Isabel’s (me) favorite broccoli with tofu and brown rice

After three days and a major reworking of the sauce recipe, I'm finally ecstatic about this dish; a low oil, low sugar, super flavorful, and super thick sauce. Crisp and bright broccoli. And well executed rice. I know it isn't the sexiest of dishes, but I dont think ive ever worked on improving my culinary skills more for a dish before. I now know a "Simple" dish means there is nowhere to hide, and you need to get everything right for it to be both simple and great.

So here it is: "Isabel's favorite broccoli with tofu and brown rice"

(Sauce)
-1/2 cup vegetable broth
-1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce
-2 tbsp maple syrup
-2 tbsp sesame oil
-2 tbsp rice vinegar
-1 inch of finely grated ginger (use a spoon to scrape off peel, before grating)
-4 cloves of minced or pressed garlic
-2 tbsp cornstarch
– (Optional) 1 finely sliced Serrano pepper (seeds included for additional spice)

(Broccoli)
-2 heads of broccoli tops and stems chopped into bite sized pieces

(Tofu)
-16 Oz extra firm tofu block cut into bite size pieces

(Rice)
-1 cup brown rice (rinsed)
-2 cup chicken broth
– (Optional: Any spices you would like to include)

1.(Sauce) Mix all ingredients in a small sauce pan and heat at medium low for about 25 minutes as rice cooks. Stir occasionally.

1. Cook broccoli in a large pan with about 3 tbsps avocado oil for about 10 minutes at medium high heat. Stir occasionally and carefully. My pan just fits the two heads of broccoli when I first place it in the pan. (I recommend using tongs to stir.)

2. Cook tofu in air fryer at 350° for 15 minutes. No oil necessary.

3. When tofu is complete, add it to broccoli.

4. Add sauce over the broccoli and tofu. Turn off heat and stir to cover the broccoli and the tofu. I recommend using tongs here, too.

5. Rice – In a small pot, add 1 cup rice and 2 cups vegetable broth. Bring to a rolling boil and then cut heat to a simmer. (In my experience a good simmer is lower than I think it should be, but every oven is different, so this will be learned with multiple attempts). Then cover the pot and let cook for 35-45 minutes (here again: variability of oven tops).

When rice is done everything is ready to be plated! I top my broccoli and tofu with sesame seeds for looks. The simple things done well are often the best. 😀 Enjoy!