Swiss Chard Stir Fry with Hemp Tofu (Paleo, Whole30, Vegan)

This Swiss Chard Stir Fry with Hemp Tofu is a recipe to help reset your gut after you might have been eating a few things that might not have agreed with you, or if you sincerely are tired of eating meat on the Whole30 or paleo diet. This meatless dish is light yet satisfying, and can be served with either riced cauliflower (for those on the Whole30 or paleo diets), or with any rice of your choice. It’s a quick way to get in a ton of vegetables without taking up your whole evening.

If you’ve never had hemp tofu before (or any hemp foods), I highly recommend you look into it as a meat alternative. There are many benefits that you may be unaware of, and as a soy intolerant person, hemp tofu is a great alternative to the classic soy-based tofu.

Some health benefits of hemp

Hemp is a well known anti-inflammatory food. This seed has taken up a lot of the modern spotlight, offering many health benefits that you may or may not be aware of. You can, of course, eat hemp seeds as they are, but they can be treated like flax or chia seeds. Add them to smoothies, salads, or find fancy ways to use them to recreate your favorite dishes.

One thing that can set hemp seeds or oil apart from other seeds is their high omega-6 and omega-3 content. Both omega-6 and omega-3 fats are critical in a number of bodily health systems, including brain function and skin health.

Hemp also has a unique chemical compound that has been shown to not only have anti-inflammatory effects, but also have neurological benefits. CBD, or cannabinol, can help your immune system regulate itself, and therefore protect many parts of your body (including your brain) from an overly active immune system. No, CBD cannot get you high, and is currently legally sold in the US in almost every state. There are some states with restrictions on purchasing CBD products, but overall the hemp industry has been growing since 2017 in the United States.

As if you didn’t need another great reason to add hemp to your diet, hemp is also a great source of plant-based protein; it can pack up to 11 grams of protein in just 2-3 tablespoons. Comparatively, cooked edamame only provides 3 grams of protein in the same 2-3 tablespoons. For someone like me who sincerely gets tired of eating meat on my very limited diet, hemp seeds (and tofu!) are a great alternative that provides filling plant-based protein without all the gut rot afterwards.

How to make Swiss Chard Stir Fry with Hemp Tofu

Unlike many types of soy tofu, hemp tofu does not need any pressing, but you can place it between some dish towels and squeeze if you’d like to get some more of the water out. I personally find that hemp tofu for the most part does not contain a lot of water, but by draining the water, you will definitely get at firmer hemp tofu for your recipe.

After squeezing some of the water from the tofu for a few minutes, set it aside.

Chop your Swiss chard, and any other veggies you’d like to add to this dish. I personally love adding some diced onions, but that is completely optional!

Heat some sesame seed oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once your oil is hot enough, break apart pieces of the hemp tofu and carefully add it to the hot oil, stirring occasionally. Add in your Swiss chard, and stir. Next, add in the minced garlic, fresh ginger, salt, and chili powder (if you’d like to make this dish spicy). Stir until the garlic and spices begin to be fragrant.

Lastly, add in the rice vinegar and coconut aminos, and turn the heat down to low. Allow the stir fry to simmer for a few minutes until all the Swiss chard is tender.

Serve your vegetables over cauliflower rice (if on the Whole30 or paleo diet), or feel free to serve it over your favorite rice if you tolerate it! I also love this recipe topped with some spicy hot sauce!