Tofu Stir Fry

Today’s recipe is all about the wonderful health benefits of Tofu! Tofu is such a versatile ingredient because it takes on the flavors of what it is seasoned with. In the past, I have shared how to make Tofu Croutons (go under Meatless Monday or Vegetables).

 

I love tofu! It is a great source of protein and it contains all eight amino acids. Amino acids are important because 20 percent of our bodies are made of protein. Amino acids carry out important functions in your body. They play a huge part in carrying the transport and storing of nutrients, help repair tissues and muscles, and helps remove excess waste from our metabolism.

 

What You Need:

Brown Rice (I used Rice in a Bag that I cooked)

Firm Tofu (1/2 package)

Mushrooms (chopped)

Frozen Stir Fry Vegetables (1/2 bag)

1/3 Cup Liquid Aminos

1/4 Cup Rice Vinegar

1/4 Cup + some for cooking Sesame Seed Oil

1 Teaspoon Chopped Dry Garlic

1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder

1/2 Teaspoon Dry Ginger

1/2 Teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper (less if you would like)

Salt and Pepper

Tofu Spice Rub:

1/8 Teaspoon of Garlic Powder, Dry Ginger, Crushed Red Pepper, Salt, and Pepper

What To Do:

After chopping the mushrooms, add them to a sauté pan with a drizzle of sesame seed oil. Add some salt and pepper.

While the mushrooms are cooking, drain the tofu and wrap in a bunch of paper towels. You want to try to get out as much moisture as possible. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes.

Unwrap the tofu and carefully slice in chucks. Rub the Tofu with the Spice Rub and let it sit until it is time to add it to the stir-fry.

When the mushrooms are done cooking, put them in a bowl, and cook the stir-fry vegetables (since they are frozen, you won’t need to add any oil). When they are cooked, transfer them to the plate with the mushrooms.

Let your sauté pan heat up and add your cooked rice. IT WILL STEAM! Don’t worry. You want the rice to “fry”. Add some salt and pepper to the rice. In the middle of your pan, push the rice to the sides, and add the tofu. Let the tofu start to brown and mix with the rice.

Add the rest of your vegetables and mix. In a bowl, stir all the liquids and spices together and add to the stir-fry. Let the flavors cook together for a few minutes. Taste the stir-fry and add spices/liquids accordingly to your taste.

Enjoy xoxo

Garlic Butter Steak with Red Wine Mushrooms Over Spinach

Garlic Butter Steak with Red Wine

Mushrooms Over Spinach

I rarely eat meat but when I do, I like to make sure I eat a quality, free-range, farm raised, antibiotic-free meat.  I typically like a more tender steak like rib eye steak or filet mignon. Try not to pick out a piece that has a lot of fat in the middle. You want some fat or marbleizing because it makes your steak more tender, but you do not want a large slab of fat running through your steak. I like to grill my steaks since the grill gives the steak a distinct taste and personally I like a grilled steak (This part is where my step-dad or brothers come in).

 

What You Need for Steak Marinade:

Your preference of meat

Olive Oil

Red Wine Vinegar

Italian Herbs

Salt and Pepper

What To Do:

Take the piece of steak and with a fork, poke holes throughout the piece. Place the steak in a bowl and drizzle on olive oil to coat. Rub the olive oil into the steak and then pour on some red wine vinegar (I don’t measure, I eyeball it by how full my bowl is and how many pieces of meat are in it). Sprinkle on salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Put as much as you would like on. Remember to be careful with the salt. You can always add more, not take any away. Rub down your steak again and let it sit in the marinade for about an hour.

While the steak is marinating, start on your garlic butter.

What You Need for the Garlic Butter:

1 Stick of Room Softened Butter

2 Cloves of Garlic, crushed

Salt

Plastic Wrap

What To Do:

With a blender, whip together the butter, garlic, and a pinch of salt until combined. On a large piece of plastic wrap, place your butter in the middle of the plastic wrap. Start by spreading the butter into a tube shape, eventually using the plastic wrap as your guide. Place in the refrigerator until your steak is ready to eat.

While the steak is on the grill, start making the red wine mushrooms.

What You Need For the Mushrooms:

Package of Mushrooms

Olive Oil

Red Wine

Butter

Salt and Pepper

What To Do:

In a large skillet pan, coat the bottom with olive oil. Slice your mushrooms and add to the pan. Sprinkle with some salt and pepper and stir. When the mushrooms are getting tender, add in about 1/4-1/2 cup of wine. Let it cook for a bit and add 1 tablespoon of butter. It makes the sauce taste a little bit richer. Cook for a couple more minutes so that the flavors can really incorporate together.

When the steak is cooked to your desired preference, let it rest for a few minutes so the juices can stay inside the steak. I quickly sauted some spinach and made mashed potatoes to complete this dish. I topped that with the steak and mushrooms with a pat of the garlic butter on top!

This was AMAZING!!!

Creamy Shrimp and Vegetable Risotto

I love making risotto, especially when I am home with my family. People often get nervous making risotto because they feel like it might be difficult or will take too much time. As long as you cook it on low to medium heat and keep adding the liquid in slowly, the rice will cook and turn into a creamy and delicious dish. I have tried various proteins and vegetable combinations, but this one is my favorite!

 

What You Need:

2 Cups of Arborio Rice

2 Tablespoons Butter, Separated

1/2 Cup of White Wine

5-6 Cups of Chicken or Vegetable Stock

Bag of Spinach, Chopped

Package of Mushrooms, Chopped

Olive Oil

1 Pound of Shrimp, Uncooked

Salt and Pepper

Parmesan Cheese

Fresh Basil

What To Do:

In a large saucepan, add in the Arborio rice and 1 tablespoon of butter on medium heat to toast the rice.

Add in the white wine, salt and pepper to taste while stirring constantly.

When the wine is absorbed, slowly add in 1/2 cup of chicken or veggie stock. Keep stirring and when that is absorbed, continue adding in 1/2 cup of broth until the rice is no longer crunchy and is smooth. Sometimes you will need a little less broth or more.

While the rice is cooking, in another saucepan, add in a drizzle of olive oil and spinach. Season with salt and pepper and when the spinach is cooked, transfer to a plate. Drizzle on some more olive oil and cook the mushrooms. Transfer to a plate when finished and add the shrimp. Season with salt and pepper and when the shrimp starts to turn pink on the one side, flip them over. Undercook the shrimp a bit because the shrimp will finish cooking in the risotto. Cut the shrimp and add to the risotto when all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is soft.

Add the vegetables and stir to incorporate all the ingredients. Add in the rest of the butter and a sprinkle or two of Parmesan Cheese. Sprinkle the top with some fresh basil and a pinch of cheese. Enjoy!