Basic Broccoli and Tofu Stir Fry

Basic Broccoli and Tofu Stir Fry

• broccoli 
• tofu
• 2 garlic cloves
• soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• salt and pepper to taste

This is a completely basic stir fry.  It won't take long to make.  It's good for you.  The ingredients are simple and cheap.  Seriously, these are all fantastic qualities if you ask me.

Making a stir fry dish is so easy because it's all done together and mixed up with minimal effort on your part.  If you knew you were making this dish ahead of time, you could (and should) drain the tofu and press it to try and get as much liquid out as possible.  While this is great in theory, sometimes you don't have a lot of time or you've decided to make the dish when your stomach is reeling from hunger and you need food...like 10 minutes ago.  In these situations, I just forgo the pressing step.  Just take the tofu out of the package and cut it into bite size pieces (your call on the size), but I try to keep the pieces around 1 inch-sized cubes.  Set the tofu aside for a few moments.  Mince the garlic and add to a pan (or wok if you have one) with the olive oil. Once that is nice and hot, toss the tofu in there and add a few splashes of your soy sauce.  Saute that for a few minutes, constantly moving the tofu around the pan.  Red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper can be added at this point.  Continue to add splashes of soy sauce when the pan dries up.  Tofu is awesome because it absorbs flavor, so the soy sauce is imperative in this stir fry.  It'll make your tofu taste good.  Let the tofu turn a nice brown color then add in the broccoli.   Continue to saute until the broccoli is tender, but not soggy!  Soggy broccoli is sad broccoli!

If you've never cooked with tofu before, do not be intimated or frustrated!  Tofu is your friend!  Buy firm or extra firm tofu for stir fry dishes so it will hold up in the pan.  If you mess up, no worries.  It takes time and practice to cook with tofu to get the texture and flavor you're looking for.  Happy cooking!