Lemongrass Tofu and Broccoli Recipe

Introduction

This Lemongrass Tofu and Broccoli dish offers a vibrant blend of flavors with fragrant lemongrass, aromatic garlic, and a touch of spice. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that’s perfect for both busy weeknights and relaxed weekends.

Ingredients

• 3 lemongrass stalks (white parts only), finely chopped (about 2 tablespoons)
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
• 2 tablespoons canola or other neutral oil
• 4 teaspoons sesame oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons granulated sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red-pepper flakes
• 1 (14- to 16-ounce) block extra-firm tofu, drained and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 yellow onion, halved and thinly sliced
• 1 pound broccoli, cut into small florets and halved
• Salt and pepper
• Big handful chopped cilantro or scallions
• Cooked rice, rice noodles or glass noodles, for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Make the lemongrass marinade by placing lemongrass, garlic, soy sauce, neutral oil, sesame oil, sugar, turmeric, and crushed red pepper in a large bowl; stir to combine.
2. Step 2: Add tofu cubes to the marinade and toss to coat. Let tofu marinate for 10 minutes, or cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
3. Step 3: Heat a wok or large (12-inch) skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes.
4. Step 4: Add onions to the tofu and toss lightly in the marinade. When skillet is hot, add tofu and onions, cooking and tossing often until onions soften slightly, about 2 minutes.
5. Step 5: Add broccoli, season with salt and pepper, and toss to combine.
6. Step 6: Reduce heat to medium, cover the skillet, and cook for 2 minutes. Uncover, toss quickly, cover again, and cook 1 more minute until broccoli is tender but still bright green.
7. Step 7: Top with chopped cilantro or scallions and serve with your choice of cooked rice, rice noodles, or glass noodles.

Tips & Variations

• Press the tofu for at least 20 minutes before marinating to remove excess moisture and improve texture.
• Add sliced bell peppers or snap peas for extra color and crunch.
• Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
• Adjust the red-pepper flakes to control the spiciness according to your taste.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. For the best texture, avoid overcooking when reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular firm tofu instead of extra-firm tofu?

Yes, you can use firm tofu, but extra-firm tofu holds its shape better during cooking and provides a firmer texture that works well in this recipe.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just substitute soy sauce with gluten-free tamari and ensure your noodles or rice are gluten-free as well.

Lemongrass Tofu and Broccoli Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 139 reviews

This vibrant Lemongrass Tofu and Broccoli stir-fry features fragrant lemongrass and aromatic spices combined with tender tofu and crisp broccoli florets. Marinated tofu cubes are quickly cooked with onions and broccoli in a flavorful blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, turmeric, and red pepper flakes, yielding a delicious, healthy, and satisfying plant-based meal perfect served over rice or noodles.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Asian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Marinade and Tofu

• 3 lemongrass stalks (white parts only), finely chopped (about 2 tablespoons)
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
• 2 tablespoons canola or other neutral oil
• 4 teaspoons sesame oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons granulated sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red-pepper flakes
• 1 (14- to 16-ounce) block extra-firm tofu, drained and cut into 1-inch cubes

Vegetables and Garnishes

• 1 yellow onion, halved and thinly sliced
• 1 pound broccoli, cut into small florets and halved
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Big handful chopped cilantro or scallions

Serving

• Cooked rice, rice noodles or glass noodles, for serving

Instructions

1. Make the lemongrass marinade: Place the finely chopped lemongrass, garlic, soy sauce or tamari, canola oil, sesame oil, sugar, turmeric, and crushed red pepper flakes in a large bowl. Stir everything together until fully combined to create a flavorful marinade.
2. Marinate the tofu: Add the cubed extra-firm tofu to the marinade and toss gently to coat all pieces well. Let the tofu marinate for at least 10 minutes at room temperature, or cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours to enhance the flavors.
3. Heat the skillet: Preheat a wok or large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes until hot enough for quick stir-frying.
4. Cook onions and tofu: Add the thinly sliced onions to the tofu and marinade mixture; toss to coat the onions. When the skillet is hot, add the tofu and onions to the pan. Stir frequently and cook for about 2 minutes until the onions soften slightly and tofu is heated through.
5. Add the broccoli: Toss in the broccoli florets, season generously with salt and pepper, and stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
6. Steam the broccoli: Reduce the heat to medium and cover the skillet with a lid or a sheet pan. Let the broccoli cook covered for 2 minutes, then uncover and toss the mixture briefly to ensure even cooking. Cover again and cook for an additional 1 minute, or until broccoli is tender but still bright green.
7. Finish and serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped cilantro or scallions on top. Serve the lemongrass tofu and broccoli hot over cooked rice, rice noodles, or glass noodles.

Notes

• Marinating the tofu longer (up to 24 hours) intensifies the lemongrass and spice flavors.
• For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
• Extra-firm tofu works best to hold shape during cooking.
• Covering the pan helps steam broccoli to the perfect tenderness while keeping its bright color.
• This dish can be customized with other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas.

Keywords: lemongrass tofu, broccoli stir-fry, vegetarian Asian recipe, tofu marinade, healthy tofu recipe, quick stir-fry, plant-based dinner