Curry Fried Rice With Tofu Recipe

I gotta say, every time i whip up my Curry Fried Rice With Tofu, it feels like i’m turning even the most boring weeknight into a fun, flavor-packed adventure with that day-old jasmine rice, crispy tofu and all those kickin spices that just make my taste buds go wild.

My Curry Fried Rice With Tofu is really balanced. I use day-old jasmine rice, firm tofu, onion, garlic and red bell pepper for a satisfying mix of protein, fiber and vitamins.

I think the kick from curry powder and a touch of ginger makes it extra tasty.

Ingredients

• Jasmine Rice: Provides essential carbohydrates and slight stickiness that works best when day-old.
• Tofu: High-protein extra firm cubes absorb curry and soy sauce for a yummy taste.
• Onion: Diced onion gives fiber and a sweet savory base when fried in oil.
• Garlic: Minced garlic add bold flavor and a great aroma to the dish.
• Red Bell Pepper: Diced red bell pepper contributes crisp texture and just enough sweetness.
• Mixed Vegetables: A blend of peas and carrots gives extra vitamins while adding crunch.
• Curry Powder: It infuses the dish with exotic, spicy flavor; really makes it pop.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (it works best if its day-old rice)
• 14 oz extra firm tofu, pressed and cut into cubes
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (a mix of peas and carrots is great)
• 2 tablespoons curry powder
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional but adds a nice kick)
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground if you can)
• 2 green onions, chopped (optional for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional for extra flavor)

How to Make this

1. Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed tofu and fry until it’s lightly golden on all sides, then remove it from the skillet and set aside.

2. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté until it begins to soften. Then toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cook for about a minute until fragrant.

3. Next, add the red bell pepper and mixed vegetables to the skillet. Stir them in and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until they get a bit tender.

4. Stir in the curry powder and make sure it coats the veggies well. Let it cook for about a minute so the spices really bloom.

5. Now add in the cooked jasmine rice, breaking up any clumps if they form. Mix everything together really well so the curry flavor spreads evenly.

6. Pour in the soy sauce and sprinkle the salt and freshly ground black pepper over the rice. Stir thoroughly so that every grain gets a nice touch of seasoning.

7. Return the tofu back to the skillet and combine it with the rice and veggies. Cook for another couple of minutes to let the tofu warm back up.

8. If you like that extra flavor, drizzle the sesame oil over the mix and give it another good stir.

9. Check for seasoning and adjust the salt and pepper if needed.

10. Finally, garnish with the chopped green onions, serve hot, and enjoy your delicious Curry Fried Rice With Tofu!

Equipment Needed

1. A large skillet (for frying tofu and cooking the veggies)
2. A spatula or wooden spoon (for constant stirring)
3. A cutting board (for chopping the veggies and herbs)
4. A sharp chef knife (for dicing the onion, red bell pepper, and mincing the garlic)
5. Measuring cups and spoons (to get the rice, oil, spices, and sauces right)
6. A grater (for accurately measuring the ginger)
7. A small bowl or plate (to set aside the fried tofu before mixing it back in)

FAQ

• What type of rice works best for this dish? Day-old jasmine rice is perfect cause its firmer and doesn’t get mushy like freshly cooked rice.
• Can I use firm tofu instead of extra firm? Sure you can, but extra firm tofu holds it’s shape better when fryed so i recommend sticking with extra firm if possible.
• Do i have to press the tofu? Yes, its best to press the tofu to remove extra moisture so it fries up nice and crispy.
• Can i add other veggies? Absolutely, you can add your fav veggies to make the dish more colorful. I like to throw in broccoli or green beans sometimes.
• Is the sesame oil necessary? Not really, its optional. But a splash of sesame oil at the end really adds a tasty nutty flavor to the fried rice.

Curry Fried Rice With Tofu Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Rice: If you dont have jasmine rice, you can use cooked basmati or long grain white rice. Its works just as good especially if its day-old.
• Tofu: When you cant get extra firm tofu, you can try tempeh for a different texture or even chickpeas if you’re looking for a protein boost.
• Vegetable oil: In a pinch, you could substitute it with canola or a light olive oil. They both work fine in stir-fries.
• Red bell pepper: Yellow or orange bell peppers can replace the red one, giving you a similar sweet crunch and color.
• Mixed vegetables: If you dont have that mix, use frozen peas and carrots. They work just as well once they’re thawed.

Pro Tips

1. If you’re using day-old rice, make sure its really cold from the fridge because warm rice can turn into a mushy mess real quick, and trust me, that kills the texture.
2. When you’re frying the tofu, avoid overcrowding the pan so each cube gets a nice, even golden crust instead of steaming in its own juice. This helps it stay crispy and adds a better flavor.
3. Be careful with the spices; letting the curry powder and garlic fry in the oil for just a minute really makes them bloom, but if you overcook them, they can get bitter so keep an eye on it.
4. Once everything is nearly done, add the sesame oil at the very end. Drizzle it quickly over the hot mix so you keep that nutty aroma without losing too much flavor by cooking it too long.