Irresistible Vegan Tofu Stir-Fry with Peanut Sauce: A Flavorful & Easy Recipe

Are you looking for a quick, healthy, and incredibly delicious vegan meal? Look no further! This tofu stir-fry with peanut sauce is the perfect weeknight dinner. It’s packed with protein, vibrant vegetables, and a rich, savory peanut sauce that will leave you craving more. This recipe is not only vegan but also easily adaptable to suit your dietary needs and preferences. Let’s dive into this culinary adventure!

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Tofu Stir-Fry

* **Flavor Explosion:** The combination of crispy tofu, colorful vegetables, and creamy peanut sauce creates a symphony of flavors in every bite.
* **Quick & Easy:** This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
* **Healthy & Nutritious:** Tofu is a great source of plant-based protein, and the vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals.
* **Vegan & Gluten-Free Options:** This recipe is naturally vegan and can easily be made gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce.
* **Customizable:** Feel free to swap out the vegetables for your favorites or adjust the spice level to your liking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather all your ingredients. This will make the process much smoother and more efficient.

**For the Tofu:**

* 1 block (14-16 oz) extra-firm tofu, pressed
* 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or coconut oil)

**For the Vegetables:**

* 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or coconut oil)
* 1 onion, thinly sliced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 inch ginger, minced
* 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
* 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
* 1 cup broccoli florets
* 1 cup snap peas
* 1 carrot, julienned
* Optional: 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced

**For the Peanut Sauce:**

* 1/4 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
* 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
* 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
* 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or agave)
* 1 tablespoon sesame oil
* 1 tablespoon sriracha (or chili garlic sauce, adjust to taste)
* 2-4 tablespoons water (to thin the sauce)
* 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional, for extra zing)

**For Garnish (optional):**

* Sesame seeds
* Chopped peanuts
* Chopped cilantro or green onions
* Sriracha or chili flakes

Equipment Needed

* Tofu press (optional, but highly recommended)
* Large skillet or wok
* Cutting board
* Sharp knife
* Mixing bowls
* Whisk or fork

Step-by-Step Instructions: Making the Perfect Tofu Stir-Fry

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and satisfying tofu stir-fry.

**Step 1: Press the Tofu**

This is a crucial step for achieving crispy tofu. Pressing removes excess water, allowing the tofu to brown properly. If you have a tofu press, use it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If you don’t have a press, you can wrap the tofu in several layers of paper towels and place a heavy object (like a cast iron skillet or books) on top for at least 30 minutes. The longer you press it, the better!

**Step 2: Prepare the Tofu**

Once the tofu is pressed, cut it into 1-inch cubes. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce (or tamari) and cornstarch. Add the tofu cubes to the bowl and toss gently to coat evenly. This mixture will help the tofu crisp up nicely during cooking.

**Step 3: Cook the Tofu**

Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes to the skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd. Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the tofu is golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove the tofu from the skillet and set aside.

**Step 4: Prepare the Vegetables**

While the tofu is cooking, prepare your vegetables. Wash and chop all the vegetables according to the ingredient list. Having everything ready to go before you start cooking the vegetables will ensure that they cook evenly.

**Step 5: Stir-Fry the Vegetables**

In the same skillet or wok, heat another tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and ginger and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Add the bell peppers, broccoli florets, snap peas, and carrots to the skillet. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp. If you are using mushrooms, add them along with the other vegetables.

**Step 6: Make the Peanut Sauce**

While the vegetables are cooking, prepare the peanut sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce (or tamari), rice vinegar, maple syrup (or agave), sesame oil, and sriracha (or chili garlic sauce). Add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. If you want a thinner sauce, add more water. If you’re adding fresh ginger, now is the time to grate it into the sauce.

**Step 7: Combine Everything**

Pour the peanut sauce over the vegetables in the skillet and stir to coat evenly. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes, until it thickens slightly. Add the cooked tofu to the skillet and stir gently to combine with the vegetables and sauce. Make sure the tofu is well coated with the peanut sauce.

**Step 8: Serve and Garnish**

Serve the tofu stir-fry hot over rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped peanuts, chopped cilantro or green onions, and sriracha or chili flakes, if desired.

Tips for the Perfect Tofu Stir-Fry

* **Press the Tofu Well:** As mentioned earlier, pressing the tofu is key to achieving a crispy texture. Don’t skip this step!
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** When cooking the tofu or vegetables, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Overcrowding will lower the temperature of the pan and result in steamed, rather than stir-fried, ingredients. Cook in batches if necessary.
* **Use High Heat:** Stir-frying is best done over high heat. This allows the vegetables to cook quickly and retain their crispness.
* **Prepare Ingredients in Advance:** Having all your ingredients prepped and ready to go will make the cooking process much faster and more efficient.
* **Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking:** Feel free to adjust the amount of sriracha or chili garlic sauce in the peanut sauce to control the spice level. You can also add other ingredients, such as lime juice or hoisin sauce, to customize the flavor.
* **Serve Immediately:** Tofu stir-fry is best served immediately while the tofu is still crispy and the vegetables are still tender-crisp.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is highly customizable, so feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors.

* **Vegetables:** You can use any vegetables you like in this stir-fry. Some other good options include snow peas, bok choy, zucchini, and eggplant.
* **Protein:** If you’re not a fan of tofu, you can substitute it with tempeh, seitan, or even chickpeas.
* **Noodles:** Serve the stir-fry over noodles instead of rice. Rice noodles, udon noodles, or soba noodles would all be great choices.
* **Nuts:** Substitute almond butter or cashew butter for peanut butter in the sauce for a different flavor profile.
* **Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of sriracha or chili garlic sauce to your preference. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
* **Sweetener:** Use honey or brown sugar instead of maple syrup or agave, if you prefer.
* **Add Lime Juice:** A squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end adds brightness and acidity to the dish.
* **Make it Spicy Peanut Noodles:** Add more peanut sauce and serve it over noodles for a quick and easy noodle dish.

Serving Suggestions

This tofu stir-fry is delicious on its own as a main course. Here are some other serving suggestions:

* **Serve with Rice:** White rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice are all great choices.
* **Serve with Noodles:** Rice noodles, udon noodles, or soba noodles are all excellent options.
* **Serve with Spring Rolls:** Pair the stir-fry with fresh spring rolls for a light and refreshing meal.
* **Serve as a Side Dish:** This stir-fry can also be served as a side dish alongside other Asian-inspired dishes.

Make-Ahead Instructions

While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare some of the components ahead of time to save time during the week.

* **Tofu:** You can press and cube the tofu up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* **Vegetables:** You can chop the vegetables up to 1 day in advance and store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator.
* **Peanut Sauce:** You can make the peanut sauce up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You may need to add a little water to thin it out when you’re ready to use it.

When you’re ready to cook, simply stir-fry the vegetables, add the tofu and sauce, and heat through.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through. The tofu may lose some of its crispness upon reheating.

Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving)

* Calories: 400-500
* Protein: 20-25g
* Fat: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g
* Fiber: 5-7g

(Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.)

Conclusion

This vegan tofu stir-fry with peanut sauce is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s quick, easy, healthy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal!

Enjoy your homemade tofu stir-fry! Don’t hesitate to adjust the recipe to your taste and preferences. Happy cooking!