So I’m not a huge vegetarian cook, but I do live in New York and I’m in my twenties, so I’m always looking for ways to make inexpensive meals with milage. I also love Chinese flavors, so viola! Thus came about my marinated tofu with spicy coconut cabbage.

This recipe is ripe for adaptation. No soy sauce? Add some salt. Can’t find cabbage? Try bok choy or broccoli.  Like it spicy, add some chili oil with the coconut oil. Be adventurous!

Ingredients for Stir Fry

1 package firm or extra firm tofu (10 to 12 ozs)
1 small red cabbage, sliced thin
1 small green cabbage, sliced thin
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp ginger, minced
fresh basil, chopped to garnish (optional)
3 to 4 scallions, sliced thin, whites and greens separated
1 tbsp coconut oil
1 jalapeño or thai chili sliced paper thin (seeds/ribs depending on spice preference)
1 cup rice white rice

Ingredients for Marinade

1 tablespoon ginger, grated
1 cloves garlic, grated
zest and juice of 1 lime (2 if your limes aren’t juicy)
2 teaspoons fish sauce
2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
1 tbsp soy sauce
2 teaspoons tbsp of Mirin or sugar
2 tbsp of canola or olive oil
pinch of salt and pepper

In a large bowl or flat bowl, combine and mix all marinade ingredients.
Drain and rinse tofu. Make ½ inch slices, then cross slice into triangular slices.
Pat tofu with paper towels to remove excessive moisture.
Add tofu to marinade and make sure all pieces are well coated.
Cover with cling wrap. Refrigerate, at least overnight, up to three days.

Basic Rice

In a medium saucepan add 2 cups water, boil:
Add 1 cup rinsed rice to boiling water, lower heat to simmer
Cover with lid
Cook about 12 – 15 minutes, remove from heat

Cooking the Stir fry

Carefully remove tofu from the marinade, reserving the liquid. Dab with paper towels to help with browing.
Preheat wok or skillet to high. Add canola oil when pan is heated.
Just before oil smokes, add tofu in one singular layer for about 3-4 minutes per side, allowing space (do this in batches if you must)

Remove cooked tofu, reserve on a plate. Then:

Turn wok heat to high
Add coconut oil to pan
Add garlic and ginger, toss for about one minute
Add scallion whites, toss for for about one minute
Add jalapenos, cook for one minute
Add reserved marinade, cook a minute more until thickened, then..
Add cabbage, toss and cook for about 3 to 5 minutes, until cabbage is tender, yet firm
Toss In tofu, turn off heat,
add chopped green scallion and basil

Spoon about a cup of rice into a bowl, top with a spoonful of stir fry, serve immediately

Stir fried vegetarian dishes can save you time and money.  And they are healthy! A great weeknight dinner