Need a quick, tasty dinner that everyone will love? This Tofu Stir Fry Noodles with Mushrooms is a hit in our house! It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights. Even picky eaters will love this Tofu Mushroom Stir Fry.
Contents
Why You’ll Love Tofu Mushroom Stir Fry
- Health Benefits: Tofu is a Great Source Of Plant Based Protein, and Mushrooms Are Packed With Nutrients And Antioxidants, making this tofu and mushroom stir fry a wholesome choice that supports a healthy diet.
- Versatility: This dish can easily be adapted to suit any taste preferences or dietary restrictions. You can spice it up, swap out vegetables, or even change the type of noodles to keep it exciting every time.
- Flavorful Comfort: With its savory, umami-rich sauce and hearty ingredients, tofu stir fry noodles is not only satisfying but also packed with comforting flavors that are sure to make it a repeat request at your dinner table.
Noodle Tofu Stir Fry Ingredients
For The Tofu:
- Extra firm tofu: The base protein of the dish, chosen for its dense texture that holds up well to frying and absorbs flavors effectively.
- Low sodium soy sauce: Enhances the umami flavor of the tofu without overpowering the dish with saltiness.
- Honey: Adds a hint of sweetness to balance the savory flavors in the marinade.
- Sesame oil: Provides a rich, nutty aroma and depth of flavor to the marinade.
- Rice wine vinegar: Introduces acidity to brighten the flavors and help tenderize the tofu.
- Water: Dilutes the marinade to ensure even flavor distribution.
- Garlic powder: Contributes a robust garlicky flavor, essential for stir-fry dishes.
- Onion powder: Offers a subtle sharpness, enhancing the overall depth of flavor.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a smoky element, enriching the marinade’s complexity.
Stir Fry Ingredients:
- Microwaveable udon noodles: Provide a chewy texture that complements the crisp vegetables and soft tofu.
- Diced pepper: Brings a fresh, slightly sweet crunch and vibrant color to the dish.
- Diced broccoli: Adds texture and is packed with vitamins, contributing to the dish’s healthfulness.
- Diced white button mushrooms: Soak up surrounding flavors while providing a mild, earthy taste and meaty texture.
- Diced water chestnuts: Offer a unique crispness and subtle sweetness, enhancing the textural variety.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce, ensuring it adheres well to the noodles and vegetables for a flavorful bite.
Garnish Ingredients:
- Scallions: Add a fresh, sharp contrast to the dish, enhancing the visual appeal and providing a burst of oniony flavor.
- Sesame seeds: Contribute a nutty taste and a decorative touch, improving the texture and visual interest of the dish.
How To Make Tofu Stir Fry Noodles With Mushroom
Step One: Start by wrapping the tofu in a clean towel and pressing it for at least 30 minutes to drain excess water. Chop into 1-inch squares, and marinate in a prepared mix for at least 30 minutes. Cook in a nonstick skillet, reserving the marinade.
Step Two: Fry tofu until golden and set aside. Cook vegetables, then prepare noodles as instructed. Thicken marinade with cornstarch and mix with noodles, vegetables, and tofu in the skillet off the heat. Serve garnished with sesame seeds or scallions.
Top Tips For Making Tofu Stir Fry Noodles With Mushroom
- Press The Tofu: To get crispy tofu, press it thoroughly to remove as much moisture as possible before cooking. This helps it absorb the flavors of the marinade and achieve a satisfying texture.
- Use Fresh Mushrooms: Opt for fresh mushrooms and clean them gently with a damp cloth instead of washing under water, which can cause them to absorb moisture and become soggy when cooked.
- Cook Noodles Al Dente: Be sure to cook your noodles just until al dente before adding them to the stir fry. This prevents them from becoming too soft or mushy when mixed with the other ingredients and sauce.
Tofu Mushroom Stir Fry Substitutions And Variations
- Shrimp Stir Fry with Noodles: Swap out the tofu for shrimp for a seafood twist. Cook the shrimp until pink and opaque before adding it to the stir-fry. The subtle sweetness of the shrimp pairs wonderfully with the savory sauce and noodles.
- Bok Choy Stir Fry Noodles: Incorporate bok choy for a refreshing, slightly crunchy texture. Bok choy adds a burst of freshness and is packed with vitamins. It cooks quickly, making it a perfect addition to your noodle stir-fry.
