How to Prepare Chinese-style Stir-Fried Peppers with Tofu
Chinese-style stir-fried peppers with tofu is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to prepare right at home. This colorful, flavorful meal is not only packed with vitamins but also provides a great source of plant-based protein. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare this delightful dish.
Ingredients You Will Need
- 1 block of firm tofu (about 14 ounces)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (or a vegetarian substitute)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions, for garnish
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Prepare the Tofu
Start by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture. Wrap the block of tofu in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels, and place a heavy object on top for about 15-20 minutes. This will help the tofu to absorb the flavors better.
Step 2: Cut the Tofu
Once pressed, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes. This will ensure that the tofu cooks evenly and can easily absorb the marinade.
Step 3: Marinade the Tofu
In a bowl, mix the soy sauce and cornstarch until smooth. Add the tofu cubes and gently toss to coat them evenly. Let the tofu marinate for about 10 minutes.
Step 4: Stir-fry the Tofu
Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated tofu cubes. Fry the tofu until golden and crispy on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Once done, remove the tofu from the skillet and set aside.
Step 5: Cook the Bell Peppers
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil, followed by the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the sliced bell peppers to the skillet. Stir-fry the peppers for about 5-7 minutes until they are tender but still crisp.
Step 6: Combine and Season
Return the crispy tofu to the skillet with the bell peppers. Add the oyster sauce and stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow everything to cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Once everything is cooked and properly combined, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the stir-fried peppers and tofu hot over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions for added freshness and flavor.
Tips for Customizing Your Dish
This stir-fry is highly customizable! Feel free to add other vegetables such as broccoli, snap peas, or carrots to enhance the dish's nutritional profile. You can also adjust the level of spice by adding chili sauce or dried red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
Enjoy your delicious Chinese-style stir-fried peppers with tofu, a perfect blend of flavors and textures that are sure to impress your family and friends!