Dry Tofu with Celery Stir-fry Recipe

Dry tofu: A firmer and denser version of regular tofu, perfect for stir-fries.

Celery: Adds a fresh, crunchy texture to the dish.

Garlic: Provides a fragrant and savory base flavor.

Soy sauce: Adds a salty and umami-rich taste.

Vegetable oil: Used for sautéing the ingredients.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth.

When stir-frying tofu, ensure that it is well-pressed to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a better texture and allows the tofu to absorb the flavors more effectively. Additionally, slice the celery at a slight diagonal angle to increase the surface area, which not only enhances the visual appeal but also allows it to cook more evenly and quickly.

• dry tofu - Substitute with tempeh: Tempeh has a similar texture and absorbs flavors well, making it a good alternative to dry tofu.

• dry tofu - Substitute with seitan: Seitan has a chewy texture that can mimic the firmness of dry tofu in stir-fry dishes.

• celery - Substitute with bok choy: Bok choy provides a similar crunch and mild flavor, making it a suitable replacement for celery.

• celery - Substitute with snap peas: Snap peas offer a crisp texture and a slightly sweet flavor that can complement the dish well.

• garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, slightly sweet flavor that can replace garlic in the stir-fry.

• garlic - Substitute with ginger: Ginger adds a different but complementary flavor profile, providing a bit of spice and warmth.

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

• soy sauce - Substitute with coconut aminos: Coconut aminos offer a slightly sweeter and less salty flavor, suitable for those avoiding soy.

• vegetable oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil is a healthy alternative that can be used for stir-frying, though it has a distinct flavor.

• vegetable oil - Substitute with sesame oil: Sesame oil adds a nutty flavor that can enhance the overall taste of the stir-fry.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add both saltiness and umami flavor, reducing the need for additional salt.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a direct replacement for regular salt, offering a slightly different mineral content.

• pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor profile, often used in Asian cuisine.

• pepper - Substitute with chili flakes: Chili flakes add a bit of heat and a different kind of spiciness to the dish.

• Allow the dry tofu with celery stir-fry to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
• Transfer the cooled stir-fry into an airtight container. Make sure the container is clean and dry to maintain the freshness of the ingredients.
• For short-term storage, place the container in the refrigerator. The dish will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
• For longer storage, consider freezing the stir-fry. Portion the dish into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label the containers with the date to keep track of storage time.
• When freezing, try to remove as much air as possible from the containers or bags to prevent freezer burn. This will help maintain the texture and flavor of the tofu and celery.
• To reheat from frozen, thaw the stir-fry in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, reheat in a pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat directly from frozen by microwaving on a low setting, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
• If the dish appears dry after reheating, add a splash of soy sauce or a bit of vegetable oil to revive its moisture and flavor.
• Avoid refreezing the stir-fry once it has been thawed and reheated, as this can compromise the texture and taste of the tofu and celery.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of vegetable oil to the pan.
  3. Once the oil is hot, add the leftover dry tofu with celery stir-fry.
  4. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating, for about 5-7 minutes or until heated through.
  5. If the dish seems dry, add a splash of soy sauce or a bit of water to keep it moist.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the leftover dry tofu with celery stir-fry in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Stir the dish halfway through to ensure even heating.
  5. Check if it's heated through; if not, continue microwaving in 30-second increments.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the dry tofu with celery stir-fry in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  4. Bake for 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  5. Check if the dish is heated through; if not, continue baking for an additional 5 minutes.

• Steaming Method:

  1. Set up a steamer or use a pot with a steaming basket.
  2. Place the leftover dry tofu with celery stir-fry in a heatproof dish that fits in the steamer.
  3. Steam for about 5-7 minutes or until heated through.
  4. This method helps retain the moisture and freshness of the dish.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the dry tofu with celery stir-fry in the air fryer basket.
  3. Heat for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Check if the dish is heated through; if not, continue heating for an additional 2 minutes.

• Pan: Essential for stir-frying the tofu and celery. A non-stick or cast-iron pan works best to prevent sticking.

• Spatula: Useful for stirring and flipping the tofu and celery to ensure even cooking.

• Knife: Needed for slicing the tofu and celery, as well as mincing the garlic.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe and stable surface for slicing the tofu, celery, and mincing the garlic.

• Measuring spoons: Helps in accurately measuring the soy sauce, salt, and pepper.

• Garlic press: Optional, but can be used to mince the garlic more efficiently.

• Serving dish: For plating the finished stir-fry and serving it hot.

Prep ingredients ahead: Slice the tofu and celery in advance and store them in airtight containers in the fridge.

Use pre-minced garlic: Save time by using store-bought minced garlic instead of mincing it yourself.

High heat cooking: Use high heat to stir-fry the tofu and celery quickly, reducing overall cooking time.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and store leftovers for quick meals later in the week.

Efficient cleanup: Use non-stick pans to minimize scrubbing time after cooking.