How to Cook Chinese-style Stir-Fried Tofu and Snow Peas
If you're looking for a delicious and healthy meal, Chinese-style stir-fried tofu and snow peas is an excellent choice. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also packed with nutrients. Below is a simple recipe that you can follow to create this flavorful dish at home.
Ingredients
- 400g firm tofu, drained and pressed
- 200g snow peas, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (or mushroom sauce for a vegan option)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Tofu
Begin by cutting the firm tofu into bite-sized cubes. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the tofu cubes and fry until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; you may need to do this in batches. Once done, remove the tofu from the pan and set it aside.
Step 2: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In the same pan, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the minced garlic and ginger, stirring quickly to avoid burning. After about 30 seconds, add the snow peas and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp.
Step 3: Combine Tofu and Sauce
Return the cooked tofu to the pan with the snow peas. In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil together. Pour this sauce over the tofu and vegetables in the pan. Stir gently to combine, ensuring the tofu and snow peas are evenly coated with the sauce.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
To thicken the sauce, add the cornstarch mixture to the pan while stirring continuously. This will give the dish a nice glossy finish and adhere the flavors to the tofu and vegetables. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce has thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Serve
Your Chinese-style stir-fried tofu and snow peas is now ready. Serve it over a bed of cooked rice or noodles for a complete meal. This dish is not only vibrant and healthy but also versatile; you can add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to suit your taste.
Tips for the Perfect Stir-Fry
- Use a high smoke point oil like vegetable or peanut oil for frying.
- Make sure your pan or wok is hot before adding ingredients to achieve that perfect stir-fried texture.
- Prep all ingredients beforehand, as stir-frying is a quick process.
Enjoy this wholesome Chinese-style dish that promises to tantalize your taste buds while providing essential nutrients. It's a wonderful addition to your weekly meal plan, perfect for both solo dinners and entertaining friends!