| Stir fries are super quick, ultra simple meals to | | | | -1 package (14 ounces) extra-firm tofu, drained, |
| throw together. Although it's an Asian style dish | | | | patted dry and cut into 3/4 inch cubes |
| you'll notice I add extra virgin olive oil in | | | | -1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil |
| combination with toasted sesame seed oil. Not to | | | | -Sea salt, to taste |
| worry, the olive oil blends right in and its taste is | | | | -4 teaspoons toasted sesame seed oil, divided |
| completely undetectable. I add the olive oil to | | | | -1 medium red onion, quartered and sliced thin |
| balance out the omega-6 fat from the sesame | | | | -12 ounces carrot sticks |
| seed oil. Nothing is innately wrong with omega-6 | | | | -1/2 pound snow peas, stringed |
| fat (in fact, it's an essential fat your body | | | | -2 yellow bell peppers, cut into thin strips |
| absolutely needs), but if you eat too much it can | | | | -2 tablespoons minced scallions, white parts only |
| be pro-inflammatory. The sesame oil is rich in | | | | -1 tablespoon minced garlic |
| several important antioxidants including a | | | | -1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger root |
| particularly powerful antioxidant called sesamal. | | | | -Sesame seeds for garnish (optional) |
| And, because sesame oil has a medium smoke | | | | Special Sauce: Mix the following ingredients in a |
| point, it's a good choice for light sauteing where | | | | small bowl |
| the temperature stays below about 320 degrees | | | | -2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar |
| F. Sesame oil also adds fabulous flavor and | | | | -1 tablespoon lime juice |
| delicious Asian undertones. You'll notice I suggest | | | | -1 teaspoon red Chile paste (such as Thai Kitchen |
| layering the oil, or adding it in stages rather than all | | | | brand "Roasted Red Chile Paste") |
| at once. This little trick helps maximize the flavor | | | | -1 tablespoon high quality soy sauce |
| of the vegetables without having to use globs and | | | | -1 tablespoon raw honey |
| globs of oil. | | | | In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, |
| As for the tofu (which, by the way, is curdled | | | | lime juice, red Chile paste and honey. Place tofu in |
| soy milk that has been pressed in a process | | | | a medium-sized bowl and pour sauce on top. Toss |
| similar to making cheese), despite the claims on | | | | tofu gently to coat each piece. Set tofu aside, |
| the Internet and elsewhere that soy foods are | | | | tossing occasionally. |
| not healthy, the weight of available scientific and | | | | Heat a medium-size wok (or large skillet) over |
| epidemiological evidence indicates soy is not only | | | | high heat for 1 to 2 minutes. When the wok is |
| safe but also nutritious and health-promoting when | | | | hot, add the extra virgin olive oil, tilting the wok |
| eaten in relatively unrefined forms such as tofu. | | | | so the oil coats all sides. Drain the tofu from the |
| And, if it's prepared right, tofu can be delish! | | | | marinade and add to the hot wok. Sear tofu for |
| To make this stir fry a complete meal serve | | | | 2-3 minutes each side. Remove tofu from wok |
| over steamed brown rice. By the way, I can't | | | | and set aside. Lightly season with salt (optional) |
| stress enough how much time you'll save cooking | | | | and cover to keep warm. |
| brown rice (and any other whole grain for that | | | | Let the wok heat back up for 30 seconds, then |
| matter!) by using a rice cooker. Simply measure | | | | drizzle 2 teaspoons of the sesame oil in the wok. |
| the rice and water, set the timer and you'll have | | | | Add the onions and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 |
| perfectly cooked whole grains in less than an hour. | | | | minutes. Add the carrots and 1 teaspoon of |
| For the best taste and best health benefits be | | | | sesame oil; stir fry for 1 minute. Add the snow |
| careful not to over-cook the veggies. You want | | | | peas, yellow bell peppers, and 1 teaspoon of |
| them to be crunchy-tender and retain their | | | | sesame oil; stir fry for 1 to 2 minutes. |
| vibrant color. While a steel wok is the ideal pan for | | | | Clear the center of the wok and add the minced |
| making stir-fry dishes because it distributes heat | | | | scallions, garlic and ginger; drizzle with the |
| evenly, large flat skillets are nearly as effective. | | | | remaining 1 teaspoon of sesame oil and mash the |
| The important part is to stir the ingredients | | | | scallions, garlic and ginger into the pan with the |
| constantly over high heat... and not to overcook! | | | | back of a spatula. Cook for 30 seconds. Remove |
| Serves: 4 | | | | the pan from the heat, stir the scallion, garlic and |
| -1 tablespoons good quality soy sauce | | | | ginger mixture in with the vegetables. |
| -2 tablespoons lime juice | | | | Return the wok to the heat and add the tofu, stir |
| -1/2 teaspoon red chile paste (such as Thai | | | | in the "special sauce" until all ingredients are well |
| Kitchen brand "Roasted Red Chile Paste") | | | | coated and sauce is hot. Serve at once. |
| -1 tablespoon raw honey | | | | |