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Stir Fry is a delicious go-to weeknight meal and even more delicious when you add crispy tofu to the mix! Whether you are vegan or just dipping your toes into going plant-based and are looking for a dish to make for “Meatless Monday” this Crispy Tofu Stir Fry is for you!
![A glass bowl with tofu and mixed veggies](https://i0.wp.com/sarahshealthyrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/IMG_20210906_173909295.jpg?resize=1024%2C835&ssl=1)
Vegan or Plant Based?
Being whole food plant-based compliant means no meat, dairy, OIL, sugar, or processed foods so that is the reason this meal is under Ben’s Cheat Meals. This would be considered a vegan meal and my goal is to cater to special meal plans with an emphasis on whole food plant-based so don’t worry, I’m not making this every day!
![An assortment of vegetables cooking in a skillet](https://i0.wp.com/sarahshealthyrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/IMG_20210906_171414674_PORTRAIT.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&ssl=1)
Tofu: Good or Evil?
If you didn’t know already, tofu is made from condensed soy milk and cut into soft white blocks which resemble cheese. Tofu has been given a bad reputation due to its isoflavones; a compound that acts like estrogen in the body although they are not as strong as the actual hormone itself. Tofu has been shown to actually contain many helpful benefits and you can read more about tofu here. It really is an amazing source of protein, iron, calcium, magnesium, and much more! We eat it at least once if not twice a week.
![A block of tofu cut into bite sized pieces and a hand holding up a piece](https://i0.wp.com/sarahshealthyrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/IMG_20210906_161549174_PORTRAIT-1.jpg?resize=1024%2C733&ssl=1)
What does Tofu taste like?
Tofu is nice because it takes on any flavor you give it! Many vegans use it as a meat replacement and therefore will marinate it to help increase the flavor. Try using your favorite steak marinade recipe and see how the tofu turns out! If you’re experimenting with tofu, you may also like my Quick and Easy Tofu Scramble I soak mine for at least thirty minutes and then roll the blocks into flour and spices to give it a nice crunch texture! Finish it off in either your air fryer or in the oven.
![Crispy pieces of tofu on a mesh tray](https://i0.wp.com/sarahshealthyrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/IMG_20210906_165716594_PORTRAIT-1.jpg?resize=1024%2C1024&ssl=1)
I prefer the air fryer version because it gets more crispy without having to use oil. This is the air fryer I have and I can’t recommend it enough! I use it every week! My little brother surprised me with it for Christmas and boy, was I excited!
![onions and garlic sauteing in skillet](https://i0.wp.com/sarahshealthyrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/IMG_20210906_170608478_PORTRAIT.jpg?resize=1024%2C909&ssl=1)
Summary
If you’ve read this far, I hope you get the picture that I like stir fry and I can’t wait to hear how much you love this recipe too so please leave me a comment below! Let’s get cooking!
![A glass bowl filled with tofu pieces, cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, bell pepper and rice](https://i0.wp.com/sarahshealthyrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/IMG_20210906_173909295-1.jpg?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1)
Amazing Crispy Tofu Stir Fry
Equipment
- Instant Pot
- Frying Pan
- Spatula
- Tofu Press
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
Marinade for Tofu
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce
- 1 tbsp gluten free soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Pad Thai Sauce
Dry Rub for Tofu
- 2 tbsp arrowroot flour
- 1/2 tbsp onion powder
- 1/2 tbsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chipotle pepper seasoning
Vegetables and Tofu
- 2.5 oz green onions diced
- 4 cloves of garlic minced
- 1/2 bell pepper diced
- 12 oz package of California Medley Frozen Veggies
- 1 large red onion
- 1.5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil with 1/2 tbsp set aside
- 1 14 oz block of extra firm tofu
Brown Rice
- 2 cups dry brown rice
- 2 cups water or veggie broth
- 2 bay leaves
Instructions
- Press the tofu between a rag and two cutting boards and place a heavy item on top to press it for 20 minutes
- While the tofu is pressing, rinse two cups of brown rice with cold water. Strain and place into instant pot along with two cups cold water and two Bay leaves.
- Select pressure cook on high for 20 minutes. Manually release pressure once finished.
- Once you have your rice cooking and tofu pressed, it's time to marinade your tofu! Cut the block into bite sized pieces and set aside
- Combine the marinate ingredients and mix with a fork.
- Place your tofu pieces into a gallon sized freezer bag and pour marinadeover the pieces. Shake well to ensure all tofu pieces are saturated with mixture. Zip closed and place in refridgeratorfor at least 30 minutes to overnight.
- Combine all the dry rub ingredients into a large container and set aside
- After 30 minutes, take out the marinade and by hand, place the pieces into a container with the dry rub. Cover and gently shake to coat the pieces thoroughly. If you need to, add some more corn starch. Add to your air fryer tray and make sure they are not touching to ensure they get crispy. Select Air Fryer option and set the temperature to 400 degrees. Cook for 20 minutes.
- Bring a large cast iron pan to high heat. Once hot, add one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Saute first the garlic and red onion.
- Next add the bell peppers and finally the rest of the frozen vegetables. Cook on low to medium heat until tender about 10 minutes all said and done.
- Add two cups of cooked brown rice to your skillet and add the set aside half tablespoon of olive oil and stir until well combined and browned
- Finally, remove from heat and add in your crushed peanuts
- Add your cripsy tofu to your bowl or plate and enjoy!