Tofu Fried Rice
A vibrant, protein-packed plant-based meal that transforms humble leftovers into a savory, restaurant-quality stir-fry.
Ingredients
- •14 oz (400g) extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- •4 cups cooked jasmine rice, chilled overnight
- •2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- •3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- •1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- •1 tablespoon maple syrup
- •1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
- •3 green onions, thinly sliced
- •2 cloves garlic, minced
- •1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- •1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- •2 tablespoons neutral oil (such as canola or grapeseed)
Instructions
- 1
Press the tofu for at least 15 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut it into 1/2-inch cubes.
- 2
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, and white pepper to create the stir-fry sauce.
- 3
Heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil in a large wok or non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu and sear until golden brown on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- 4
Add the remaining tablespoon of neutral oil to the same pan. Sauté the garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 5
Add the chilled rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the rice is hot and slightly toasted.
- 6
Add the peas, carrots, and the cooked tofu back into the pan. Pour the sauce mixture over the ingredients and toss everything together for another 2 minutes.
- 7
Remove from heat, stir in the sesame oil and fresh green onions, and serve immediately.
💡 Chef tips
- Using day-old, refrigerated rice is essential; fresh rice contains too much moisture and will result in a mushy texture.
- For extra texture, you can toss the tofu cubes in a tablespoon of cornstarch before searing to make them extra crispy.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in a pan with a splash of water to refresh the rice.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished dish features golden, crispy tofu cubes tossed with perfectly separated grains of rice, smelling of toasted sesame and ginger with a savory, umami-rich flavor profile.