In the midst of our endlessly busy lives, finding a dinner recipe that's both quick and bursting with nutrition can feel like striking gold. That's exactly why my Farmers Market Veggie Stir Fry, complete with crispy tofu and a delightfully simple sauce, has become a weekly staple in my house. Imagine this: a colorful array of fresh vegetables, perfectly crispy tofu, tender noodles, all brought together with a sauce that's as easy as it is delicious. And the best part? It's ready in just 30 minutes, making it the ultimate weeknight hero.
Farmers Market Produce
Living in sunny California, I'm spoiled with year-round access to farmers markets, a treasure trove of the freshest produce you can find. Shopping at these local markets not only supports the environment by reducing food miles but also ensures that the food gracing our plates is as fresh and nutrient-packed as possible with reduced travel time. Plus, navigating through the vibrant stalls of a farmers market encourages eating seasonally, a practice that's not only better for the planet but also adds an exciting variety to our meals.
Nutrition Info
This stir fry is a testament to the power of seasonal eating, featuring a mix of whatever vegetables are in their prime. From the cruciferous charm of Brussels sprouts, the snappy sweetness of green beans, to the crisp crunch of snap peas, each vegetable not only adds a unique texture and flavor but also brings its own set of health benefits to the table. These greens are not just about color; they're a powerhouse of nutrients. Brussels sprouts and green beans are rich in vitamins C and K, fiber, and potent antioxidants, while snap peas offer a sweet crunch along with a healthy dose of vitamin C, iron, and a significant amount of fiber.
Speaking of fiber, let’s not overlook its importance in our diet. Fiber is essential for keeping our digestive system running smoothly, aids in controlling blood sugar levels, and can even help in managing our weight by keeping us feeling full longer. Integrating a variety of vegetables into your meals, as this stir fry does, ensures you're not just feeding your body but nourishing it.
Let's Elevate Tofu
The trick to a good plant based meal is having tasty and textured protein. After you press your tofu (so important for the texture), the key to resembling a meat protein is tearing your tofu into chunks. This allows it to have a more natural and rugged texture while also holding more of the cornstarch and soy sauce used for crisping. One of the best uses of an air fryer (in my opinion) is for tofu. Sticking it in the air fryer for 15 minutes once it's been coated with cornstarch and any seasoning (in this case soy sauce), will crisp it to perfection.
I hope you enjoy this weeknight dinner recipe!
Veggie Noodle Stir Fry
Ingredients
Sauce
- 2 ½ tablespoon tamari
- 1 tablespoon olive oil can sub avocado oil
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 ½ tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
- 2 teaspoon lime juice
Everything Else
- 8 oz of noodles I used Soba rice noodles
- 1 14 oz. package extra-firm tofu
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Veggies- the more the merrier to get a variety I used brussels sprouts, green beans, snap peas, & broccoli chopped
- 1 ½ tablespoon olive or avocado oil
- To Garnish: Green onion, cilantro, sesame seeds
As we wrap up this recipe, I hope it brings as much joy and vibrancy to your dinner table as it has to mine. This Farmers Market Veggie Stir Fry is more than just a meal; it's a celebration of fresh, nutritious eating that fits perfectly into our busy lives, and actually tastes good. I'd love to hear how it turns out for you! Please take a moment to rate and review the recipe, sharing any tweaks or additions that made it even more special for you.
If you liked this recipe, check out this 30-minute dinner peanut noodle stir fry!
[…] If you’re looking for other weeknight dinners, be sure to check out this veggie stir fry recipe with crispy tofu! […]