Are you tired of the same old boring stir-fry recipes? Looking for a simple yet flavorful dish to add to your weekly dinner rotation? Check out tofu bok choy stir fry! This simple yet satisfying dish is a great way to introduce plant-based protein and Asian vegetables into your diet. Plus, with just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you will be able to make this quick, healthy meal in no time.
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In this post, I will guide you through the steps to create a delicious and healthy tofu bok choy stir fry, its versatility, and so much more.
The Ingredients you’ll need
Bok choy: Bok choy is a type of Chinese cabbage that adds a crisp texture and a slightly bitter flavor to the dish. You can get baby bok choy or regular bok choy at your local grocery store or Asian markets.
Tofu: Tofu has a neutral flavor and absorbs the flavors of the other ingredients well. Firm or extra-firm tofu holds its shape better during cooking, and I used firm tofu in this recipe. I don't recommend using soft tofu for this recipe.
Cooking oil: to stir fry.
Minced garlic: Garlic adds a pungent, aromatic flavor to the dish. It's a common ingredient in many Asian stir-fry dishes.
Dried red chilis: Dried red chilis add heat and a smoky flavor to this dish. I used 2 chilis in this recipe. You can adjust the amount according to your spice preference.
Light soy sauce: Light soy sauce adds saltiness and umami flavor to this stir-fried dish. Keep in mind that light soy sauce has a lighter color and a saltier taste compared to dark soy sauce.
Oyster Sauce: Oyster sauce adds a rich, savory flavor with a hint of sweetness.
A pinch of sugar: Adding a little bit of sugar balances out the flavors in this dish. You can use white or brown sugar.
Salt and black pepper: to taste
Roasted white sesame seeds: White or black roasted sesame seeds are both good. For garnishing and adding a nutty flavor, it is optional.
The detailed cooking process
Wash bok choy in running water to remove any dirt or debris that may be trapped in its leaves or stems. Gently pat it dry with paper towels or clean towels. Carefully slice the tofu block into evenly sized slabs or planks, depending on the desired thickness of your strips. Take each tofu slab and cut it into strips of your desired width. ( Tofu can be delicate, so handle the strips gently to prevent them from breaking apart.)
Heat a tablespoon of cooking oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu pieces and cook until golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the tofu from the pan and set aside.
In the same wok skillet, add a little more oil if needed, then add the minced garlic and dried red chilis. Stir-fry for a couple of minutes until it's fragrant. Add the bok choy to the skillet. Stir-fry for another minute until the bok choy is wilted but still vibrant green.
Drizzle the light soy sauce and oyster sauce over the tofu and vegetables in the wok. Sprinkle a pinch of sugar into the mixture. Return the cooked tofu strips to the skillet and toss everything together until well combined. Cook for another minute or two until the sauce has thickened and coated everything nicely.
Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds if desired. Serve your tofu bok choy stir fry hot, enjoy!
Pro tips for a perfect tofu boy choy stir fry
The following pro tips will help your tofu bok choy stir-fry to perfection.
- Don't crowd the pan: Cook the tofu in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. This allows each piece to brown evenly and prevents steaming.
- Use high heat: Cooking over medium-high heat ensures your tofu gets crispy and your vegetables cook quickly without becoming soggy.
- Get creative: Feel free to customize your stir fry with your favorite veggies or whatever you have on hand.
- Serve with grains: While brown rice is a classic choice, you can also serve your stir fry over white rice, rice noodles, or even quinoa for a nutritious twist.
Variations
Tofu bok choy stir fry is not only delicious and satisfying, but it’s also incredibly versatile. There are several variations you can try to customize your tofu bok choy stir-fry:
Add vegetables: You can add other vegetables to the stir-fry for extra flavor, color, and nutrition. Vegetables like red bell pepper, shiitake mushrooms, water chestnuts, carrots, snow peas, broccoli, or napa cabbage make great additions!
Sauce variations: Experiment with different sauces to change the flavor profile of the dish. For example, you can try a teriyaki sauce, hoisin sauce, peanut sauce, or a spicy chili sauce for a different twist.
Spice it up: If you like it spicy, you can add additional chili peppers or chili flakes to amp up the heat. You can also add a sprinkle of Sichuan peppercorns for a numbing, tingling sensation.
Marinate the tofu: If you enjoy bolder flavors, marinate the tofu before cooking to infuse it with extra flavor. You can marinate it in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a touch of sesame oil for added depth of flavor.
Storing and reheating
Storing and reheating tofu stir fry with bok choy is quite simple. Transfer the stir fry to an airtight container. Tofu stir fry with bok choy can typically be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
You can reheat the leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop. If using the microwave, Microwave on high in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until the stir fry is heated through. If reheating on the stovetop, heat a skillet or pan over medium heat and add a little oil or broth until heated through. This method may take a few minutes longer but can help to revive the texture of the tofu and bok choy.
Final thought
So, the next time you’re craving a flavorful and nutritious meal that comes together in minutes, try this tofu bok choy stir fry. With its amazing flavor and simple ingredients, I am sure it will become a staple in your stir-fry recipe rotation! Happy cooking!
Tasty Tofu Bok Choy Stir Fry (15-minute Side Dish)
Ingredients
- 1 pound bok choy
- 16 oz firm tofu or extra firm
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 dried red chilis
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- ½ tablespoon oyster sauce
- pinch of sugar
- salt and black pepper to taste
- roasted white sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Wash bok choy in running water to remove any dirt or debris that may be trapped in its leaves or stems. Gently pat it dry with paper towels or clean towels. Carefully slice the tofu block into evenly sized slabs or planks, depending on the desired thickness of your strips. Take each tofu slab and cut it into strips of your desired width. ( Tofu can be delicate, so handle the strips gently to prevent them from breaking apart.)
- Heat a tablespoon of cooking oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu pieces and cook until golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the tofu from the pan and set aside.
- In the same wok skillet, add a little more oil if needed, then add the minced garlic and dried red chilis . Stir-fry for a couple of minutes until it's fragrant.
- Add the bok choy to the skillet. Stir-fry for another minute until the bok choy is wilted but still vibrant green.
- Drizzle the light soy sauce and oyster sauce over the tofu and vegetables in the wok. Sprinkle a pinch of sugar into the mixture.
- Return the cooked tofu strips to the skillet and toss everything together until well combined. Cook for another minute or two until the sauce has thickened and coated everything nicely.
- Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds if desired. Serve your tofu bok choy stir fry hot, enjoy!
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