Tofu Stir Fry

Ingredients

• 2 (14-ounce) packages extra-firm tofu (do not use firm, silken or anything other than extra-firm)
• 1 tablespoon canola oil or grapeseed oil*
• 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (divided, plus additional to taste)
• 3 large garlic cloves (minced (about 1 heaping tablespoon))
• 1 small bunch green onions (finely chopped, divided)
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
• 1–2 teaspoons fresh chili paste (sambal oelek)
• 10 ounces baby spinach**
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• Prepared brown rice (see Instant Pot Brown Rice)
• Cauliflower rice
• Soba or rice noodles
• Quinoa

Method

1. Drain the tofu. Wrap each block in a double layer of paper towels and pat dry, pressing down on the tofu lightly to squeeze out excess moisture. Cut the tofu into 3/4-inch cubes.
2. In a large nonstick skillet or wok, heat the canola oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot but not smoking, add the tofu (be careful, as the oil will splatter a little bit) and drizzle with 1 tablespoon soy sauce. Sauté, stirring every minute or so until the tofu is nicely colored on all sides and the moisture has cooked off, about 8 to 10 minutes. Don’t feel that you need to stir constantly. Sitting for a while on one side is what will allow the tofu to brown. Add the garlic, roughly two-thirds of the green onion, ginger, chili paste, and the remaining 2 tablespoons soy sauce. Stir and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.10 min timer
3. Add several large handfuls of spinach, stirring as you go so that it wilts and you can fit more in the pan. Once the first addition has wilted, continue to add and wilt the spinach by handfuls, until all of the spinach is added. It will seem like a ridiculous amount at first but will cook down considerably. Stir in the sesame seeds. Stir in the sesame oil. Remove from the heat. Sprinkle the reserved green onions over the top. Serve hot, with brown rice, noodles, or whatever you like, along with a few dashes of additional soy sauce and chili paste or flakes to taste.