Buddha's Delight Recipe

Broccoli florets: Fresh and crunchy, these add a vibrant green color and a healthy dose of vitamins.

Carrot: Sliced thinly, they bring a slight sweetness and a beautiful orange hue to the dish.

Snow peas: Crisp and slightly sweet, they add a delightful crunch.

Baby corn: These tiny corn cobs are tender and add a unique texture.

Firm tofu: Cubed and stir-fried until golden, it provides a protein-rich element.

Soy sauce: Adds a salty, savory flavor that enhances the overall taste.

Oyster sauce: Brings a rich umami depth to the dish.

Sesame oil: A fragrant oil that adds a nutty aroma and flavor.

Garlic: Minced and stir-fried, it infuses the dish with a pungent, aromatic base.

Ginger: Minced and added for a zesty, slightly spicy kick.

When stir-frying tofu, make sure to press it beforehand to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a golden brown and crispy texture. Use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to wrap the tofu, then place a heavy object on top for about 15-20 minutes. This step ensures the tofu absorbs the flavors better and doesn't fall apart during cooking.

• broccoli florets - Substitute with cauliflower florets: Cauliflower has a similar texture and can absorb flavors well, making it a good alternative.

• carrot - Substitute with bell pepper: Bell peppers add a different but complementary sweetness and crunch to the dish.

• snow peas - Substitute with sugar snap peas: Sugar snap peas have a similar crisp texture and sweet flavor.

• baby corn - Substitute with water chestnuts: Water chestnuts provide a similar crunch and mild flavor.

• firm tofu - Substitute with tempeh: Tempeh offers a firmer texture and a nutty flavor, making it a good protein alternative.

• soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative with a similar umami flavor.

• oyster sauce - Substitute with hoisin sauce: Hoisin sauce provides a similar sweet and savory flavor profile.

• sesame oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used for its mild flavor, though it lacks the distinct nuttiness of sesame oil.

• garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder, sweeter flavor that can complement the dish well.

• ginger - Substitute with galangal: Galangal has a similar spicy and aromatic profile, though it is slightly more citrusy.

• Allow the Buddha's Delight to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the vegetables soggy.
• Transfer the cooled dish into an airtight container. Ensure the container is large enough to avoid squishing the tofu and vegetables.
• Store the container in the refrigerator. The dish will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• For longer storage, consider freezing. Place the Buddha's Delight in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag.
• Label the container with the date to keep track of its freshness.
• When ready to eat, thaw the dish in the refrigerator overnight.
• Reheat in a wok or skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of soy sauce or sesame oil if needed to refresh the flavors.
• Avoid microwaving, as it can make the tofu rubbery and the vegetables mushy.

• Stovetop Method:

  • Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  • Add a splash of sesame oil or a bit of water to prevent sticking.
  • Add the leftover Buddha's Delight and stir occasionally.
  • Cook for about 5-7 minutes until everything is heated through.

• Microwave Method:

  • Place the Buddha's Delight in a microwave-safe dish.
  • Cover with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  • Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  • Check if it's heated evenly; if not, continue in 30-second intervals.

• Oven Method:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Spread the Buddha's Delight evenly on a baking sheet.
  • Cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  • Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

• Steaming Method:

  • Set up a steamer basket over boiling water.
  • Place the Buddha's Delight in the basket.
  • Steam for about 5-7 minutes until thoroughly heated.

• Air Fryer Method:

  • Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  • Place the Buddha's Delight in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  • Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Wok: A large, round-bottomed cooking vessel ideal for stir-frying, allowing for even heat distribution and quick cooking.

• Spatula: A flat, broad tool used to flip and stir ingredients, ensuring even cooking and preventing sticking.

• Cutting board: A durable surface used for chopping and slicing vegetables and tofu, keeping your countertops safe.

• Chef's knife: A versatile knife used for slicing, dicing, and chopping ingredients with precision.

• Measuring cups: Tools used to measure out the exact quantities of vegetables and sauces needed for the recipe.

• Garlic press: A small tool used to mince garlic quickly and efficiently.

• Grater: A tool used to mince ginger finely, ensuring it blends well into the dish.

• Mixing bowl: A bowl used to combine and mix ingredients before adding them to the wok.

• Serving spoon: A large spoon used to serve the finished dish onto plates or bowls.

• Rice cooker: An appliance used to cook steamed rice perfectly to accompany the dish.

Prep ingredients ahead: Chop broccoli florets, slice carrots, and cube tofu in advance.

Use pre-cut vegetables: Buy pre-cut snow peas and baby corn to save chopping time.

Marinate tofu: Marinate tofu in soy sauce and oyster sauce beforehand for extra flavor.

Batch cook: Double the recipe and store leftovers for quick meals later.

Use a food processor: Mince garlic and ginger quickly with a food processor.