Stir-Fried Banana Blossom and Tofu with Shrimp Paste
Quick-cooked banana blossoms and silken tofu with a savory shrimp paste and soy glaze, balanced by fresh chili and scallions. This filipino (vegan) ready in about 22 minutes pairs shredded banana blossoms, pressed and cubed silken tofu, shrimp paste for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup, shredded banana blossoms
- 8 oz, pressed and cubed silken tofu
- 1/2 tsp shrimp paste
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1, finely sliced chili peppers
- 3 tbsp, sliced scallions
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tsp sesame oil in a wok over high heat. Add 8 oz pressed and cubed silken tofu and stir-fry for 2 minutes until edges are slightly crisp, then set aside.
- Step 2: Add 1/2 tsp shrimp paste and 1 finely sliced chili pepper to the wok, stir-frying for 30 seconds until aromatic.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup shredded banana blossoms and stir-fry for 3 minutes until tender-crisp. Mix 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 2 tbsp water in a small bowl, then pour into wok. Stir constantly until sauce thickens and coats vegetables, about 2 minutes.
- Step 4: Return tofu to wok and add 3 tbsp sliced scallions. Toss for 1 minute until heated through and flavors meld.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Banana Blossom and Tofu with Shrimp Paste take to make?
Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Stir-Fried Banana Blossom and Tofu with Shrimp Paste?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep shredded banana blossoms from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Banana Blossom and Tofu with Shrimp Paste?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Stir-Fried Banana Blossom and Tofu with Shrimp Paste for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Stir-Fried Banana Blossom and Tofu with Shrimp Paste vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The banana blossom had such a nice texture, and the shrimp paste gave it that authentic Filipino flavor. My family loved it!
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The tofu absorbed all the flavors and the banana blossom was a great addition.
- ★★★★★
This recipe is a keeper! I've made it twice already and everyone at my dinner party asked for the recipe.
