Crispy Tofu and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Golden pan-seared tofu and crisp-tender broccoli tossed in a glossy hoisin sauce, with toasted cashews for crunch. A fast, high-protein one-pan dinner.
- Total
- 18 min
- Prep 6 · Cook 12
- Serves
- 1
- Difficulty
- Easy
You'll practice: Searing · Stir-frying
- Savory
- Quick
- Asian
- Crispy
- Stovetop
- Oven
Instructions
-
Press the tofu block between paper towels for 2 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut it into 2 cm cubes. Pat the cubes dry and season with the salt and black pepper. Cut the broccoli into small 2 cm florets.
~2 min
Pressing and drying tofu removes surface moisture, allowing the cubes to brown and crisp instead of steaming.
Press and dry the tofu well before searing; surface moisture is what keeps it from browning and crisping.
-
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cashews and toast for 1 to 2 minutes, until golden and fragrant. Transfer them to a small bowl.
~2 min
Toasting cashews in oil develops their nutty flavor and makes them crisp, but they burn quickly so watch closely.
Toast the cashews only until they smell nutty and turn light gold, they burn quickly in a hot pan.
-
Add the remaining 1 tbsp oil to the skillet. Lay the tofu cubes in a single layer and sear for 2 minutes without moving, then turn and sear for 2 more minutes, until golden and crisp on most sides. Transfer the tofu to a plate.
~2 min
Searing tofu in a single layer over medium-high heat creates a golden crust through the Maillard reaction.
Searing Sear tofu in a single layer without moving it for 2 minutes to develop a golden crust. Avoid crowding the pan, which steams the tofu instead of browning it.
-
Add the broccoli to the hot skillet and stir-fry for 3 minutes, until bright green and crisp-tender with lightly charred edges.
~3 min
Stir-frying broccoli quickly over high heat keeps it bright green and crisp-tender while charring the edges.
Stir-frying Stir-fry broccoli over high heat, tossing constantly, until bright green and crisp-tender with lightly charred edges. Overcooking makes it mushy and dull.
-
Return the tofu to the skillet, pour in the hoisin sauce and toss for 1 minute, until everything is coated and glossy.
~1 min
Tossing the tofu with hoisin sauce coats everything in a glossy glaze and warms the sauce through.
-
Scatter the toasted cashews over the top and serve straight from the pan.
~1 min