Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s not only easy to make but also packed with nutrients! This Eggplant Teriyaki Stir Fry with Tofu is a delightful fusion of Asian flavors that will transport you straight to a bustling street market. Imagine succulent tofu and tender vegetables, all coated in a rich teriyaki sauce that caramelizes beautifully as you stir-fry. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe yields four generous servings and can be on your table in just 40 minutes. Dive into this culinary adventure and discover how simple it is to create a restaurant-quality meal at home!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 eggplant, cubed
- 1 block firm tofu, cubed
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Press tofu to remove excess moisture by wrapping in paper towels and placing a heavy object on top for 15 minutes. After pressing, cut tofu into 1-inch cubes.
- Prepare all vegetables: Cube the eggplant into 1-inch pieces, slice bell pepper, and cut broccoli into small florets. Mince fresh ginger and garlic.
- Heat sesame oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to become hot but not smoking.
- Add minced ginger and garlic to the hot oil, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add tofu cubes to the pan, cooking for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown exterior. Remove tofu and set aside.
- In the same pan, add eggplant cubes and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until they start to soften and brown slightly.
- Add broccoli florets and bell pepper slices, continuing to stir-fry for an additional 3 minutes.
- Return tofu to the pan and pour teriyaki sauce over the vegetables and tofu, stirring to coat evenly.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize and coat all ingredients.
- Remove from heat and serve hot over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions if desired.
Tips
- Pressing Tofu: Don’t skip the pressing step! Removing excess moisture from the tofu allows it to absorb more flavor and achieve a crispy texture when cooked. If you have time, press it for longer for even better results.
- Prep Ahead: Chop all your vegetables and tofu before you start cooking. This will streamline the process and ensure everything cooks evenly without burning.
- High Heat Cooking: Make sure your sesame oil is hot before adding the ginger and garlic. This will help release their flavors quickly, giving your stir fry an aromatic boost.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re making a larger batch, consider cooking in batches. Overcrowding the pan can lead to steaming instead of stir-frying, which may result in soggy vegetables.
- Customization: Feel free to swap out or add other vegetables like snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
- Serving Suggestions: For a complete meal, serve your stir fry over steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions for an extra pop of flavor and presentation!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
