How many times have you opened your fridge and nothing screams “eat me!” You sigh at the thought of having to actually make something. I’m a little different. I pride myself in being able to whip together a delicious meal regardless of what I have sitting in my fridge or pantry. Now, I want to share a few of these substitute-friendly meals for those who struggle to see potential in their selection. The following recipes can be substituted with any protein or veggie you have on-hand.
La China (Tofu and Veggie Stir-Fry)
Tofu and vegetables are my holy grail. Inspired by my time as a vegetarian in China, this recipe can easily be substituted with any veggies you have on-hand and your favorite choice of protein. This dish works especially great for meal prepping!
Ingredients:
- Avocado oil
- Sub: almond oil; corn oil; canola oil; peanut oil; safflower oil; sesame oil; sunflower oil
- 6 oz. extra-firm tofu pressed and 1/2-inch cubed
- Sub: chicken; your favorite protein
- 1 tsp. garlic minced
- Sub: garlic powder to taste
- 1/4 yellow onion sliced
- Sub: white onion; your favorite vegetable
- 1/2 large red pepper sliced length-wise
- Sub: yellow pepper; green pepper; your favorite vegetable
- 2 c. broccoli florets
- Sub: cauliflower; your favorite vegetable
- Salt and pepper
- 2 oz. rice noodles cooked
- Sub: bean sprouts; your favorite noodles
Sauce:
- Sub: teriyaki sauce and chili powder
- 1 TB soy sauce
- 1 TB teriyaki sauce
- 1 TB toasted sesame oil
- 1 TB Srircha sauce
- 1 tsp. ketchup
- 1/4 tsp. rice vinegar
Directions:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add enough avocado oil to cover the full surface area of the skillet.
- Using tongs, add the cubed tofu into the hot oil. Let sit for about 7 minutes. Flip the tofu. Fry another 6 minutes until golden brown. Remove from heat.
- Place a paper towel on a plate. Use the tongs to place the fried tofu on the plate. Pat dry with another paper towel. Set aside.
- Use the same avocado oil that was used to fry the tofu to sauté the vegetables. Leave 2 TB of avocado oil in the pan and remove the remaining oil from the pan.
- On medium heat, add the minced garlic. Heat until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the red peppers, onion, and broccoli to the pan. Add salt and pepper to taste. Sauté until softened, about 8 minutes. Stir often.
- On low-heat, add the cooked noodles and fried tofu to the vegetables. Mix together until warmed, about 2 minutes.
- Prepare the sauce. Combine all sauce ingredients in a small bowl until well blended, about 1 minute.
- Pour the sauce over the tofu, veggie, and noodles in the skillet. Mix together. Enjoy!
