Golden pan-seared tofu meets candy bell peppers and juicy summer season tomatoes on this fast stovetop skillet – a satisfying weeknight dinner that comes collectively in about 40 minutes.
Key Substances & Substitutions
- Agency or extra-firm tofu. Types the protein base of the dish. Press and blot it effectively so it browns as a substitute of steaming. Cubed tempeh works as a swap, or use chickpeas for a soy-free model.
- Bell peppers. Convey sweetness, coloration, and physique. Use any mixture of crimson, yellow, and orange you want – a poblano or two provides a gentle kick. Zucchini or eggplant strips work in a pinch.
- Ripe, juicy tomatoes. Break down into a lightweight, chunky sauce as they prepare dinner. Use the ripest in-season tomatoes you will discover; a 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes (drained) works when good contemporary ones aren’t round.
- Onion and garlic. The fragrant base for the entire skillet. Shallots can stand in for the onion if that is what’s available.
- Sizzling or delicate chili peppers. Add background warmth. Go away them out totally, or use a pinch of crimson pepper flakes as a substitute.
- Recent oregano, parsley, and/or basil. Brighten the completed dish. Dried oregano works too – use a couple of third of the quantity since dried herbs are extra concentrated.
Variations
- Mediterranean type. Stir in kalamata olives and capers together with the tomatoes.
- Further greens. Fold in a couple of handfuls of child spinach or chopped kale over the past couple minutes of cooking.
- Vegan feta end. Crumble vegan feta excessive simply earlier than serving.
- Smoky and heat. Add smoked paprika and a little bit floor cumin with the garlic for a Spanish-inspired take.
- Flip it right into a pasta. Toss the completed skillet with cooked orzo or penne for a heartier one-pan meal.
- Flip up the warmth. Add a diced jalapeño together with the bell peppers, or end with a pinch of crimson pepper flakes.
Suggestions for the Finest Summer season Tofu Skillet
- Press the tofu effectively. Blot it totally between towels earlier than dicing – that is the one greatest consider getting good golden coloration as a substitute of steamed, soggy cubes.
- Do not crowd the pan. Give the tofu room to brown; work in two batches in case your skillet is on the smaller facet.
- Use ripe, in-season tomatoes. Juicy, flavorful tomatoes make the sauce – mealy or under-ripe ones will style flat.
- Hold the peppers coated whereas they prepare dinner. This lets them steam-soften utilizing their very own moisture, no further liquid wanted.
- Season on the very finish. Tomato acidity varies rather a lot, so style and regulate the salt and pepper proper earlier than serving.
Tips on how to Serve
This skillet is hearty sufficient to serve by itself, however it’s even higher spooned over a easy cooked grain like rice, farro, or quinoa, or piled onto crusty bread to absorb the juices. A giant contemporary inexperienced salad rounds out the meal properly, and leftovers reheat effectively for a fast lunch the following day.
Recipe
Summer season Tofu Skillet with Tomatoes and Bell Peppers
Golden pan-seared tofu meets candy bell peppers and juicy summer season tomatoes on this fast stovetop skillet, prepared in about 40 minutes.
Servings:
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Substances
- 1 15- to 16-ounce tub agency or extra-firm tofu pressed and diced
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil divided
- 1 giant onion quartered and thinly sliced
- 3 to 4 bell peppers of varied colours reduce into lengthy strips
- 2 to 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 ½ kilos ripe, juicy tomatoes diced
- 1 to 2 small sizzling or delicate chili peppers seeded and minced
- Recent oregano leaves from a number of sprigs, finely chopped
- Minced contemporary parsley and/or sliced basil leaves as desired
- Salt and freshly floor pepper to style
Directions
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Reduce the tofu into 6 equal slabs and blot effectively between layers of paper towels or a clear tea towel. Cube into ½-inch cubes.
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In a big skillet or wok, warmth 1 tablespoon of the olive oil over medium warmth on the stovetop. Add the tofu and sauté, stirring incessantly, till golden on most sides, 7 to eight minutes. Switch to a plate and put aside.
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Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the identical skillet over medium warmth. Add the onion and sauté till golden, about 5 minutes.
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Stir within the bell peppers and garlic. Cowl and prepare dinner over medium warmth for about 7 minutes, lifting the lid to stir often, till the peppers are almost tender.
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Return the tofu to the skillet together with the tomatoes, chili peppers, oregano, and parsley and/or basil. Cowl and prepare dinner for five to 7 minutes longer, till the tomatoes have softened and every thing is heated by way of.
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Season with salt and pepper to style and serve directly.
Notes
For the most effective texture, blot the tofu very effectively earlier than dicing so it browns as a substitute of steaming. Any coloration mixture of bell peppers works effectively right here.
