Introduction
Stir-frying is a quick and delightful way to prepare a wholesome meal. This recipe showcases vibrant vegetables, protein-packed tofu, and flavorful rice noodles, all brought together by a homemade stir-fry sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a healthy lunch, this dish is both nutritious and satisfying.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 7 ounces brown rice noodles
– 1 (14-ounce) package tofu
– 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing
– 3–4 cups chopped vegetables (e.g., red peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, bok choy, pea pods)
– 2 cloves minced garlic
– Peanuts, cilantro, and lime for serving
Shake-in-a-Jar Stir Fry Sauce
– 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)
– 2–3 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
– 1/4 cup water
– 2–3 tablespoons white vinegar, to taste
– 1 teaspoon chili paste, to taste
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Total Time
45 minutes
Yield
Serves 4
This stir-fry recipe can be easily adjusted to suit personal tastes, encouraging creativity with ingredient selection. As you indulge in this colorful and flavorful dish, you’ll enjoy the health benefits and the delicious medley of textures that come with each bite. Happy cooking!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Sauce
Combine all sauce ingredients—soy sauce (or tamari), brown sugar (or honey), water, white vinegar, and chili paste—into a jar. Secure the lid and shake vigorously until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Soak the Noodles
Place the brown rice noodles in a bowl of warm water. Allow them to soak for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are softened but not fully cooked.
Cook the Tofu
Begin by pressing the tofu with paper towels to remove excess water, making it firmer for cooking. Cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes. In a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the tofu cubes. Sauté the tofu for about 15 minutes, turning occasionally, until it is golden brown on all sides. For a nice crust, drizzle a small amount of the prepared sauce over the tofu while sautéing. Once browned, transfer the tofu to a bowl and set aside.
Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add another splash of olive oil if necessary, then toss in the chopped vegetables and minced garlic. Stir-fry over medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp, retaining some crunch.
Combine and Serve
Once the vegetables are cooked, drain the soaked noodles and add them to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in approximately half of the prepared sauce and mix everything thoroughly. Add the cooked tofu back into the skillet, gently tossing to combine all ingredients. Serve the stir-fry hot, topped with peanuts, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
Tofu Crispy Exterior
Achieving a crispy exterior on the tofu may take about 15 minutes of sautéing, so patience is key in this step.
Customize Vegetable Mix
The vegetable mix can be tailored to personal preference; alternatives include red peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, bok choy, pea pods, or broccoli.
Extra Sauce Storage
You might end up with extra sauce; it can be stored in the refrigerator for future use.
Cook techniques
Soaking the Noodles
Soak brown rice noodles in warm water until they soften. This step ensures the noodles are tender and easy to stir-fry.
Pressing the Tofu
Before cooking, press the tofu with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a crispy texture when sautéing.
Sautéing the Tofu
In a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, sauté tofu cubes in olive oil until golden brown. Adding a splash of stir-fry sauce enhances the flavor and creates a crispy crust.
Stir-Frying Vegetables
Use the same skillet for stir-frying vegetables. Add chopped vegetables and minced garlic, and cook over medium-high heat until they are tender-crisp.
Combining Ingredients
Drain softened noodles and add them to the skillet along with half of the prepared sauce. Stir-fry everything together to combine flavors thoroughly before adding back the tofu.
Finishing Touches
Serve the stir-fry garnished with peanuts, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for added freshness and crunch.
FAQ
Can I use different types of noodles?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice noodles with other varieties such as rice vermicelli or egg noodles, keeping in mind that cooking times may vary.
What vegetables work best in this stir-fry?
You can customize the vegetable mix to your liking. Popular choices include bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, bok choy, pea pods, and broccoli.
How can I make the dish gluten-free?
Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option, and ensure any additional ingredients are labeled gluten-free.
Can I prepare the stir-fry sauce in advance?
Yes, the stir-fry sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for future use.
What can I use instead of tofu?
If you prefer, you can substitute tofu with tempeh, seitan, or cooked chicken or shrimp for a different protein option.
Conclusion
The stir-fry created with brown rice noodles, tofu, and a colorful mix of vegetables, along with a flavorful shake-in-a-jar stir fry sauce, offers a nutritious and delicious meal. This dish is not only simple to prepare but also customizable, allowing you to tailor it to your taste with different vegetables and sauces.
Vegetable Variations
Experiment with different combinations of vegetables such as broccoli, snap peas, carrots, or baby corn to create a unique stir-fry each time.
Protein Options
In place of tofu, consider using tempeh, seitan, or even chickpeas for a different texture and flavor profile.
Flavor Enhancements
Add a dash of sesame oil or a splash of coconut aminos for a distinct taste. Fresh herbs like basil or mint can also enhance the flavor.
Nut and Seed Toppings
Try topping the stir-fry with cashews, sunflower seeds, or sesame seeds for added crunch and nutrition.
Alternative Noodles
Switch up the brown rice noodles with other varieties like soba noodles, quinoa pasta, or even zucchini noodles for a gluten-free or low-carb option.
Spicy Kick
If you enjoy heat, incorporate sliced jalapeños or a spicy chili oil drizzle before serving to elevate the flavor profile.
Meal Prep Ideas
Make a larger batch of the stir fry and portion it out for easy lunch options throughout the week, or mix and match with other grain bases like quinoa or farro.
