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    Home » Vegetable Recipes

    Tofu and Asparagus Stir Fry Recipe

    Published: Sep 7, 2022 by Nora Reyes · This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission. · 2 Comments

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    This Tofu and Asparagus Stir-Fry comes with crispy tofu and tender-crisp asparagus in a garlicky, savory sauce. It's a protein-packed, meatless dinner that's fast and easy to prepare!

    Tofu and Asparagus Stir Fry in a bowl.
    Jump to:
    • Ingredients you’ll need
    • Notes and substitutions
    • How to make this recipe
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Try other stir-fry recipes
    • Other vegetable recipes you may like
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    Ingredients you’ll need

    Individual ingredients for Tofu and Asparagus Stir Fry
    Ground pepper is not in the picture.

    Notes and substitutions

    • Chili garlic sauce: A thick, chunky sauce made from red chilies and used in stir-fries and sauces like Chili Garlic Shrimp. You can also use sambal oelek or Sriracha in place of it. 
    Sambal Oelek, Chili Garlic Sauce, and Sriracha in their original containers.
    • Shaoxing wine: An amber-colored Chinese rice wine that enhances the flavor of the dish. To substitute, use another Chinese cooking wine, dry sherry, or Japanese rice wine (sake).
    • Sesame oil: Choose the dark-colored variety made from toasted sesame seeds with a strong flavor and aroma. It is used for seasoning and is added toward the end of cooking.
    Two different brands of sesame oil

    How to make this recipe

    Step 1: Cut 1 (14-ounce) block of tofu into bite-size pieces and lay them on paper towels to drain out excess water—the crispier they'll get when fried or baked. Sprinkle salt over them.

    Bite sized tofu pieces on a paper towel-lined plate.

    Step 2: You can crisp up tofu in a few ways. (2a)Air-fry for 10-12 minutes at 400° F (204° C). It is the most convenient way and uses the least amount of oil.

    Air-fried tofu pieces in the basket.

    (2b)Bake it in the oven for 20 minutes at 400° F (204° C). This method may require a slightly longer cooking time which involves preheating the oven.

    Baked bite-sized tofu on a baking sheet.

    (2c)Or shallow-fry it in the same wok or pan you'll use for the stir-fry. It results in a deliciously crispy texture, although it requires using more oil.

    Frying bite-sized tofu in oil.

    Step 3: Slice off the woody ends of 1 pound of asparagus and cut them into 2-inch sections diagonally. Prepare the aromatics—2 scallions, 6 garlic cloves, and 1 teaspoon of ginger.

    Cutting the asparagus into sections diagonally.

    Step 4: Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce, 2 teaspoons sugar, 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, and ⅔ cup of water for the stir-fry sauce.

    Making the stir-fry sauce in a measuring cup.

    Step 5: Set your wok to medium-high heat and add about a tablespoon of oil. Sauté ginger and garlic for about 30 seconds, then add the scallions.

    Step 6: Add asparagus and cook for 2 minutes (less for thin asparagus). Toss them constantly, so they don't burn. Add the tofu.

    Adding scallions to the sauteed ginger and garlic. Asparagus and fried tofu in the wok.

    Step 7: Increase the heat and pour in the sauce immediately.

    Pouring the sauce over the asparagus and tofu in the wok.

    Step 8: Toss them together and let the sauce thicken for about a minute. Add 2 teaspoons of sesame oil and ground pepper to taste. Turn off the heat and serve while it's hot!

    Tofu and Asparagus Stir Fry in the wok.

    Recipe FAQs

    What does tofu taste like?

    Tofu tastes quite bland straight out of the package, making it perfect for soaking up flavors. Depending on the variety, it can be creamy, firm, or spongy.

    What does asparagus taste like?

    Asparagus has a distinct, strong flavor. It tastes grassy and bitter when raw, but it is sweet when cooked.

    What other vegetables can I use?

    You can forget about the name of this dish and try vegetables like green beans, Chinese broccoli, broccoli, cauliflower, snow peas, or bok choy.

    Do I have to use a wok?

    Use it if you have one. A wok is ideal for stir-fries and fried rice like Crab Fried Rice, where the food can be tossed or pushed to the sides. You'll also get that unique smoky flavor and aroma called wok hei. You can, however, use a large skillet or pan where the ingredients can come in contact with the hot pan.

