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    Home » Vegetables

    Tofu and Asparagus Stir Fry

    Published: Sep 7, 2022 by Nora Rey · This post may contain affiliate links · 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!

    If you like stir-fries, you may also want to try Beef Stir Fry with Onions & Peppers.

    Tofu and Asparagus Stir Fry in a bowl.
    Jump to:
    • Ingredients you’ll need
    • Notes and substitutions
    • How to make this recipe
    • Frequently asked questions
    • Watch how I make it here
    • Other vegetable recipes you may like
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    Ingredients you’ll need

    Individual ingredients for Tofu and Asparagus Stir Fry
    Ground pepper, 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

    (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.

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

    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).

    Baked bite-sized tofu on a baking sheet.

    (2c)Or fry it in the same wok or pan you'll use for the stir-fry.

    Frying bite-sized tofu in oil.

    (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 ginger.

    Cutting the asparagus into sections diagonally.

    (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.

    (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.

    (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.

    (7)Increase the heat and pour in the sauce immediately.

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

    (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.

    Frequently asked questions

    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.

    Watch how I make it here

    Other vegetable recipes you may like

    • lumpiang sariwa on a plate
      Lumpiang Sariwa (Fresh Spring Rolls)
    • Simple avocado toast
      How to Make Avocado Toast (8 Ways)
    • Ensaladang talong served in a bowl
      Ensaladang Talong (Filipino Eggplant Salad)
    • Ukoy on a tray served with spicy dipping sauce on the side
      Okoy or Ukoy (Shrimp and Vegetable Fritters)
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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

    tofu and asparagus stir fry 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
    Cook Time: 30 minutes
    Total Time: 40 minutes
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 163kcal
    Author: Nora Rey
    Cost: $6-$8

    Equipment

    • A wok or skillet

    Ingredients

    • 1 (14 ounces) 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 sub: sambal oelek or Sriracha
    • 2 teaspoons sugar
    • 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (see note)
    • 3 tablespoons soy sauce regular or light
    • ⅔ cup water
    • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
    • 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.
    • 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 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.

    Video

    Notes

    • Shaoxing Wine: To substitute, use another Chinese cooking wine, dry sherry, or Japanese rice wine (sake).
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 163kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 13gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 826mgPotassium: 293mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 918IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 168mgIron: 4mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @recipesbynora or tag #RecipesByNora!

    More Vegetables

    • Frittata with Mushroom and Spinach
    • Pinakbet with Crispy Pork Belly
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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

    Thanks for coming! Let me know what you think: Cancel reply

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    Recipe Rating




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