Stir-fried Tofu and Vegetables with Miso Sauce

by SusanV on November 2, 2009

Stir-fried Tofu and Vegetables with Miso Sauce

I don’t post a lot of stir-fry recipes because, as I’ve mentioned before, I tend to make them by feel, adding whatever amounts of vegetables and sauce feel right. Since I usually use the same basic ingredients, most of my stir-fries taste about the same. But not this one. Adding a miso-based sauce to my stir-”fried” veggies (they’re really stir-steamed) took this easy dish to a new level. And if I hadn’t had a tub of miso that I needed to use up, I never would have thought of it. If you love the rich flavor of mellow white miso, you’re going to love this dish!

2009 Veggie AwardsBut before I get to the recipe, I have a thank-you, an update, and a recommendation for you: First of all, thanks to everyone who voted for this blog in VegNews‘ Veggie Awards, we won! I am so honored that, with all the excellent vegan blogs out there, you chose to vote for this one. Thank you!

My update involves another thank-you, to all of you generous people who have contributed to the Walk for Farm Animals or have adopted turkeys through Farm Sanctuary this year. As you can see from the Firstgiving ticker in the right sidebar, we are very close to our goal of $2000. But if you haven’t already given, don’t let that stop you! Going over goal would mean just that much more help for the animals.

Finally, a recommendation for all of you who are planning your Thanksgiving menus. Nava Atlas has once again compiled a Thanksgiving e-cookbook, A Bountiful Vegan Thanksgiving. This year she’s asked at least a dozen vegan cookbook authors and bloggers to contribute some of their favorites (you’ll find two of mine there) for a total of 65 delicious recipes. All the profits go to charity, and for $8.95, it’s a bargain.

Now, back to that stir-fry…

The only time-consuming part of this recipe is the chopping. I used packaged baked tofu (not something I usually buy but I got it on sale for half-off) and sliced the vegetables extra thin so that they cooked in a flash. Then, I served the cooked vegetables over buckwheat soba noodles because they also cook quickly, but if you’re in less of a hurry than I was, brown rice, quinoa, or your favorite whole grain would also make a nice “bed” for the stir-fry. Just do serve it on top of something–the sauce is intentionally thin and plentiful enough to deliver that great miso flavor to whatever’s underneath it.

Stir-fried Tofu and Vegetables with Miso Sauce

Stir-fried Tofu and Vegetables with Miso Sauce
(printer-friendly version)

Having the vegetables pre-chopped and the sauce made is the key to this quick stir-fry, which cooks for about 5 minutes.

2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 pound baby bok choy
1 large carrot
6 ounces mushrooms
1/2 red bell pepper
8 ounces baked tofu

Sauce
2 tablespoons shiro (white) miso
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon sriracha or other chile sauce
1 tablespoon mirin
1 teaspoon agave nectar (or other liquid sweetener)
1/4 teaspoon toasted sesame oil (optional*)

Wash bok choy, cut off the green tops, chop them coarsely, and place in a bowl. Slice the white parts about 1/2-inch thick and place in another large bowl. Cut the carrot into matchsticks and add it to the white bok choy bowl. Slice the mushrooms, and put them with the carrots. Slice the bell pepper thinly and add it to the bok choy greens. Dice the tofu and set aside.

Place the miso and cornstarch into a bowl and gradually add the water as you whisk it to combine smoothly. Add the remaining sauce ingredients and set aside.

Heat a large non-stick skillet or wok (or regular skillet that has been rubbed or sprayed lightly with canola oil). When it’s hot, add the garlic and stir for about 30 seconds. Add the white bok choy/carrot mixture and 2 tablespoons water and cover immediately. Steam for about 2 minutes. Add the bok choy greens, cover, and cook until just wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in the tofu and the sauce and cook until tofu is heated through and sauce is slightly thickened. Serve immediately over noodles or whole grain.

*The sesame oil adds only 1 gram of fat and 10 calories to the entire dish (all three servings combined).

Servings: 3


Nutrition Facts

Nutrition (per serving): 169 calories, 51 calories from fat, 6.1g total fat, 0mg cholesterol, 623.9mg sodium, 820.2mg potassium, 19g carbohydrates, 4.3g fiber, 9.8g sugar, 13.4g protein, 3.1 points.

Though MyPoints are calculated using a formula similar to Weight Watchers Points TM, this site has no affiliation with Weight Watchers and does not guarantee the accuracy of this information.


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Labels: CORE, Eat to Live, Gluten-Free, Higher-Fat, Soy

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{ 35 comments… read them below or add one }

Kalyn November 2, 2009 at 10:52 am

Woo Hoo, congratulations Susan.

