Craving a quick, nutritious, and absolutely irresistible meal that combines protein-packed tofu, crunchy cashews, and vibrant vegetables? Look no further! This Asian-inspired Tofu Cashews and Vegetables recipe is about to become your new weeknight dinner superhero. In just 35 minutes, you'll transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 300g tofu
- 100g cashews
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Drain the tofu and press it gently to remove excess moisture. Cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes. Slice the bell pepper and carrot into thin strips. Mince the garlic cloves and set aside.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the cubed tofu to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the tofu is golden brown on all sides. This will give it a nice texture and flavor.
- Once the tofu is browned, add the sliced bell pepper and carrot to the skillet. Stir-fry the vegetables with the tofu for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp.
- While the vegetables are cooking, in a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
- Pour the soy sauce mixture over the tofu and vegetables in the skillet. Add the cashews and stir well to combine all the ingredients. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Once everything is heated through and the cashews are slightly toasted, remove the skillet from the heat. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Serve the tofu cashews and vegetables hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Enjoy your delicious Asian-inspired dish!
Tips
- Tofu Pressing Hack: Use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to press excess moisture from tofu. This ensures a crispier, more golden-brown exterior when cooking.
- High Heat is Key: Use a wok or large skillet and cook on medium-high heat to achieve that perfect stir-fry texture with slightly charred edges.
- Mise en Place Matters: Prep all ingredients before you start cooking. Stir-frying moves quickly, so having everything ready prevents burning or overcooking.
- Cashew Crunch: For extra flavor, lightly toast cashews in a dry pan before adding them to the stir-fry to enhance their nutty flavor.
- Sauce Customization: Feel free to adjust the soy sauce and seasonings to match your taste preferences. Add a touch of sriracha or chili oil for some heat if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 0mg
