Follow these steps carefully to ensure your tofu is perfectly crispy and your stir-fry is balanced and flavorful. The key is in the preparation of the tofu and the timing of each component in the pan.

Step 1: Press the Tofu (The Most Important Step)

This step is non-negotiable for achieving crispy tofu. You must remove as much water as possible.

1. Drain the water from the tofu package.
2. Place the block of tofu on a plate lined with several paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.
3. Place another layer of paper towels or another clean towel on top of the tofu.
4. Set something heavy on top, like a cast-iron skillet, a few cookbooks, or a cutting board weighed down with cans.
5. Let the tofu press for at least 30 minutes. An hour is even better if you have the time. You will be amazed at how much water is released.
6. Once pressed, unwrap the tofu and pat it dry. Cut it into 1-inch cubes.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce and Vegetables

While the tofu is pressing, it’s the perfect time to prep your other ingredients.

1. Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk together all the sauce ingredients: low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, toasted sesame oil, and the 1 teaspoon of cornstarch. Whisk until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and the sauce is smooth. Set it aside.
2. Chop the Vegetables: Wash and chop all your vegetables as directed (broccoli into florets, bell pepper into strips, carrot into thin slices). Mince the garlic and ginger. Keeping them in separate prep bowls can make the fast-paced stir-frying process much smoother.

Step 3: Season and Coat the Tofu

1. Place the pressed and cubed tofu in a medium-sized bowl.
2. Drizzle the 1 tablespoon of soy sauce over the tofu and gently toss to coat. This seasons the tofu from the inside out.
3. Sprinkle the 3 tablespoons of cornstarch over the tofu. Gently toss with your hands or a spatula until every cube is lightly and evenly coated in a thin, dusty layer. Avoid over-mixing, which can cause the tofu to break apart.

Step 4: Pan-Fry the Tofu to Crispy Perfection

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of the neutral oil in a large skillet, wok, or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. The oil should be shimmering but not smoking.
2. Carefully add half of the tofu cubes to the pan in a single layer. Do not crowd the pan! This is crucial for crisping. If the tofu is too close together, it will steam instead of fry.
3. Fry the tofu for 3-4 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden brown and crispy.
4. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the crispy tofu to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
5. Add another 1-2 tablespoons of oil to the pan if it looks dry, and repeat the process with the remaining tofu.

Step 5: Cook the Vegetables and Aromatics

1. Reduce the heat to medium. If the pan is dry, add the remaining bit of oil.
2. Add the minced garlic and ginger to the pan and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
3. Add the “harder” vegetables: the broccoli florets and sliced carrots. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes, until they begin to become tender-crisp. You can add a tablespoon of water and cover the pan for a minute to help steam the broccoli if you prefer it softer.
4. Add the sliced red bell pepper and continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes. The vegetables should be vibrant and have a slight bite to them.

Step 6: Combine and Glaze

1. Give your prepared stir-fry sauce a quick re-whisk to ensure the cornstarch hasn’t settled at the bottom.
2. Return the crispy tofu cubes to the skillet with the cooked vegetables.
3. Pour the sauce all over the tofu and vegetables.
4. Stir everything together gently but quickly. The sauce will bubble and thicken into a beautiful glaze within 1-2 minutes thanks to the heat and the cornstarch.
5. Once everything is coated and the sauce has thickened, immediately remove the pan from the heat.

Step 7: Serve Immediately

1. Transfer the Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry to a serving platter or individual bowls.
2. Garnish generously with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
3. Enjoy your delicious, restaurant-quality stir-fry right away while the tofu is at its crispiest.