Citrus Tofu with Stir-Fried Veggies over Brown Rice

I recently discovered tofu.

Sure, I had heard of it before, but it was always described as some icky food that no one should never volutarily go near.  You know, like liver.

Then i took a trip to California.  I swear that place is like the home of all vegans.  Every resturant had some sort of tofu dish, and one night i went out on a limb and ordered one.  Guess what?  I really liked it.

So, i decided to make a vow to eat tofu at home too.  And this dish is part of my vow.

Citrus Flavored Tofu with Stir-Fried Vegetables and Brown Rice


For the tofu:
2 cups of firm or extra-firm tofu cubes (patted/pressed dry with paper towel)
1 1/2 Tbsp safflower oil for sauté
1 Tbsp maple syrup
1/4 cup orange juice
1/8 tsp orange zest
1 1/2 tsp soy sauce


1.  Combine maple syrup, orange juice, orange zest, and soy sauce in bowl.  For extra flavor you can marinate the tofu cubes in the mixture for at least an hour – or overnight. If marinating overnight, add in another 1/4 cup orange juice.
2.  Add the oil to a sauté pan. When oil is hot, add in the tofu. Allow to sear on one side.  This should take around 2 minutes 
3.  Add in 2 tbsp of the liquid mixture. Reduce heat if the pan is over-sizzling. Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes. Flip tofu as needed. Add the remaining liquid and sauté with movement to reduce the liquid. Continue sautéing until the tofu is crispy golden. 
4.  Add salt or pepper to taste if you want.


For the veggies:

I was pressed for time and cheated by just using a frozen stir-fried vegetable mix.  It tasted fine to me, but if you would rather make the veggies yourself just use whatever you like best.  The options are endless!

For the rice:

Cook it normally.  Nothing special here.

So there you go.  My vow to eat tofu at home as been fullfilled.  But that doesn't mean i'll stop making it!  It was delicious.  I encourage anyone (even someone who isn't so sure about tofu) to make it.