This post shows you how to make zucchini stir-fry with tofu.
Looking for a quick and delicious stir-fry? This Zucchini Stir Fry with Tofu is your new go-to meal for busy weeknights!
This dish is a fresh, flavorful, and protein-packed stir-fry featuring crispy tofu, tender zucchini, and a savory garlic-ginger sauce. It’s easy to make, totally customizable, and perfect for meal prep. Plus, it’s vegan, gluten-free, and packed with nutrients, making it a wholesome and satisfying choice for any occasion!
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What can you cook with zucchini?
Zucchini is a super versatile vegetable and there are so many delicious options to whip up in no time at all. Whether you are looking for a pasta dish or an alternative to using pasta, or you are looking for a tasty side dish using this vibrant veggie. Here are some of our favorites:
- Zucchini Fritters – an amazing zucchini side dish
- Zucchini Noodles with Garlic Shrimp – zoodles, what could be better?
- Stuffed Zucchini Boats – a super easy zucchini dinner recipe!
- Zucchini Lasagna – using zucchini instead of pasta – perfect as a gluten free recipe.
- Creamy Zucchini Pasta – indulgent but super quick to make!
- Zucchini Parmesan – tomato-ey flavorsome goodness.
- Grilled Zucchini and Chicken Wrap – a new ingredient for your wrap?
- Zucchini and Black Bean Tacos – fun twist on a Mexican classic!
Follow these recipes, and you’ll have a delicious zucchini dinners in no time! 😊
Aesther Cooking Pairs this recipe with
Ingredients
For the Stir-Fry:
1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, drained and pressed
2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
1 small red bell pepper, sliced
1 small onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tbsp cornstarch (for crispy tofu)
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
1 tbsp hoisin sauce (or maple syrup for a natural sweetener)
For Serving:
2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice) 🍚
1 tbsp sesame seeds, for garnish
2 tbsp chopped green onions 🌱
Extra soy sauce or sriracha for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep the Tofu
Drain & Press the tofu: Wrap in a clean towel and place a heavy object on top for 10 minutes to remove excess moisture.
Cut into bite-sized cubes and toss with cornstarch for extra crispiness.
Cook the Tofu
Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
Add tofu and pan-fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove and set aside.
Stir-Fry the Veggies
In the same pan, add sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add onion, bell pepper, and zucchini. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until tender but still crisp.
Add the Sauce & Tofu
Stir in soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and red pepper flakes. Mix well.
Return the crispy tofu to the pan and toss everything together for 1-2 minutes until coated.
Serve & Enjoy! 🥢
Serve hot over steamed rice, and garnish with sesame seeds & green onions.
Tips and Tricks
🔥 Want Even Crispier Tofu?
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or air-fry for 15 minutes at 375°F!
🌿 Make It Extra Flavorful!
Add a splash of rice vinegar for tanginess or a drizzle of sesame oil for extra nuttiness.
🥦 Boost the Veggies!
Add mushrooms, carrots, broccoli, or snap peas for more color & nutrition!
🌶 Spice It Up!
Toss in chili crisp, sriracha, or extra red pepper flakes for heat!
🌿 Make It Your Own – Try:
- ✅ Make It Spicy! 🌶️🔥
- Add sriracha, chili crisp, or Thai red curry paste for an extra kick!
- Toss in dried chili flakes or fresh sliced jalapeños while cooking.
- ✅ Extra Protein Boost! 💪
- Swap tofu for tempeh, seitan, chickpeas, or edamame for variety.
- Want a non-vegetarian option? Try shrimp, chicken, or beef instead!
- ✅ Add More Veggies! 🥕🍄
- Stir in mushrooms, snap peas, carrots, baby bok choy, or broccoli for more texture & nutrients!
- Try shredded cabbage or bean sprouts for crunch.
- ✅ Sweet & Savory Twist 🍍
- Add pineapple chunks for a delicious balance of sweet and savory. 🍍
- Mix in cashews or peanuts for extra crunch and protein! 🥜
How to Serve
✅ Pair with a Side:
Spring rolls or dumplings for an Asian-inspired feast 🥢
Miso soup or a simple cucumber salad for a complete meal 🥒
✅ Make it a Meal Prep Favorite!
Swap the garlic sauce for tzatziki and add crumbled feta cheese & kalamata olives. 🍋🥒
Swap cotija cheese for queso fresco, feta, or shredded pepper jack.
Zucchini Stir-Fry with Tofu
Ingredients
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 block 14 oz firm tofu, drained and pressed
- 2 medium zucchinis sliced into half-moons
- 1 small red bell pepper sliced
- 1 small onion sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1- inch piece ginger grated
- 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch for crispy tofu
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional, for spice
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce or maple syrup for a natural sweetener
For Serving:
- 2 cups cooked rice white, brown, or cauliflower rice 🍚
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds for garnish
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions 🌱
- Extra soy sauce or sriracha for serving
Instructions
Prep the Tofu
- Drain & Press the tofu: Wrap in a clean towel and place a heavy object on top for 10 minutes to remove excess moisture.
- Cut into bite-sized cubes and toss with cornstarch for extra crispiness.
Cook the Tofu
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Add tofu and pan-fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove and set aside.
Stir-Fry the Veggies
- In the same pan, add sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add onion, bell pepper, and zucchini. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until tender but still crisp.
Add the Sauce & Tofu
- Stir in soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and red pepper flakes. Mix well.
- Return the crispy tofu to the pan and toss everything together for 1-2 minutes until coated.
Serve & Enjoy! 🥢
- Serve hot over steamed rice, and garnish with sesame seeds & green onions.
FAQs
Q: Can I use another protein instead of tofu?
A: Absolutely! Try it with tempeh, seitan, chickpeas, or even shrimp or chicken if you’re not vegan.
Q: Can I store leftovers?
A: Yes! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave before serving.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
- Protein: 14g
- Carbs: 16g
- Fats: 15g
Zucchini stir-fry with tofu is a super easy zucchini dinner to whip up on any night of the week! Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, or just looking for a fresh stir-fry idea, this recipe is a must-try. ✨😋
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Looking for more zucchini recipe ideas? visit Zucchini Recipes
This post shows you how to make zucchini stir-fry with tofu.
