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-inspired 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.
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.
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
- ★★★★★
This recipe is a keeper! I've made it twice already and everyone at my dinner party asked for the recipe.
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The tofu absorbed all the flavors and the banana blossom was a great addition.
- ★★★★★
The banana blossom had such a nice texture, and the shrimp paste gave it that authentic Filipino flavor. My family loved it!