Imagine a dish that combines the tender succulence of pork, the silky smoothness of tofu, and the vibrant, garlicky punch of seasonal garlic scapes - all in one mouthwatering stir-fry that takes less than 30 minutes to prepare. This Asian-inspired recipe is not just a meal; it's a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and impress even the most discerning dinner guests. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a curious foodie looking to expand your recipe repertoire, this Stir-Fried Garlic Scapes Pork Tofu will become your new go-to weeknight sensation.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound pork, thinly sliced
- 1 block firm tofu, cubed
- 1 cup garlic scapes, chopped
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by thinly slicing the pork, cubing the firm tofu into 1-inch pieces, and chopping garlic scapes into 1-inch segments.
- Drain tofu and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps prevent splattering during cooking and ensures better browning.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or heavy-bottomed skillet over high heat until it shimmers and appears slightly rippling.
- Add thinly sliced pork to the hot oil, spreading pieces evenly to ensure quick and even cooking. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until meat is lightly browned and mostly cooked through.
- Push pork to one side of the wok and add tofu cubes to the empty space. Allow tofu to sear for 1-2 minutes without moving to develop a golden exterior.
- Gently mix pork and tofu together, then add chopped garlic scapes to the pan.
- Pour soy sauce and oyster sauce over the mixture, sprinkle black pepper, and quickly stir-fry everything together for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Ensure all ingredients are well-coated with sauce and heated through. Garlic scapes should remain bright green and crisp-tender.
- Remove from heat and transfer to a serving platter immediately to prevent overcooking.
- Serve hot with steamed rice, garnishing with additional chopped scapes if desired.
Tips
- Moisture is the Enemy: Always pat your tofu dry thoroughly to achieve that perfect golden sear. Excess water will cause oil to splatter and prevent proper browning.
- High Heat is Key: Use a wok or heavy-bottomed skillet and ensure it's blazing hot before adding ingredients. This ensures quick cooking and maintains the crisp texture of garlic scapes.
- Mise en Place Matters: Prep all ingredients before you start cooking. Stir-frying moves quickly, and having everything ready prevents burning or overcooking.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of searing, which reduces the delicious caramelization.
- Timing is Everything: Add garlic scapes towards the end of cooking to preserve their bright green color and crisp-tender texture.
- Customize Your Sauce: Feel free to adjust soy and oyster sauce quantities to suit your taste, or add a touch of chili oil for extra kick.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 90mg
