It’s a Tofu Tasty Tuesday! Yep- tofu- but don’t run away at that word! Tofu is nothing to be afraid of. It is an AWESOME meat alternative, providing ample amounts of protein.
When we talk in the classrooms about sources of protein, most kids have never tried even tofu and automatically think it is gross. Well, we’re here today to change their, and your, minds! Tofu can be delicious and is a great alternative to our typical meat-protein diets.
The recipe today is for a tofu stir fry- a simple, easily personalized dish. As always, let us know what you think!
Ingredients:
– 2 (14 oz) packages extra firm tofu (very important to get extra firm!)
– 1 tablespoon canola oil
– 3 tablespoons soy sauce, divided
– 3 large garlic cloves
– 1 small bunch of green onions, finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon minced ginger
– 1 – 2 teaspoons of chili paste (or 1/4-1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes)
– 10 oz baby spinach
– 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
– 2 teaspoons sesame oil
Plus: brown rice, cauliflower rice, rice noodles, or quinoa for serving, as well as any other vegetables you wish to include
Directions:
1. Drain the tofu. Wrap each block in a double layer of paper towels and pat dry, pressing down on the tofu lightly to squeeze out excess moisture. Cut the tofu into 3/4-inch cubes.
2. In a large nonstick skillet or wok, heat the canola oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot but not smoking, add the tofu (be careful, as the oil will splatter a little bit) and drizzle with 1 tablespoon soy sauce. Sauté, stirring every minute or so until the tofu is nicely colored on all sides and the moisture has cooked off, about 8 to 10 minutes. ** Sitting for a while on one side is what will allow the tofu to brown.**
3. Add the garlic, roughly two-thirds of the green onion, ginger, chili paste, and the remaining 2 tablespoons soy sauce. Stir and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Add several large handfuls of spinach, stirring as you go so that it wilts and you can fit more in the pan. Once the first addition has wilted, continue to add and wilt the spinach by handfuls, until all of the spinach is added.
5. Stir in the sesame seeds. Stir in the sesame oil. Remove from the heat. Sprinkle the reserved green onions over the top.
6. Serve hot, with brown rice, noodles, or whatever you like, along with a few dashes of additional soy sauce and chili paste or flakes to taste.
Recipe adapted from: WellPlated.com
