Aromatic Shredded Tofu with Brussels Sprouts

Margot Hiller
Oct 6
3 min read

Updated: Oct 7

Two humble ingredients, transformed by Thai-inspired flavors

Tofu and Brussels sprouts don’t usually win popularity contests.

Tofu is often dismissed as bland, and Brussels sprouts carry that reputation from childhood dinners. But when you try this recipe — a slightly adapted version from Dinner by Melissa Clarke — it will completely change how you see both ingredients.

The beauty of tofu is that it’s a blank canvas. On its own, yes, it’s mild. But when you pair it with the right flavors — garlic, ginger, chili, soy, sesame — it becomes something special. In this Thai-inspired stir-fry, the tofu soaks up all those aromatic notes while turning golden and crisp around the edges.

The Brussels sprouts, roasted or quickly cooked, bring their own earthy sweetness that ties everything together.

The result is a dish that feels both light and deeply satisfying — spicy, tangy, slightly nutty, and full of texture.

Why This Recipe Works

What makes this version different is the technique. Instead of cubing the tofu, you shred it, which gives it these wonderful, uneven strands that crisp up beautifully in the pan. Every little piece catches the flavor of the sauce and the aromatics.

The Brussels sprouts, sliced thinly, caramelize just enough to mellow their sharpness while keeping a bit of crunch. Together, the two create that perfect Thai-style balance of heat, salt, sour, and umami — all in under 30 minutes.

It’s one of those dishes that surprise people: simple ingredients, big payoff.

What Your Body Loves

This meal brings together exactly what the body needs more of as we move through our 40s and beyond — nourishment that supports balance, strength, and energy.

Tofu isn’t just a source of plant-based protein — it’s a complete protein, meaning it provides all the essential amino acids your body needs to maintain muscle mass and energy. It’s also rich in calcium, which becomes even more important as bone density naturally starts to decline with age.

Brussels sprouts, from the cruciferous family, add their own quiet power. They contain compounds that help the body metabolize estrogen more efficiently — something that becomes increasingly relevant when hormones start to shift. And they’re full of fiber and antioxidants that support digestion and detoxification, keeping everything running smoothly.

Together, tofu and Brussels sprouts form a kind of balancing act: one supports your strength and structure, the other helps keep your internal systems in sync.

Combined with warming aromatics like ginger, garlic, and sesame oil, this is the kind of dish that nourishes deeply while still feeling light and energizing.

Aromatic Shredded Tofu with Brussels Sprouts - Recipe

How to Serve It

This dish is just as good on its own as it is over rice or quinoa. I also love wrapping it in lettuce leaves for a lighter option — the crunch pairs perfectly with the warm, fragrant filling.

Leftovers are great the next day, cold or reheated, with the flavors deepened and slightly mellowed.

From My Kitchen to Yours

What I love about this dish — beyond the flavor — is that it transforms two often misunderstood ingredients into something vibrant and full of life.

It’s quick, healthy, and packed with character. Proof that with the right mix of aromatics, even the simplest ingredients can shine.

If this recipe hit the spot, you’ll love exploring my Healthy Eats app — it’s free, and it’s where I keep all my go-to recipes just like this one.

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