Stir-Fried Tofu with Scallions

Stir-fried tofu with scallions is a versatile and flavorful dish that can be prepared in just 20 minutes. Tofu, when stir-fried properly, becomes crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. This recipe serves as a foundation for mastering the art of stir-frying tofu, opening up a world of possibilities for creating delicious and customizable dishes. By adding variations and additional ingredients, you can easily transform this simple recipe into a satisfying meal.

MAKES: 4 servings

TIME: 20 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 1/2 to 2 pounds firm to extra-firm tofu,or simply blotted dry
• 3 tablespoons peanut or neutral oil, such as grapeseed or corn
• 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh ginger (optional)
• 2 small dried chilies (optional)
• 1 or 2 bunches of scallions, trimmed and cut into 2-inch lengths, separating the white and green parts (about 2 cups total)
• 1/3 cup vegetable stock (or water)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce, or to taste
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Cut the tofu into 1/2-inch or slightly larger cubes.
2. Heat the oil in a large skillet over high heat. Once hot, add the garlic, ginger, and chilies (if using), and stir-fry for about 10 seconds.
3. Add the tofu and the white parts of the scallions to the skillet. Stir occasionally and cook until the tofu begins to brown, which takes a couple of minutes.
4. Pour in the vegetable stock and continue cooking, stirring, until approximately half of the stock evaporates, which takes less than a minute. Add the green parts of the scallions and stir for about 30 seconds.
5. Stir in the soy sauce and taste the dish. Adjust the seasoning if needed. Garnish with sesame seeds if desired.
6. Serve the stir-fried tofu with scallions immediately.

VARIATIONS:

• Stir-Fried Tofu with Scallions and Walnuts: Before cooking the tofu, stir-fry 1 cup of shelled nuts (such as walnuts, cashews, or peanuts) in an additional tablespoon of oil until glossy and lightly browned. Remove the nuts from the skillet and set them aside. Proceed with the recipe and add the nuts at the end as a garnish.
• Stir-Fried Tofu with Scallions and Black Beans: Soak 2 tablespoons of fermented black beans in 1/4 cup of rice wine, sherry, or water for about 10 minutes. Reduce the stock to 1/4 cup and add the black bean mixture along with the green parts of the scallions in Step 4. Continue with the recipe as directed.
• Stir-Fried Tofu with Scallions, Orange Zest, and Chilies: Stir-fry the zest of a navel orange (cut into large pieces) and 3 to 5 small dried red chilies (adjust according to your heat preference) in an additional tablespoon of oil before cooking the tofu. Remove them from the skillet and set them aside. Proceed with the recipe, adding the orange zest and chilies back at the end for added flavor. Note: The chilies are for flavor and should not be eaten.

USES:

• Serve the stir-fried tofu with scallions over steamed rice or noodles for a quick and satisfying meal.
• Add it to a stir-fry with other vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for a colorful and nutritious dish.
• Enjoy it as a protein-rich topping for salads or as a filling for wraps and sandwiches.
• Use leftovers as a delicious filling for vegetarian tacos or burritos.

Stir-fried tofu with scallions is a versatile and quick dish that can be easily customized to suit your preferences. By adding variations and experimenting with different ingredients and seasonings, you can create exciting new flavors. Whether served as a standalone dish, incorporated into stir-fries, or used as a filling, this stir-fried tofu recipe is a great way to enjoy the wonderful textures and flavors of tofu. Get creative and explore the possibilities of stir-fried tofu with scallions to expand your culinary repertoire.