Over the past few weeks, most of my recipes have been beginner recipes that were pretty easy to make. This week, I have decided to make a recipe that is a little more complicated and requires a few more skills: spicy tofu stir-fry. If you want to try out your new cooking expertise or are looking for a challenge in the kitchen, this is a great first step in advancing your cooking capabilities.  This recipe’s Indian theme will also expand your taste horizons. Ingredients in this stir-fry that you may not see on your daily cheeseburger include lemongrass and chili peppers.

Many spices, roots, and other ingredients in this recipe have amazing health benefits. Turmeric is a spice that originated in South India and that has been used there for hundreds of years. It is a natural painkiller that detoxifies the liver and helps to manage weight gain. Another major ingredient in this recipe, chili peppers, contains one of the world’s healthiest compounds, capsaicin. Scientists are using this heart-healthy, weight-loss-boosting compound to find the cure for diabetes and even testing it as a cancer treatment!

Lemongrass is the main flavoring that the tofu absorbs in this recipe. This grass is native to South Asia and has a flavor of lemon, ginger, and mint. It is a vital ingredient used in Thai and Indian cooking. The antioxidant-rich lemongrass prevents cancer, lowers blood pressure, and makes skin clear and glowing!

Tofu is the next healthy ingredient in this recipe. It has a great source of protein and it is very low in fat and sodium. Its chemical compounds help to prevent breast cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

Although this recipe is not necessarily hard, it uses many techniques that are used in more complicated recipes. It requires you to use good cutting skills because the onions, shallots, garlic, lemongrass, etc. have to be cut in a certain way in order to cook evenly. Lemongrass, which may be unfamiliar to you, is exceptionally delicious and available at your local Whole Foods. Take this recipe and start your path to becoming a real chef! Enjoy!

Spicy Tofu Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• 2 stalks of lemongrass, outer layers peeled, with the bottom white part thinly sliced and finely chopped
• 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons chopped chili peppers
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground turmeric
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 12 ounces of tofu, drained and patted dry, and then cut into 3/4-inch cubes
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/2 of a yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons thinly sliced shallots
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 3 tablespoons minced peanuts
• 2/3 cups loosely packed basil

Directions:

1. Combine the lemongrass, soy sauce, chili peppers, turmeric, sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl. Add the tofu to the bowl and turn gently to coat it in the mixture. Marinate the tofu for about 30 minutes.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large non-stick frying pan over high heat. Add the onions, shallots, and garlic for about 1 minute, stirring until fragrant.
3. Add the marinated tofu to the pan, and once every minute shake the pan slightly and using a wooden spoon, turn the tofu so that it can cook evenly. Cook until the tofu is browned and the edges of the onions are soft, 5 – 7 minutes.
4. Add half of the peanuts and half of the basil leaves. Remove the pan from heat instantly and transfer the stir-fry to a serving plate. Garnish the dish with the remaining peanuts and basil and serve hot.