- Chicken And Broccoli Stir Fry with Noodles: Replace the tofu with chicken breast or thigh pieces for a protein-rich option. Add broccoli for its hearty texture and health benefits. This classic combination makes a fulfilling meal that’s loved by many.
How To Store Leftover Stir Fry
- Refrigerate: Cool the stir fry to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3-4 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze your tofu stir fry in an airtight container. It can be kept frozen for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: To reheat, thaw the stir fry in the refrigerator if frozen, then warm it in a skillet over medium heat until hot. Add a little water or extra sauce to refresh the flavors.
What Are The Best Sides For Stir Fry?
For a tasty stir fry meal, consider pairing it with a few simple sides to enhance the experience.
- A light Cucumber Salad with a sesame dressing adds a refreshing crunch, while Crispy Spring Rolls offer a delightful textural contrast.
- Steamed greens like Baby Bok Choy or kale provide a healthy and vibrant complement.
- Kick off the meal with a warm bowl of Miso Soup for a comforting start, and consider adding kimchi for a spicy, tangy kick that enhances the robust flavors of the stir fry.
These stir fry side dishes bring variety and balance, making your meal both satisfying and complete.
How Do You Stir Fry Tofu Without Breaking It?
- Choose the Right Tofu: Use extra firm or super firm tofu, as these types hold up better during the cooking process compared to softer varieties.
- Press the Tofu: Before cooking, wrap the tofu in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and place a weight on top, such as a heavy pan or book, for at least 30 minutes. This removes excess moisture and helps the tofu stay intact when stir fried.
- Cut Tofu Properly: Cube the tofu into sizable pieces—typically about 1-inch cubes. Larger pieces are less likely to break apart than smaller ones.
- Use Non-Stick Cookware: Cook the tofu in a non-stick skillet or a well-seasoned wok to prevent sticking, which can cause the tofu to break when you try to move it.
- Heat the Pan First: Make sure the pan is hot before adding the tofu. This helps create a sear that can protect the integrity of the tofu cubes.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Cook the tofu in batches if necessary. Too much tofu in the pan can cause it to steam rather than fry, making it mushy and more likely to break.
- Minimize Stirring: Let the tofu cook undisturbed for a few minutes on each side to develop a crust. Use a spatula to gently flip the pieces instead of stirring vigorously.
- Add Marinade Later: If you’re using a marinade, add it after the tofu has browned. This approach keeps the tofu firmer as it cooks.
FAQ’S
What Is The Best Oil To Fry Tofu?
For frying tofu, sesame oil is a great choice if you’re looking for a rich, nutty flavor, but it should be used carefully due to its lower smoke point compared to other oils.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add a teaspoon of chili flakes to the marinade or include fresh sliced chilies or a splash of hot sauce while sautéing the vegetables. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference.
Tofu Stir Fry Noodles
Equipment
- Large Frying Pan
- Wok (Optional)
Ingredients
- 1 Package Extra Firm Tofu
- 1/4 cup Low Sodium Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Honey
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- ¼ cup Rice Wine Vinegar
- 2 Tbsp Water
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- ½ tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1 Package Microwaveable Udon Noodles
- ½ cup Bell Pepper diced
- ½ cup Broccoli diced
- ½ cup White Button Mushrooms diced
- ½ cup Water Chestnuts diced
- 1 tsp Cornstarch
- 1 tsp Sesame Seeds
- 1/4 Cup Scallions
Instructions
- Wrap the tofu in a clean towel and press it for at least 30 minutes to remove excess water. Then, cut it into 1-inch squares.
- Mix the marinade ingredients in a small bowl. Soak the tofu cubes in the marinade, making sure they are evenly coated. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and place the tofu cubes in a single layer, setting aside the leftover marinade. Fry each side for 1-2 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Remove the tofu from the skillet and set it aside.In the same skillet, add the chopped vegetables and cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Prepare the noodles according to the package instructions.
- Mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch into the remaining marinade.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the cooked noodles, thickened marinade, and sautéed vegetables, mixing well to allow the cornstarch to thicken the sauce from the residual heat.
- Return the fried tofu to the skillet and gently mix to reheat the tofu.
- Serve the stir fry garnished with sesame seeds or scallions, as you like.