Meatless Monday: Tofu Fried Rice

I have 2 new comfort foods....

1. Tofu - I love it plain, unpressed, pressed, baked, steamed.... You name it!
2. Fried Rice - Introduced to me by my in-laws this past year, it is the perfect way to use leftover grains. It works perfectly with white rice, brown rice, quinoa, & even buckwheat!

I made Vegan Lasagna for Tita's on Sunday and had some leftover firm tofu chill-axin in the refrigerator next to a container of leftover brown rice. To be honest, that's how the inspiration for any fried rice dish comes about. Leftover lovin' at its finest! 

I had never made Fried Rice for GF Guy, even though it was one of his favorite meals. To be honest, I didn't know how! I tried once & messed the entire thing up. (*NOTE: Do not crack an entire egg over top the rice and vegetables. That is NOT how it is done.) He was thrilled when I finished up my work and told him that's what I was headed to the kitchen to make. You've got to love a guy who doesn't run screaming from the room at the very mention of tofu!

Tofu Fried Rice

(Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free)

Ingredients:

• 12 oz Nasoya Organic Light Firm Tofu, pressed
• 1/4 cup Low Sodium No Chicken Broth
• 4 Tblsp Bragg's Liquid Aminos
• 1 Tblsp Lime Juice
• 2 Tblsp Light Agave Nectar
• 1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
• 1/4 tsp Chinese Five Spice Powder
• 2 Tblsp Grapeseed Oil
• 1/2 Yellow Onion, chopped
• 1 Carrot, chopped
• 1/2 Zucchini, chopped
• 1 cup frozen Broccoli
• 1 cup frozen Peas
• 1 to 1 1/2 cups leftover cooked Brown Rice
• 1 Egg, beaten
• Herbamare & Black Pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. In a bowl, mix together broth, aminos, lime juice, agave, red pepper, & five spice powder. Marinate pressed tofu in this mixture for about 2 hours.
2. Heat grapeseed oil in a wok over medium heat. While wok heats, cube tofu into bite-size pieces, reserving the marinade for later.
3. Fry tofu in oil about 4 minutes per side, until golden. Remove from wok & set aside.
4. Add onion & carrot to the wok & stir-fry until soft. Add the Zucchini.
5. Next, the frozen veggies should be added to the wok. If veggies are sticking to the bottom of the pan, add a little of the reserved tofu marinade.
6. When vegetables are soft & heated through, add the brown rice. Stir-fry until heated through. Add reserved tofu marinade.
7. Create a well in the center of the rice mixture. Pour in the beaten egg. Allow to cook about 1 minute, then slowly incorporate the egg in to the rice & vegetables.
8. Return the tofu to the pan & continue to cook until heated through.
9. Serve on a bed of baby spinach.

What are your comfort foods?