Simple and Flavorful Vegan Stir-Fry Recipe

Vegan stir-fry is a popular dish that combines various vegetables, tofu, or tempeh with soy sauce for a delicious meal. The simplicity of its preparation makes it a go-to recipe for busy days when you want something quick yet nutritious.

For this vegan stir-fry, we will focus on using seasonal vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas along with some tofu to create a flavorful and filling dish. This recipe serves four people and can be prepared in about 20 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for those looking for easy meal options.

Ingredients

• 1 package of firm tofu, cut into cubes
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 carrot, julienned (thinly sliced diagonally)
• 8 oz snap peas, trimmed and halved lengthwise
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• Soy sauce to taste
• Sesame oil for cooking
• Tamari or soy sauce as a glazing agent (optional)
• Toasted sesame seeds and green onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Start by preparing the tofu. Drain it thoroughly, pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Cut into cubes of about 1 inch in size.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce and sesame oil until well combined. Set aside.
3. Heat up a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the tofu pieces and cook for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown on all sides. Remove from heat and set aside in a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
4. Mix the bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas in another bowl. Set it aside.
5. Return the skillet or wok to medium-high heat and add sesame oil if necessary. Add garlic and ginger, stir-frying for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
6. Add the mixed vegetables into the pan and continue cooking for another 5 minutes until they are just tender-crisp.
7. Return the tofu to the skillet or wok, stirring gently to combine. Drizzle with soy sauce mixture and cook for about 2-3 more minutes until everything is well coated in flavors.
8. To serve, garnish with toasted sesame seeds and green onions if desired. Serve hot over brown rice, quinoa, or noodles for a complete meal.

Tips for Success

• Ensure the tofu is dry before frying; this will help it get crispy on the outside without soaking up too much oil.
• If you prefer less salty food, consider using tamari instead of soy sauce as a glazing agent. Tamari has a lower salt content than regular soy sauce.
• The timing for cooking each vegetable might vary slightly depending on their freshness and your preferred level of doneness. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure all vegetables are tender-crisp without being overcooked or underdone.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

This stir-fry provides a good balance of nutrients, including protein from tofu, dietary fiber from vegetables and soy sauce, vitamins from the bell pepper and carrots, and minerals like magnesium, potassium, and iron. The exact nutritional values can vary based on individual ingredients used but generally offers around 300 calories per serving with low fat content if prepared without extra oil.

In conclusion, this simple vegan stir-fry recipe is not only easy to prepare but also highly customizable according to your taste preferences and dietary needs. Whether you're looking for a weekday dinner or an impressive dish at a potluck, this recipe delivers both flavor and versatility. Try it out next time you're in the mood for something fresh yet comforting.