Japanese cuisine is known for its balance of flavors, fresh ingredients, and simplicity. One popular dish that embodies these principles is tofu and vegetable stir-fry. This dish is not only healthy and delicious but also easy to make at home. With the right ingredients and a few simple steps, you can enjoy a taste of Japan in your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 1 block of firm tofu, drained and pressed
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon mirin
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 inch piece of ginger, grated
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 small broccoli crown, cut into florets
• 1 carrot, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup snow peas
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Start by preparing the tofu. Cut the tofu into cubes and place them on a clean kitchen towel. Fold the towel over the tofu and press down gently to remove excess moisture. Let the tofu sit for about 15 minutes to drain.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, mirin, and sugar to make the sauce. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine the minced garlic, grated ginger, and sliced vegetables. Toss to coat the vegetables evenly.
4. In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. This will help thicken the sauce later on.
5. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the drained tofu cubes and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the tofu from the skillet and set aside.
6. In the same skillet, add the sliced vegetables and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, or until they are cooked but still slightly crisp. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Add the tofu back to the skillet and pour the sauce over the tofu and vegetables. Stir gently to coat everything in the sauce.
8. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the skillet and stir continuously until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
9. Remove the skillet from the heat and serve the tofu and vegetable stir-fry hot over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired.
10. Enjoy your homemade tofu and vegetable stir-fry with a taste of Japan in every bite!

With this simple recipe, you can recreate the flavors of a traditional Japanese dish right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re a tofu lover or looking to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, this stir-fry is a perfect choice for a quick and healthy meal. Give it a try and impress your family and friends with your Japanese cooking skills!