2tablespoonsvegetable oilfor frying, or sesame oil
1½cupsmushroomshalved or quartered
½poundbroccolinibroken into small florets
1red bell peppercut into sticks
3-4garlic clovesminced
1teaspooncrushed red pepper flakesor to taste
Sauce:
¼cupsoy sauce
¼cupvegetable broth
1tablespoonginger pasteor grated ginger
1tablespoonbrown sugar
1tablespoonrice vinegar
Optional
Sesame seeds
Instructions
Remove the 14 ounces firm tofu from the package and drain all the liquid. Fold the tofu in a paper towel and place it on a plate. Add a second plate on top to press down and help absorb as much liquid as possible. Allow it to sit like this for 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare the veggies and the sauce. In a small jug, whisk all the sauce ingredients and set them aside. (Sauce ingredients: ¼ cup soy sauce, ¼ cup vegetable broth, 1 tablespoon ginger paste, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon rice vinegar)
After 15 minutes, remove the tofu from the paper towel and cut it into 1-inch cubes. Toss the tofu cubes with the 2 tablespoons cornstarch, making sure they're evenly coated on all sides. Heat half of the 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Fry the tofu in a single layer, until golden on all sides, around 5-7 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
To the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil; stir-fry the 1½ cups mushrooms until they halve in size. Add in the veggies ( ½ pound broccolini and 1 red bell pepper), sprinkle with ½ teaspoon fine kosher salt, and continue to stir-fry for 3-5 minutes. Add the 3-4 garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, and cook for 1 minute more. Then stir in the sauce.
Remove from the heat and add the fried tofu.
Serve warm over cooked rice and top with a generous sprinkle of Sesame seeds.
Notes
Press tofu at least 15 minutes (or up to 30) for maximum crispiness; longer pressing = better texture.
Use a large non-stick pan to avoid the tofu sticking together, and to get an even browning on it.
Taste the sauce before adding ingredients to it. Adjust brown sugar or rice vinegar for your preferred sweet-tang balance.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth to revive crispness.