Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry Recipe – Ginger, Garlic & Soy Sauce Delight

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry Recipe – Ginger, Garlic & Soy Sauce Delight

Introduction

Okay, let’s be real – sometimes you just need a quick, flavourful meal that doesn’t involve hours in the kitchen. This Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry is exactly that! I first stumbled upon this recipe when I was craving something satisfying and veggie-packed, and it’s become a weeknight staple ever since. It’s a beautiful blend of textures – crispy tofu, tender-crisp veggies, and a glossy, savoury sauce. Trust me, you’ll be making this one again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another tofu stir-fry. It’s quick, taking only about 20 minutes from start to finish. It’s packed with flavour thanks to the ginger, garlic, and a wonderfully balanced sauce. Plus, it’s easily adaptable to your tastes – more spice, less sweetness, vegan options, you name it! It’s a fantastic way to get a healthy and delicious meal on the table, even on the busiest of days.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful stir-fry:

• 1 block firm tofu
• 1 medium red onion
• 1 medium green pepper
• 4 green onions
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 inch fresh ginger
• 2 tablespoons oil (plus 1 tablespoon for tofu)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for tofu)
• 3 tablespoons corn flour
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (for sauce)
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon mirin
• 2 tablespoons tomato ketchup

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips can make all the difference:

• Firm Tofu preparation: This is key to getting that crispy texture. Pressing the tofu removes excess water, allowing it to get beautifully golden in the air fryer. I usually wrap it in a few layers of kitchen towel and place something heavy on top for about 15-20 minutes. A tofu press is also a great investment if you cook with tofu often!
• Oyster Sauce – regional variations & substitutes: Oyster sauce adds a lovely umami depth. You’ll find different brands vary in saltiness and sweetness. If you’re not a fan, or can’t find it, you can substitute with hoisin sauce, though the flavour will be slightly different.
• Mirin – its role in flavour: Don’t skip the mirin! It’s a sweet rice wine that adds a subtle complexity to the sauce. It balances the saltiness of the soy sauce and oyster sauce beautifully. If you can’t find it, a dry sherry with a pinch of sugar can work in a pinch.
• Corn Flour for crispiness: Corn flour (cornstarch) is the secret to that perfect crispy coating on the tofu. It helps create a light and airy texture when air fried.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, press your tofu! Wrap it in kitchen towel and weigh it down for 15-20 minutes. Then, cut it into bite-sized cubes.
2. In a bowl, toss the tofu cubes with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oil, and 3 tablespoons of corn flour. Make sure everything is nicely coated.
3. Layer the tofu in your air fryer basket (no need to overcrowd – work in batches if necessary) and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
4. While the tofu is air frying, let’s make the sauce. Whisk together 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon of white vinegar, 1 tablespoon of mirin, and 2 tablespoons of tomato ketchup in a small bowl.
5. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chopped garlic, ginger, and green onions and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
6. Add the diced red onion and green pepper to the skillet. Cook for another 2 minutes, until they start to become slightly tender.
7. Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet and simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
8. Gently fold in the crispy tofu cubes, making sure they’re evenly coated in the sauce.
9. Garnish with the remaining chopped green onions and serve immediately!

Expert Tips

• Don’t skip pressing the tofu! It really does make a difference in the texture.
• For extra flavour, marinate the tofu in the soy sauce for 30 minutes before coating it in corn flour.
• If you don’t have an air fryer, you can pan-fry the tofu in a little oil until crispy.

Variations

This recipe is super versatile! Here are a few ideas to spice things up:

• Vegan Adaptation – Oyster Sauce Substitute: Swap the oyster sauce for a vegan mushroom stir-fry sauce. It provides a similar umami flavour.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation – Soy Sauce Choice: Use tamari instead of regular soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Spice Level – Adding Chili Flakes/Paste: My friend loves to add a pinch of chili flakes or a teaspoon of chili garlic paste to the sauce for a fiery kick.
• Quick Weeknight Version: Use pre-cut veggies to save time!

Serving Suggestions

This Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry is fantastic served with:

• Steamed rice (jasmine or basmati are my go-to’s)
• Noodles (lo mein or chow mein style)
• A side of stir-fried greens (bok choy or spinach)

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The tofu will lose some of its crispiness, but it will still be delicious! Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.

FAQs

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping? Absolutely! You can prep the sauce and chop the veggies ahead of time. Just cook the tofu fresh for the best texture.
• Can I use a different type of tofu? While firm tofu works best for crispiness, you can use extra-firm tofu. Just be sure to press it well.
• What can I serve with this tofu stir-fry besides rice and noodles? Quinoa, couscous, or even a simple salad would be lovely!
• How can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce? Add a little more or less mirin or tomato ketchup to adjust the sweetness to your liking.
• Can I make this stir-fry spicier? Definitely! Add chili flakes, chili paste, or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.