With Veganuary in full swing, lots of us are discovering the benefits of a plant-based diet, and that’s no surprise. While following a vegan diet won’t lead to greater weight losses, eating a diet rich in fruits, veggies and plant-based products gives us plenty of protein and fibre, helps us feel fuller for longer – and adds delicious variety to our meals.
To help you pack your menu with plant power this month, we’re sharing one of our favourite vegan recipes from the Slimming World member website – five-spice tofu stir-fry with asparagus. Filled with warming spices, crispy tofu and lots of crunchy veg, it’s a dynamite dinner that can be on the table in just 25 minutes.
Even better, this meal is completely Free when you’re Food Optimising – so you can enjoy all of its fabulous flavours while watching the pounds drop off.
More on the blog: Delicious recipes for a slimming-friendly Veganuary
Five-spice tofu stir-fry with asparagus
Free
serves 4
ready in 25 mins
vegan
What you need:
280g plain extra-firm tofu, cut into large chunks
½ level tsp Chinese five-spice powder*
1 garlic clove
3cm piece fresh root ginger, peeled and grated
4 tbsp dark soy sauce/tamari
240g dried plain or wholegrain rice
400g asparagus, woody ends removed
200g red peppers, deseeded and thinly sliced
200g red onions, thinly sliced
200g mushrooms, thinly sliced
200g carrots, cut into matchsticks
25g pack fresh coriander, leaves roughly chopped
1 red chilli, deseeded and finely diced, to serve
What you do:
1. Put the tofu in a shallow bowl and sprinkle over the Chinese five-spice. Crush the garlic and mix with the ginger and soy sauce/tamari, then pour over the tofu. Leave to marinate for 30 minutes, or chill for 6-8 hours if you can.
2. Cook the rice according to the pack instructions, then drain. Meanwhile, heat a large, non-stick wok or frying pan over a high heat. Lift the tofu out of the marinade, reserving the marinade for later, and dry-fry for 2 minutes on each side until beginning to char. Carefully transfer to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
3. Add the reserved marinade to the wok or pan with the asparagus, peppers, onions, mushrooms and carrots. Bring the marinade to the boil and cook for 3-5 minutes until most of it has evaporated, tossing the veg continuously. Stir through the coriander. Serve with the tofu and rice, and a sprinkling of chilli.
MORE ON THE BLOG: Try the Slimming World vegan curry
Special offer: Save £1 on vegan meals in the Slimming World food range
The Slimming World food range includes a selection of vegan-friendly meals to try – and to celebrate Veganuary, you can buy them for £2 each until 31st January, exclusively in Iceland. Perfect for those days when there’s no time to cook, these plant-based dishes make a filling lunch or dinner in minutes:
More Slimming World vegan recipes
Our members will find many more plant-based recipes on the website – as well as lots of great ideas in their local group or in the Slimming World Online community.
We’d love to know what you think of our five-spice tofu recipe – and what vegan meals you’ve been enjoying during Veganuary. You can email us at the blog or share on social using #theSlimmingWorldblog.
Join Slimming World and get a FREE 28-day Fresh Start menu planner!
All new and existing members who attend a Slimming World group will receive a FREE copy of our That Fresh Start Feeling planner, while stocks last. Packed with 28 days of Food Optimising meals, as well as expert slimming tips, this handy planner has everything you need to smash your weight loss goals in 2021.