Introduction:
This delicious and wholesome recipe for Vegetarian Fried Rice with Crispy Tofu and Vegetable Egg Rolls is perfect for those seeking a meatless yet satisfying meal. The combination of flavorful fried rice and crunchy vegetable egg rolls creates a delightful dining experience. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe.
Ingredients:
For the Vegetable Fried Rice:
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (cold and preferably day-old)
- 8 oz extra-firm tofu, cubed
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish
For the Vegetable Egg Rolls:
- 8 spring roll wrappers
- 2 cups coleslaw mix (cabbage and carrots)
- 1/2 cup bean sprouts
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
For the Vegetable Fried Rice:
1. Prepare the Tofu:
- Press the tofu to remove excess water by wrapping it in a clean kitchen towel and placing a heavy object on top. Leave for 15-30 minutes. Then, cut the tofu into small cubes.
2. Fry the Tofu:
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed tofu and cook until it turns golden brown on all sides. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the onion becomes translucent.
4. Stir in Vegetables:
- Add the mixed vegetables to the skillet and stir-fry for an additional 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
5. Combine Rice and Seasoning:
- Add the cold, day-old cooked rice to the skillet. Stir well to combine with the vegetables.
- Drizzle the soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice. Add the ground ginger and crushed red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
- Mix everything together until the rice is evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Add Crispy Tofu:
- Gently fold the crispy tofu cubes into the fried rice mixture. Allow it to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat the tofu.
7. Serve:
- Serve the Vegetarian Fried Rice garnished with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions.
For the Vegetable Egg Rolls:
1. Prepare the Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, bean sprouts, minced garlic, ground ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Toss to combine.
2. Roll the Egg Rolls:
- Lay out a spring roll wrapper on a clean surface. Place a couple of tablespoons of the vegetable filling in the center of the wrapper.
- Fold the sides of the wrapper over the filling and roll it up tightly. Use a bit of water to seal the edges.
3. Fry the Egg Rolls:
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Carefully add the egg rolls and fry until they turn golden brown and crispy, usually about 3-4 minutes.
4. Serve:
- Serve the crispy Vegetable Egg Rolls alongside the Vegetarian Fried Rice.
Conclusion:
Enjoy a delightful and meatless meal with this recipe for Vegetarian Fried Rice with Crispy Tofu and Vegetable Egg Rolls. The combination of flavors and textures makes this dish a real treat for your taste buds. Whether you’re a vegetarian or simply looking for a tasty meat-free option, this recipe is a great choice for a satisfying meal.