Are you ready to take your taste buds on a vibrant journey? Dive into the world of plant-based deliciousness with our Blackened Tofu Stir Fried Kale Quinoa! This dish not only tantalizes your palate with its smoky, spicy flavors but also packs a nutritional punch that will leave you feeling energized and satisfied. In just 35 minutes, you can whip up a colorful, hearty meal that’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and impressing guests. Don’t miss out on this vegan delight that proves healthy eating can be incredibly tasty!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 block firm tofu
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon blackening seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 onion, diced
Instructions
- Drain the tofu and press it between paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture. This helps the tofu absorb seasoning and achieve a crispy texture.
- Cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes and pat them dry with paper towels to ensure even seasoning and better browning.
- In a small bowl, mix the blackening seasoning with salt and pepper. Coat the tofu cubes evenly with the seasoning mixture, ensuring all sides are well-covered.
- Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned tofu cubes and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a dark, crispy exterior.
- Remove the tofu from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent.
- Add chopped kale to the skillet and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the kale is tender but still bright green and slightly crisp.
- Return the blackened tofu to the skillet and gently fold it together with the kale and onions. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
- Fluff the cooked quinoa with a fork and divide it among serving plates. Top with the blackened tofu and kale mixture.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot and enjoy your nutritious vegan meal.
Tips
- Press the Tofu Well: The key to achieving that crispy texture is to press the tofu thoroughly. The drier the tofu, the better it will absorb the seasoning and develop a nice crust when cooked.
- Customize Your Spice: Feel free to adjust the amount of blackening seasoning to suit your spice tolerance. Add a pinch of cayenne for extra heat or mix in some smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.
- Perfectly Cooked Quinoa: Rinse the quinoa well before cooking to remove its natural coating, which can make it taste bitter. This simple step ensures a fluffy and delicious base for your stir fry.
- Sautéing Tips: When cooking the tofu, avoid overcrowding the pan; this will help achieve that perfect golden-brown color. Cook in batches if necessary!
- Fresh Kale: For the best texture, choose fresh kale that is bright green and crisp. Overcooked kale can lose its vibrant color and nutritional value, so keep it tender and slightly crisp.
- Make it a Meal Prep Star: This dish stores well in the fridge for up to three days, making it a fantastic option for meal prep. Just reheat and enjoy a quick, nutritious meal any day of the week!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
