Tofu and Broccoli Stir Fry

Recipe from Lifescript:  We like broccoli best in this tofu stir-fry, but any mixture of vegetables you have on hand will work. One way to get great tofu texture without deep-frying is to toss the tofu in cornstarch before stir-frying. Let it cook for several minutes without stirring to help it develop a little crust. Serve with Chinese egg noodles or rice noodles and a glass of Riesling.

Preparation Time: 30 minutes        Level: Easy        Cook Time: 30 minutes        Serves: 4

Ingredients:


1/2 cup vegetable broth, or reduced-sodium chicken broth

1/4 cup dry sherry, (see Note) or rice wine

3 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce

3 tablespoons cornstarch, divided

2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon sugar

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper, or more to taste

1 14-ounce package extra-firm water-packed tofu, drained

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons canola oil, divided

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger

6 cups broccoli florets

3 tablespoons water


Preparation:


1.Combine broth, sherry (or rice wine), soy sauce, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, sugar and crushed red pepper in a small bowl. Set aside.

2.Cut tofu into 3/4-inch cubes and pat dry, then sprinkle with salt. Place the remaining 2 tablespoons cornstarch in a large bowl. Add the tofu; toss gently to coat. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the tofu; cook, undisturbed, until browned, about 3 minutes. Gently turn and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned all over, 2 to 3 minutes more. Transfer to a plate.

3.Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, garlic and ginger; cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add broccoli and water; cover and cook, stirring once or twice, until tender-crisp, 2 to 4 minutes. Stir the reserved broth mixture and add to the pan. Cook until the sauce has thickened, 1 to 2 minutes. Return the tofu to the pan; toss to combine with the broccoli and sauce.

Tip:

Ingredient Note: Sherry is a type of fortified wine originally from southern Spain. Don’t use “cooking sherry” sold in many supermarkets—it can be surprisingly high in sodium. Instead, get dry sherry that’s sold with other fortified wines at your wine or liquor store.