    Try other stir-fry recipes

    • Beef Stir Fry: Tender strips of beef stir-fried with onions and peppers in a flavorful soy-based sauce.
    • Yaki Udon: Japanese thick and chewy udon noodles stir-fried with proteins and vegetables.
    • Sweet and Sour Chicken: Crispy chicken pieces tossed in a sweet and tangy sauce, typically with pineapple and bell peppers. Sweet and Sour Fish is a delicious variation.
    • Eggplant Stir Fry: Eggplant slices stir-fried with shrimp and aromatics in a savory sauce.
    • Bistek Tagalog: Seared beef slices marinated in soy sauce and calamansi, then stir fried with caramelized onions.
    • Pad Thai: Classic Thai stir-fry noodles with rice noodles, eggs, tofu, and vegetables, flavored with tamarind and fish sauce, then mixed with mung bean sprouts and peanuts.

    Other vegetable recipes you may like

    • Ginataang Puso ng Saging in a bowl.
      Ginataang Puso ng Saging Recipe
    • Tofu and Mushroom Adobo on a plate.
      Tofu and Mushroom Adobo Recipe
    • Laing with shrimp on a plate.
      Laing Recipe
    • Adobong Talong on a plate.
      Adobong Talong Recipe
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    Did you make this recipe? I would love to know! Your feedback helps me make better recipes.  Please rate, review, or comment below. Questions about this recipe are welcome, too!

    Let's connect on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, Twitter, and Youtube. Be sure to tag me when you try any of my recipes @recipesbynora!

    📖 Recipe

    Stir Fried Tofu and Asparagus in a bowl.

    Tofu and Asparagus Stir Fry

    Crispy tofu and tender-crisp asparagus in a garlicky, savory sauce. It's a protein-packed, meatless dinner that's fast and easy to prepare!
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course, Side Dish
    Cuisine: Chinese, Filipino
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 40 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 163kcal
    Author: Nora Rey
    Cost: $6-$8

    Equipment

    • A wok or skillet

    Ingredients

    • 1 (12 to 16-ounce) block firm or extra-firm tofu
    • 1 pound asparagus cut into 2-inch sections
    • 2 scallions cut into 2-inch sections
    • 6 cloves garlic minced
    • 1 teaspoon finely grated or minced ginger
    • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
    • 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce (see note)
    • 2 teaspoons sugar
    • 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (see note)
    • 3 tablespoons soy sauce regular or light
    • ⅔ cup water
    • 2 teaspoons sesame oil (see note)
    • Ground pepper to taste
    • Neutral-tasting oil (canola or vegetable oil) for sautéing and frying
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • Cut tofu into bite-size pieces and lay them on paper towels to drain out excess water. Sprinkle salt over them.
    • Crisp up tofu in an air-fryer for 10-12 minutes at 400° F (204° C), bake it in the oven for 20 minutes at 400° F (204° C), or shallow-fry it in the same wok you'll use for the stir-fry.
    • Mix cornstarch, chili garlic sauce, sugar, Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, and ⅔ cup of water for the stir-fry sauce.
    • Set your wok to medium-high heat and add about a tablespoon of oil. Sauté ginger and garlic for about 30 seconds, then add scallions.
    • Add asparagus and cook for 2 minutes (less for thin asparagus). Toss them constantly, so they don't burn. Add the tofu.
    • Increase the heat and pour in the sauce immediately.
    • Toss them together and let the sauce thicken for about a minute. Add sesame oil and ground pepper to taste. Turn off the heat and serve.

    Notes

    • Chili garlic sauce: A thick, chunky sauce made from red chilies and used in stir-fries and sauces. You can also use sambal oelek or Sriracha in place of it. 
    • Shaoxing wine: An amber-colored Chinese rice wine that enhances the flavor of the dish. To substitute, use another Chinese cooking wine, dry sherry, or Japanese rice wine (sake).
    • Sesame oil: Choose the dark-colored variety made from toasted sesame seeds with a strong flavor and aroma. It is used for seasoning and is added toward the end of cooking.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 163kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 13gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 826mgPotassium: 293mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 918IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 168mgIron: 4mg
    Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided here is solely for informational purposes. I am not a certified nutritionist, and this data hasn't been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration or any other authority. It shouldn't be seen as health or nutrition advice. The figures are estimates calculated from various food composition databases and might vary based on product types, brands, natural variations in produce, and ingredient processing methods. Individual results may differ.
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @recipesbynora or tag #RecipesByNora!

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    About the author

    Hi, I'm Nora! 

    Whether you're new to Filipino food or have loved it for so long, I sure am happy you're here!  I hope you'll find useful recipes that you can enjoy and share with family and friends.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Bim

      September 15, 2021 at 7:23 pm

      5 stars
      This is a healthy menu and easy to make. Yummy!

      Reply
    2. Edna

      September 09, 2021 at 8:40 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious and healthy and so easy to make!

      Thanks for sharing💕

      Reply
    5 from 4 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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