Stir-Fried Tofu with Mixed Vegetables and Brown Rice

Ingredients

• Firm tofu 120 g
• Brown rice 70 g
• Bell peppers 50 g
• Broccoli florets 50 g
• Soy sauce 1 tbsp
• Olive oil 1 tbsp

Method

1. Prepare the tofu. Start by pressing the tofu to remove excess water. Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object on top for about 10 minutes. Then cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes.
   Tip: Pressing tofu helps it crisp up better when frying.
2. Cook the brown rice. If you haven't cooked the brown rice yet, rinse 70g of dry brown rice under cold water. Add it to a pot with 140ml of water, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover. Cook for about 30-40 minutes until water is absorbed and rice is tender. For this recipe, pre-cooked rice is used.
   Tip: You can cook rice ahead of time and store it in the fridge.
3. Prepare the vegetables. Wash the bell peppers and broccoli. Slice the bell peppers into thin strips and cut broccoli into small florets to ensure even cooking.
   Tip: Cut vegetables uniformly for consistent cooking.
4. Heat the pan and add oil. Place a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and swirl to coat the surface.
   Tip: Make sure the oil is hot before adding tofu to prevent sticking.
5. Cook the tofu. Add the cubed tofu to the hot pan in a single layer. Let it cook without stirring for about 3-4 minutes to brown the bottom. Then gently flip and cook other sides until golden and crispy, about another 4-5 minutes total.
   Tip: Use a spatula to carefully turn tofu cubes to avoid breaking them.
6. Add vegetables. Add the sliced bell peppers and broccoli florets to the pan with the tofu. Stir-fry everything together for about 4-5 minutes until vegetables are tender but still crisp.
   Tip: Keep stirring to cook vegetables evenly and prevent burning.
7. Add soy sauce and combine. Pour 1 tablespoon of low sodium soy sauce over the tofu and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly with the sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to let flavors meld.
   Tip: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
8. Serve with brown rice. Place the cooked brown rice on a plate or bowl. Top with the stir-fried tofu and mixed vegetables. Serve immediately while hot.
   Tip: Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor (optional).

Pro tips

• Press tofu well to get a crispy texture when frying.
• Cook vegetables on high heat and keep stirring for a quick, vibrant stir-fry.