She Strengthens

Spicy Vegetarian Stir-Fry for a Quick Weeknight Meal

Are you looking for a flavorful and easy-to-make vegetarian dinner option? This spicy stir-fry recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal, packed with protein-rich tofu, crunchy snow peas, and savory shallots. Serve it over steamed rice for a satisfying and filling meal.

Preparation is Key

Before you start cooking, make sure to prepare your steamed rice according to our Basic Steamed White Rice recipe. This will ensure that your meal is ready in just 20 minutes.

A Balance of Flavors

This recipe combines the savory flavors of soy sauce, mirin, and rice vinegar with the sweetness of granulated sugar and the spiciness of red pepper flakes. The result is a harmonious balance of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons mirin or dry sherry
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 3/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons peanut oil
• 1 pound firm tofu, patted dry and cut into large dice
• 3 medium shallots, thinly sliced
• 4 medium garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1 pound snow peas
• 1 tablespoon white sesame seeds
• Basic Steamed White Rice (see note), for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, mirin, sugar, cornstarch, vinegar, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl; set aside.
2. Cook the Tofu: Heat 1 tablespoon of peanut oil in a large frying pan over high heat. When it smokes, add tofu and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 3 minutes. Remove to a plate and set aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium, add remaining 1 tablespoon oil, shallots, and garlic and cook until starting to brown, about 1 minute.
4. Add the Snow Peas: Add snow peas and sesame seeds and cook, stirring frequently, until peas are bright green, slightly softened, yet still crisp, about 5 minutes.
5. Combine and Serve: Add reserved tofu and soy sauce mixture and cook just until tofu is warm and sauce has thickened slightly, about 1 minute more. Serve immediately over steamed rice.

This spicy vegetarian stir-fry is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it an ideal option for a quick and easy weeknight meal.