Wondering what to do with those leftover veggies in your fridge? Turn them into a vibrant and flavorful vegetable stir fry with tofu! This quick and easy dish is perfect for a healthy midweek dinner and a fantastic way to reduce food waste. Let’s dive into how you can whip up this nutritious meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup leftover vegetables (such as bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and snap peas), chopped
- 200 grams of firm tofu, drained and cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive or sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon chili sauce or flakes (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare Tofu: Press the tofu to remove excess water. Cut into cubes and set aside.
- Heat the Oil: In a large pan or wok, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the tofu and fry until golden on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove tofu and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Toss in garlic and ginger, and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the leftover vegetables and stir fry for 5-8 minutes until they are just tender.
- Combine and Season: Return the tofu to the pan. Add soy sauce, hoisin sauce (if using), and chili sauce or flakes. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve your stir fry hot, sprinkled with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. It’s delicious on its own or served over steamed rice or noodles.
This Vegetable Stir Fry with Tofu is not only a sustainable choice, using up leftovers to create a new meal, but it’s also incredibly tasty and filling. It’s a versatile dish that you can adapt based on whatever veggies you have on hand, making it a new go-to recipe in your kitchen!
Optional Variations:
- Add Nuts: Throw in some cashews or peanuts for an added crunch.
- Sweet Touch: Mix in a spoonful of honey or maple syrup with the sauces for a sweet flavor contrast.
- Extra Protein: Include eggs or shrimp for more protein.
