Tofu Fried Rice Recipe
Tofu Fried Rice is a nutritious and delicious vegetarian dish, perfect for a quick and wholesome meal. This recipe combines the protein power of tofu with the wholesome goodness of vegetables and rice. It's a versatile dish, easily customizable with your favorite veggies or sauces. Ideal for lunch or dinner, it can be prepared in under an hour, making it a great option for busy weekdays.
Equipment
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Medium bowl
- Paper towels
- Large skillet or wok
- Spatula
- Medium pot (for cooking rice, if not pre-cooked)
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
- 1 block (14 ounces) firm tofu
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (divided)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers, corn)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Rice
- If using uncooked rice, cook according to package instructions. Once cooked, let it cool. Using leftover rice works well because it is drier and helps in achieving better texture for fried rice.
Prepare the Tofu
- Drain the tofu and wrap it in paper towels. Press it under a heavy object for about 15 minutes to remove excess moisture.
- Cut the tofu into small cubes.
Cook the Tofu
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the tofu cubes and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the tofu from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
- Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Add the mixed vegetables and cook until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
Combine Ingredients
- Add the cooked rice to the skillet with the vegetables and mix well.
- Return the tofu to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Add soy sauce, sesame oil, and any optional ingredients like grated ginger or hot sauce. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Cook for another 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Finish and Serve
- Remove from heat and stir in the sliced green onions.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Garnish with sesame seeds if desired.
- Serve hot.
Notes
Tips
- Using day-old rice is ideal for fried rice as it helps in achieving a non-sticky texture.
- Customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.
- For added flavor, you can include ingredients like oyster sauce or hoisin sauce.