Description
A delicious and healthy tofu cabbage stir fry that combines crispy spiced tofu with tender, flavorful cabbage in a savory soy-based sauce. This quick and easy stir fry is perfect for a satisfying vegan meal, packed with vibrant aromatics like garlic, ginger, and scallions, influenced by Asian flavors.
Ingredients
Sauce
- 1 tbsp light (regular) soy sauce
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce (or an extra tablespoon of regular soy sauce)
- 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
- 2 tsp maple syrup or sugar
- 1/2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp vegetable bouillon paste or 1/2 a crushed vegetable bouillon cube
Stir Fry
- 1-2 tbsp avocado oil
- 4 scallions, sliced with whites and greens separated
- 1 red chili pepper, sliced (optional)
- 4 cloves garlic, crushed or grated
- 1/2 inch ginger, grated or minced
- 450g block of super firm or extra firm tofu, pressed and drained
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 2 cups green cabbage, shredded
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, maple syrup (or sugar), sesame oil, and vegetable bouillon paste. Whisk together until well blended and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add avocado oil. Add the white parts of the scallions and sliced red chili pepper if using. Sauté until the scallions soften slightly. Next, add the garlic and ginger and continue to sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Cook tofu: Crumble the pressed tofu into the pan. Sprinkle smoked paprika and ground coriander over the tofu. If the pan seems dry, add a little more oil. Sauté the tofu, ensuring it is evenly coated with spices, for about 3-5 minutes until lightly browned and heated through.
- Stir fry cabbage: Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet with tofu. Stir fry the cabbage until just starting to soften, about 4 minutes.
- Add sauce and finish cooking: Pour the prepared sauce over the tofu and cabbage mixture. Stir thoroughly to combine. Continue cooking until tofu and vegetables absorb the sauce evenly and are heated through.
- Serve: Serve the tofu cabbage stir fry hot, garnished with the green parts of the scallions. It pairs well with steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- Add more oil if the pan becomes dry during cooking; this helps add flavor and retains moisture in the tofu.
- If you don’t have dark soy sauce, substitute with 1 tablespoon regular soy sauce plus 1/2 tsp molasses to mimic its thickness and mild sweetness.
- Slice the cabbage thinly to ensure quicker cooking and better texture in the stir fry.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian