consider serving it with a side of Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes or try it with some steamed dumplings for a complete meal experience.

Conclusion

This vegan tofu recipe is a fantastic introduction to plant-based cooking for both beginners and seasoned cooks. Its simplicity, versatility, and rich flavors make it a go-to dish for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week.

The combination of protein-packed tofu with fresh vegetables and a savory marinade creates a satisfying meal that nourishes your body and delights your taste buds.

By mastering this recipe, you can easily adapt it to include your favorite ingredients or try different cooking methods like baking or grilling tofu. For more delicious vegan recipes to complement your tofu dishes, check out our Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals and Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for a sweet finish to your meal.

Happy cooking!

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