I have been wanting to get more into the “non-meat” options since I have gotten my best friend, the airfryer! Let me tell you this, it does WONDERS with this tofu. I have always had tofu options whether it was at a restaurant or a Trader Joe’s frozen meal. It never excited me as much until I did an internet search for “Airfryer Tofu”.
This fried rice has a whirlwind of flavors. Between the yummy rice base with bursts of flavors from the sauteed veggies. I top the crispy tofu off with the spicy, but sweet peanut sauce. An absolute staple for my weekday dinners
TESSÁ’S TIPS
First off, these next two products, Nutritional Yeast and Almond Flour, I am going to link HERE. These are very heavily used in Vegetarian and Vegan dishes, I am not an expert on these benefits. HOWEVER, I can tell you that it makes me feel better and creates the feeling that I am really trying to make this dish correctly. Here is an article I have found explaining what it is, the benefits, how to use it, the nutritional value and much more!!
https://www.womenshealthmag.com/food/a26814464/nutritional-yeast-benefits/
As for the almond flour, it is a good alternative for flour. This is helpful for people with gluten allergies and those who desire low-carb recipes. I used it solely because I am new to this no meat dish lifestyle. I am not a vegetarian or vegan, just someone who wants to explore her horizons! Here is an article on the benefits, reasoning of what it is, and much more!
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/almond-flour
Cooking Guidelines
APPLIANCES/TOOLS
● A Cutie Air Fryer
● A pan for the “fried rice”
● Utensils for cooking
● Cutting Board
● A Knife
● Small bowls
● Measuring cups/Spoons (if you use those)
INGREDIENTS:
TOFU PART
● Extra Firm Tofu – I use Trader Joe’s tofu hehe!
● Almond Flour -This is an investment, but can be used for other things as well
● Nutritional Yeast – This is also an investment
● Seasonings BABY!! (LISTED BELOW B/C YOU WILL USE THIS SEASONING ON EVERYTHING)
“Fried Rice” PART
● Jasmine Rice – I use the frozen packaged one from Trader Joe’s
● Edamame BEANS – I use the frozen ones from Trader Joe’s
● Red Bell Pepper
● Broccoli Florets
● Red Onion
● Spinach
● Egg
LET’S GET SAUCEY
● Spicy Peanut Vinaigrette – This is sold at Trader Joe’s, any peanut sauce homemade or store bought will work!
● Lime wedges – for the aesthetic and the yummy juice
● Coconut Aminos – Great alternative for soy sauce
SEASONINGS B/C WE DO THAT IN THIS HOUSE
● Garlic Powder
● Onion Powder
● Salt
● Pepper
● Chili Lime Seasoning – I use Trader Joe’s
● Chipotle Chili Seasoning
● Oil – I use olive oil from Trader Joe’s
P.S can you guys tell I love Trader Joe’s/ it is the only grocery store that I can trek to easily.
Trek- a walk in some sorts that involves a long distance or a short distance. Usually enjoyed with another trekker.
HOW TO DO IT:
I personally like to chop everything up first and distribute where everything needs to go for the proper cooking. Helps with easy clean up and won’t annoy the roomies!
- RIGHT AWAY, press your tofu. You need to do this to draw out the maximum amount of water out of the tofu. The airfryer will do the rest, but you need to press as much as possible and also without breaking it. Tofu is very delicate, keep that in mind! I use a kitchen towel and a clear baking dish to grab the water and you can use this for the after dipping your Tofu in the TOFU MAGIC part.
- Then chop up about like 4 or 5 pieces of the tofu. I cut about a ¼ inch thick. Look at the picture to better understand the shape I made. This can be modified for how many pieces you want of tofu.
- I start by chopping up all the veggies and putting them into the pan that is of course already oiled up ready to go! I personally do not measure at all. I chop up enough for a personal meal and by the liking of the veggies in the dish. Do what you want.
- I then go ahead and measure out the desired amount of rice that you want. I personally do not like a lot of rice so I use like a ¼ cup, BUT this can be modified to the desired amount you like. REMEMBER this is Intuitive Eating, eat the amount you want and are hungry for. Leftovers ARE OKAY! If you want to ask your Doctor on how much carbs you should be eating then do so, but only if you want to.
- I go ahead and microwave the rice right away so I can add it to the veggies after they are done getting crispy and yummy.
- I then create the seasoning bowl. I combine all the seasonings above. I do not measure out with teaspoons etc at all. I season to taste, do the same!
I season everything that I am cooking with the same seasonings because that is the way I like it. You can just season the tofu and then salt & pepper the rice mixture. This is all up to you!! - In another bowl I combine 1 TABLESPOON of Nutritional Yeast and 2 TABLESPOONS of Almond Flour. This is your TOFU MAGIC. This can be modified to whatever amount of Tofu you are making. Just think of the 1:2 ratio for Nutritional Yeast vs. Almond Flour.
- Now oil up a tiny bit all over the tofu that you have prepared. Dip it into the TOFU MAGIC on both sides to make sure they are coated. Then season both sides with the season mixtures.
- Place your tofu into the airfryer drawer. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE ONE, you can use a pan or oven. Check out this link in regards to cooking instructions on the stovetop.
https://minimalistbaker.com/quick-easy-crispy-tofu/ - Turn on your airfryer to 400°F and set it first for 10 minutes. You can always check it and continue cooking to desired crispness. This is a learning experience so be easy on yourself, I definitely messed it up the first time! Might need like an extra 5 minutes after the 10 minute buzzer.
- While this is crisping up, put your pan of veggies on the stove top to about medium heat. Season with seasoning mixture and stir.
- Let your veggies cook and check on your tofu! Make sure it’s a golden brown.
- About halfway through the cooking process of your veggies, add your rice and sauces.
- Lastly, scramble the egg and add to the pan with the veggies and rice.
- Combine the ingredients in a medium sized bowl or whatever you want to eat it on. I start with the rice mixture then I add the tofu.
- I top with a little bunch of basil and a lime wedge. Add more sauce or coconut aminos for taste
- ENJOYYYY YOUR FOOD! Put on your favorite TV show and enjoy the alone time.