How to Make Chinese-style Stir-Fried Tofu and Sweet Potato

Chinese-style stir-fried tofu and sweet potato is a delicious, healthy dish that is easy to make and packed with flavors. This recipe combines crispy tofu with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes, resulting in a satisfying meal perfect for any time of the day. Here’s how you can prepare this delightful dish in just a few easy steps.

Ingredients

14 ounces of firm tofu
1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil for extra flavor)
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
2 green onions, chopped
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Tofu
Start by draining the tofu and pressing it to remove excess moisture. This helps in achieving a crispier texture when cooked. After pressing, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes.

Step 2: Cook the Sweet Potato
In a large skillet or wok, heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced sweet potatoes and cook for about 8-10 minutes until they are tender but still firm. Stir occasionally to ensure they are evenly cooked. Once done, remove them from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Tofu
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Raise the heat to medium-high and add the cubed tofu. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the tofu is golden brown on all sides. Make sure to flip the tofu carefully to avoid breaking it.

Step 4: Add Aromatics
Once the tofu is nicely browned, add minced garlic and ginger to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

Step 5: Combine the Ingredients
Add the cooked sweet potatoes back to the skillet with the tofu. Pour in the soy sauce and hoisin sauce, stirring gently to coat the tofu and sweet potatoes with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 6: Final Touches
Stir in the chopped green onions and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another minute, then remove the skillet from heat.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Chinese-style stir-fried tofu and sweet potato hot, garnished with sesame seeds if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or quinoa, making it a complete meal. For added nutrition, consider serving it with a side of steamed bok choy or broccoli.

Tips for the Best Stir-Fry

For extra flavor, marinate the tofu in soy sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
Feel free to customize the vegetables by adding bell peppers, snow peas, or carrots.
If you prefer a bit of heat, add a dash of chili sauce or red pepper flakes.

Enjoy your homemade Chinese-style stir-fried tofu and sweet potato, a dish that is not only delicious but also healthy and nutritious! This recipe is perfect for vegetarians and anyone looking to explore the wonderful tastes of Asian cuisine.