Reply

dmargster November 2, 2009 at 11:23 am

Of course you won, Susan! Your blog is hands down the best recipe blog out there, vegan or otherwise. I have voraciously browsed the blogosphere for a number of years in search of recipes that are healthy, delicious and veg*n, and in my less-than-humble opinion no site comes close with yours. Please keep on doing what you're doing.

Needless to add, I will be making this stir-fry recipe…as soon as I have finished the leftovers of your Golden Potato and Tempeh Casserole I made last night.

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Paul November 2, 2009 at 11:48 am

Congratulations Susan!
Thanks for another great recipe, I'll be making this one tonight.

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The Ordinary Vegetarian November 2, 2009 at 11:51 am

Congrats on the Veggie Awards win, you most definitely deserve it!

I've never used miso in a stir fry sauce, I love this idea. Bonus: just picked up a new container of mellow white miso yesterday!

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dajjoy November 2, 2009 at 12:06 pm

miso is a very delicous food. We always use miso in fish

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moonwatcher November 2, 2009 at 12:27 pm

Congratulations, Susan–as another poster said, it's no surprise–your blog has been feeding me for nearly two years straight now, and you've taught me just about everything I know about cooking oil and animal free. Your blog is truly a gift to us, and you deserve the award hands down.

I LOVE miso, and add it routinely to soups, so this will be great to try. Can't wait!

xo

moonwatcher

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dreaminitvegan November 2, 2009 at 12:40 pm

Congrats on the Veggie Blog Award!

Your stir-fry looks wonderful! I have made a miso ginger sauce before but not in a while. Like you I always have to adjust the sauce accordingly.

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bordervegan November 2, 2009 at 5:26 pm

This looks so delicious. I can't wait to make it!

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Trinity (of haiku tofu) November 2, 2009 at 5:40 pm

Yum yum yum! That stir-steam looks awesome. Congrats on the Veggie Blog Award- I voted for you!

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Tiffany C. November 2, 2009 at 5:58 pm

That stir-fry looks delicious. Congrats on the Veggie Blog win–your work is truly awesome. :)

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taleoftwovegans November 2, 2009 at 6:07 pm

Congratulations, I can't think of a more deserving winner. Your blog constantly provides me with great recipes (have yet to find one I haven't liked) and ideas so thank you so much for keeping it up! :)
-K

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Xtreme English November 2, 2009 at 6:14 pm

Congratulations! and thanks for the new recipe for stirfry. can't wait to try it.

btw, I've become a fan of Singapore noodles. so yummy. and I can even live without the tofu.

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Cosmos November 2, 2009 at 6:54 pm

you deserve to win. I am addicted to your tofu omelet for one by the way!

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Anonymous November 2, 2009 at 8:49 pm

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Reply

custom desk November 2, 2009 at 9:36 pm

Tofu has been in my diet for months now and it really helped me to avoid pork and beef.

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Laina November 2, 2009 at 10:20 pm

Congrats, Susan!!! We appreciate you so much!

I've never tried miso. Where would I get it and what is it?

This looks like a great, easy meal.

Thanks,
Laina :-)

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SusanV November 2, 2009 at 10:48 pm

Thanks, Laina! About the miso: It's a fermented paste made of soy beans, rice, and/or other grains. You can find it in Asian markets, but you have to be careful because some of the brands contain fish (bonito). A safer place to buy it is in a natural food store where it's often organic and completely vegan and all-natural. It's available in different colors, and generally speaking, the darker it is, the stronger the taste. It is a high-sodium ingredient, so use it sparingly (you can also find lower-sodium versions if you look). In this recipe, I used instead of broth, soy sauce, and salt so it alone provides the saltiness.

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moreclick November 3, 2009 at 3:05 am

owww it is a delicious =) thnks

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Isabel Ramos November 3, 2009 at 8:23 am

Congratulations, Susan!
Congratulations on the great recipes, of course; but also congratulations on your texts and on your excellent photos!
Big hug, from Germany (very cold!, the weather, not the hug :-) )

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chow vegan November 3, 2009 at 8:46 am

Looks delicious! and congratulations! :-)

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Elaine November 3, 2009 at 9:46 pm

Congrats, Susan, on your win, I was another who voted for you! I subscribe to several blogs but yours is the one I find myself saving recipes from the most.

Can't wait to try this recipe and also try out my new Tofu Xpress. I love miso so this will be a great new way to use it. Thanks for all the wonderful recipes and ideas, they help so much when faced with another day of "what to make for dinner"!

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Bill Medifast November 3, 2009 at 9:57 pm

I am a big stir fry fan, especially when it comes to emptying out the fridge from all those left over vegetables. This looks like a great recipe that may actually require me to buy fresh vegetables.

