Ingredients:

  • 1 block (14 oz / 400g) extra firm tofu, drained and cubed
  • 2 tbsp (16g) cornstarch
  • ½ tsp (3g) salt
  • 2 tbsp (30ml) neutral oil
  • ¼ cup (60ml) soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp (5ml) toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tsp (5g) cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) water
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) neutral oil
  • 3 cloves (9g) garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp (6g) fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 cups (150g) broccoli florets
  • 1 red bell pepper (150g), sliced
  • 1 large carrot (60g), julienned
  • 2 green onions (10g), sliced

Instructions:

  1. Prep the tofu. Pat the tofu cubes firmly with paper towels to remove excess water. In a medium bowl, toss the cubes with cornstarch and salt until evenly coated.
  2. Rest and whisk. Let the tofu sit for 2 minutes. While it rests, whisk together the soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water in a small bowl until the cornstarch is fully dissolved.
  3. Heat the pan. Heat 2 tbsp (30ml) of oil in the wok over medium high heat until shimmering.
  4. Sear the tofu. Add tofu in a single layer. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side without crowding. Remove when the cubes have a mahogany colored, shattering crust and set them aside on a plate.
  5. Sauté hard veg. Add another tablespoon of oil to the same pan. Toss in the broccoli and carrots, stirring for 3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
  6. Add aromatics. Add the bell peppers, garlic, and ginger. Cook for another 2 minutes until the garlic smells nutty and fragrant.
  7. Combine. Return the crispy tofu to the pan.
  8. The Final Glaze. Give the sauce a quick whisk and pour it over the mixture. Stir constantly for 1–2 minutes until the sauce transforms from a liquid to a velvety glaze that clings to every piece.
  9. Garnish. Turn off the heat and toss in the sliced green onions.