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- 1 block firm tofu, pressed and cubed - 1 tablespoon cornstarch - 2 tablespoons sesame oil - 1 cup broccoli florets - 1 cup snap peas - 1 bell pepper, sliced (any color) - ½ cup shredded carrots - 3 green onions, chopped - ½ cup teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 2 tablespoons sesame seeds - Cooked jasmine or brown rice (for serving) - Salt and pepper to taste - Optional: pickled ginger for garnish Gather these ingredients before you start cooking. This helps you stay organized and makes the process smooth. The firm tofu gives a great texture. Cornstarch helps the tofu crisp up nicely. Sesame oil adds a rich flavor to the dish. Fresh vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, and bell peppers provide crunch and color. Teriyaki sauce is key for that sweet and savory taste. Sesame seeds add a nice touch of crunch and visual appeal. Serve it all over warm jasmine or brown rice. You can also add pickled ginger for an extra zing. With these ingredients, you will create a colorful and tasty meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, you need to press the tofu. This helps remove extra water. Wrap the tofu in a clean towel and place a heavy object on top. Let it sit for about 15 minutes. After pressing, cut the tofu into even cubes. This helps it cook evenly. Next, coat the tofu in cornstarch. In a bowl, toss the cubed tofu with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. This coating gives the tofu a nice crunch when cooked. Now, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes. Cook them for 8-10 minutes, turning them until they’re golden brown. This is key for a tasty texture. When done, remove the tofu from the skillet and set it aside. For the vegetables, you will prepare broccoli, snap peas, bell pepper, and shredded carrots. Start by adding the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil to the same skillet. This adds flavor to the veggies. Add the broccoli, snap peas, bell pepper, and carrots to the skillet. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes. You want them to be tender but still crisp. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This helps bring out their natural flavors. Now it's time to bring it all together. Reduce the heat to medium and add the cooked tofu back into the skillet. Pour in ½ cup of teriyaki sauce. Stir gently to combine everything. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through. The sauce should coat the tofu and veggies well. Once done, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top. To serve, place a generous scoop of cooked jasmine or brown rice in bowls. Top it with the tofu and vegetable mix. For extra flair, add pickled ginger if you like. Enjoy your flavorful meal! To make crispy tofu, follow these steps: - Press the tofu: Use a tofu press or wrap it in a towel. Place a weight on top. This removes excess water. - Coat with cornstarch: Toss the pressed tofu in cornstarch. This helps it crisp up when cooked. - Use high heat: Cook the tofu in a hot skillet with oil. This gives it a nice golden color. If you don’t have cornstarch, try using arrowroot powder or flour. Both can work well for a crispy finish. To boost flavor, consider these tips: - Add seasonings: Garlic powder, ginger, or chili flakes can elevate your dish. - Fresh herbs: Green onions, cilantro, or basil add freshness. Sprinkle them on top before serving. You can use either store-bought or homemade teriyaki sauce. Homemade sauce lets you control the sweetness and saltiness. If you prefer, store-bought sauces save time and are convenient. Just choose one with good ingredients for the best taste. Pro Tips Press Tofu Properly: Ensure you press the tofu for at least 30 minutes to remove excess moisture, allowing it to absorb more flavor and achieve a better texture. Customizing Vegetables: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables based on what's in season or what you have on hand for a personal touch. Homemade Teriyaki Sauce: For a fresher taste, try making your own teriyaki sauce using soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic. Serving Suggestions: Serve with a side of avocado or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for an extra layer of flavor and creaminess. {{image_2}} You can swap tofu for tempeh or chicken. Tempeh gives a nutty flavor and is high in protein. Chicken cooks quickly and adds great taste. For vegan options, stick to tempeh or even chickpeas. Both options keep your meal healthy and filling. Feel free to mix in other vegetables. Try zucchini, cauliflower, or bell peppers. You can use seasonal veggies for freshness. In spring, add asparagus; in fall, use butternut squash. This keeps your meal exciting and full of flavor. For meal prep, serve your tofu mix over rice in containers. This makes it easy to grab and go. You can add fun toppings, too! Try avocado, toasted nuts, or a sprinkle of chili flakes. For dressings, drizzle more teriyaki sauce or sesame dressing on top. This adds extra taste and makes your bowl shine. To keep your Sesame Teriyaki Tofu Bowls fresh, store them properly. - Storing in the refrigerator: Place any leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors locked in and prevents drying out. It’s best to eat them within three days for optimal taste. - Freezing and reheating instructions: If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the tofu and veggies separately. Use freezer-safe containers. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of water to keep it moist. Knowing how long your food lasts is key. - Recommended duration for leftovers: Enjoy your leftover bowls within three days when stored in the fridge. For the best taste, consume frozen leftovers within three months. - Signs of spoilage: Look for changes in color, smell, or texture. If the tofu smells sour or the veggies appear slimy, it’s time to toss them. Always trust your senses to keep your meals safe and tasty. Yes, you can use frozen tofu. Freezing changes its texture, making it spongier. It absorbs flavors better, but it needs more time to cook. Thaw the tofu first, then press it to remove extra water. This helps the tofu soak up the teriyaki sauce well. Sesame oil adds a rich, nutty flavor. It enhances the dish but isn’t a must. If you don't have it, use another oil like olive or canola. Just know that the taste will change a bit. To make this dish gluten-free, choose gluten-free teriyaki sauce. Many brands offer this option. You can also make your own with tamari instead of soy sauce. Check labels to ensure all ingredients are gluten-free. Tofu stir-fry is versatile and easy to make. You learned about key ingredients, including tofu, fresh veggies, and teriyaki sauce. I explained how to cook tofu to a golden crisp and sauté vegetables for great taste. Consider using different proteins or veggies to suit your taste. Also, proper storage can keep your leftovers fresh. Now you can enjoy delicious meals that fit your diet. Embrace your creativity in the kitchen!

Savory Sesame Teriyaki Tofu Bowls

A delicious and healthy bowl featuring crispy tofu, vibrant vegetables, and a savory teriyaki sauce, served over rice.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 block firm tofu, pressed and cubed
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 cup snap peas
  • 1 bell pepper sliced (any color)
  • ½ cup shredded carrots
  • 3 green onions chopped
  • ½ cup teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
  • 1 serving cooked jasmine or brown rice (for serving)
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • optional pickled ginger for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for the tofu baking.
  • In a bowl, toss the cubed tofu with cornstarch until evenly coated.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the tofu from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil. Add the broccoli, snap peas, bell pepper, and shredded carrots. Sauté the veggies for about 5-7 minutes, or until slightly tender but still crisp. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Reduce the heat to medium and add the cooked tofu back into the skillet. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the tofu and vegetables, stirring gently to combine. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and well coated with sauce.
  • Remove from heat and sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
  • To assemble the bowls, place a generous serving of rice at the bottom, topped with the tofu and vegetable mixture. Garnish with additional green onions and, if desired, pickled ginger.

Notes

Serve in deep bowls with a sprinkle of extra sesame seeds on top for added crunch and a touch of vibrancy. You can also add a lime wedge on the side for a fresh squeeze before eating.
Keyword bowl, healthy, teriyaki, tofu, vegetarian