You can never go wrong with stir fry! Thanks for sharing this recipe.

Bill M.

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Carolyn November 3, 2009 at 11:03 pm

The recognition is well deserved, congratulations! And I just ordered Nava's E-book, it will be a fabulous resource for the coming season. We should all be striving to come up with some noteworthy dishes for the next couple of months!

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sarahk November 4, 2009 at 8:29 am

Congratulations, Susan, and thanks for another great recipe. It's always exciting when I see that you've posted a new one and I was especially thrilled to realise that I had all the ingredients to hand except the red bell pepper.

We're heading into summer here and this was the perfect recipe to make at the end of a hot day. Not much prep, lots of lovely fresh vegetables and very little time spent over the hot stove. This will be added to my list of recipes in high rotation.

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FoodFitnessFreshair November 4, 2009 at 8:10 pm

That looks delicious. Tofu is so versatile!

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Dentists Fort Myers November 6, 2009 at 12:53 am

Wow, I really think that this dish is very delicious! Thanks for sharing the recipe. I just hope that I can find Shiro Miso in a supermarket.

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Tokkar November 6, 2009 at 9:52 pm

This looks positively yum! I might just have to try it this weekend!

Hey, I have a question for you. What recipes would you recommend for someone who is A) allergic to soy and B) allergic to the nightshade family (peppers, potatoes, tomatoes, etc.)? My roommate is an unfortunate recipient of the above two items, and I am an Italian chef.

Yeah.

Peppers, tomatoes…bring 'em on!

I also love experimentation with Asian cuisine, which means soy.

By the bye – her doctor said she shouldn't eat wheat or barley.

I'm at a loss in fixing a lot of things, so any help you could provide would be wonderful!

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Crystal November 9, 2009 at 12:01 pm

Congrats on the award!!

Thanks for sharing the sauce recipe. While I go by feel too, I tend to forget what I put in each stir-fry, so I do like to write that part down.

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Braelin November 10, 2009 at 8:37 pm

This was excellent- mine was more of a noodle/veggie bowl- but something different and very, very enjoyable. Thanks!

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Experimental Culinary Pursuits November 11, 2009 at 1:59 pm

Congrats on the award!

I recently discovered the joys of cooking with Miso too – have a large tub sitting in my fridge now. My favorite way is to infuse it into Eggplant.

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SallyT November 11, 2009 at 7:38 pm

I love toasted sesame oil. The flavor to fat ratio is so worth it to me.

Way to go on the award!

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moonwatcher November 13, 2009 at 11:48 am

Hi again Susan,

Well, I had originally planned to make your recipe as isthe first time, but then the result of another recipe intervened. I had been meaning to try the Pad Thai recipe out of the Engine 2 Diet book, and had everything on hand. Though I toyed with the idea of inserting your stir fried tofu cubes, I decided to follow the recipe verbatim. To my disappointment, the recipe was quite dry, and the tofu squares rather bland. Something had to be done, since I had a lot of it left over. So I decided to "fuse" a version of your miso sauce and give it a Thai or southeast Asian flare. Instead of the quarter teaspoon of sesame oil, I used a teaspoon of peanut butter, and because I didn't have any suitable hot sauce, a substituted a yellow curry paste–and also a dash of lime juice. The results were delicious, and definitely brightened up the left-overs, along with the some crunch fresh veggies, like diced cucumber, shredded napa cabbage and carrots and minced green onion, and (I know you don't like this much) lots of cilantro. So just wanted to let you know this miso sauce is quite versatile, and coats rice noodles and veggies nicely. And next time I'll stick with the template of your basic recipe for fried tofu cubes, the one listed with asparagus and somen. They are to die for! (And they can be made without any oil to great effect, if that is necessary.)

And, once again, calamity is the mother of improvisation–and one of your recipes saves the day again!

xo

moonwatcher

Impr

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Anjali November 24, 2009 at 10:31 am

Hi! These things look delicious! Please check out my new blog!! http://ecstaticvegan.blogspot.com/

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Mindy January 20, 2010 at 10:14 pm

Made this for dinner tonight, the sauce is absolutely delicious!! I loved it and can't wait for leftovers for lunch tomorrow!

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Alejandra September 3, 2010 at 10:34 pm

I had miso in my house and I didnt wanted to make soup..so when I saw this recipe I instantly thought of it!! ( I also had mirin and soy sauce in my house..I usually eat japanese food )

Defenitly a keeper!! Im so happy I´ve found this blog…really…a lot of thanks for all the hard work and for teaching us to eat healtly!!

pd: sorry for the grammar mistakes..im from argentina ( spanish country :P )

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