kung pao tofu

Kung pao tofu is a vegetarian version of the famous Sichuan dish, kung pao chicken. With chilis and peanuts, kung pao tofu is a delicious classic.

Kung Pao Tofu

firm tofu ((400 g))

cornstarch ((40 g))

garlic powder

onion powder

five spice powder

salt

water ((60 ml))

soy sauce ((15 ml))

soy sauce

sugar ((8 g))

salt ((1 g))

rice vinegar

sesame oil

cornstarch ((5 g))

water ((160 ml))

peanuts ((140 g))

carrots

ginger

chili peppers

garlic

scallions

Sichuan peppercorn powder

Remove the tofu from the plastic carton onto a plate and let it sit for 10 minutes to allow the excess liquid to drain. Next, place the tofu on a flat surface lined with clean kitchen towels or paper towels and pat the sides dry. Transfer to a cutting board.

Cut the tofu into ½-inch cubes and allow them to continue to drain for a few minutes.

Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl, combine 1/3 cup cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, 5 spice powder, salt and water until a thick batter forms. Add the tofu and gently toss in the batter until thoroughly coated.

Prepare the sauce by mixing together the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, salt, rice vinegar, sesame oil, 2 teaspoons cornstarch and 2/3 cup warm water. Stir the sauce until everything is dissolved and combined.

Add 1/4 cup of peanut oil (or vegetable oil) to a medium to large nonstick frying pan over low heat and add 1 cup of the blanched shelled peanuts. Stir the peanuts in the wok for 5 minutes until they are golden brown. You’ll notice the peanuts releasing more oil into the pan. Remove the peanuts from the pan, and set aside, leaving behind any oil in the pan.

Next, adjust the heat to medium, and gently place each cube of tofu in the pan. Let the tofu fry for about 5 minutes, or until the bottoms are browned. Turn the tofu with a spatula (they’ll stick together slightly, which may make it easier to flip a bunch of pieces all at once) and let the other side fry for another 5 minutes until the bottom is browned again. At this point, use a spatula to gently separate any tofu pieces that may be sticking together. Set the tofu aside.

Use 1 ½ tablespoons of the remaining oil from frying the peanuts and tofu to coat your wok. Add the carrots and stir-fry over medium heat for 1 minute. Add the ginger and dried chili peppers.

Toast the ginger and chili peppers for about 20 seconds and add the garlic and scallions. Stir-fry for another 20 seconds. Stir up the pre-mixed sauce with a chopstick or spoon since the cornstarch is likely to have settled, and add the sauce to the wok.

Turn the heat up to high, and bring the sauce to a simmer. Once the sauce begins to thicken and reduce, add the tofu and peanuts.

Toss the tofu and peanuts into the sauce until everything is coated. Keep stir-frying until the sauce has reduced and is clinging to the tofu and peanuts. At this point, you can stir in the Sichuan peppercorn powder, or you can sprinkle it on top. Serve with steamed rice.

Kung Pao tofu is an improvised dish from the famous Szechuan cuisine Kung Pao chicken. It is an excellent vegetarian dish for those who do not eat meat but want to appreciate the same flavor of the famed Kung Pao chicken. 

500 g firm tofu,

tsp light soy sauce

tsp dark soy sauce

tbsp light soy sauce

tp dark soy sauce

½ tbsp black vinegar

tsp doubanjiang

tbsp sugar

tbsp Shaoxing wine

tsp white pepper

tsp salt

garlic,

ginger, (about thumb size), cut into thin slices

tbsp ground Sichuan peppercorn

dry red chili,

cornstarch

water

(others)

red bell pepper

green bell pepper

cashew nuts

tsp sesame oil

scallion,

Combine ingredients in A, marinate for 2 hours....

Combine ingredients in A, marinate for 2 hours. Drained.

Combine ingredients in B.

Cut and prepare ingredients in C and E.

Pan-fry the tofu with some oil over medium...

Pan-fry the tofu with some oil over medium heat until brown on both sides. Set aside.

Saute the ginger, garlic, scallion, and the dry...

Saute the ginger, garlic, scallion, and the dry chili until aromatic.

Add the kung pao sauce. Add the bell...

Add the kung pao sauce.  Add the bell peppers, Szechuan peppercorn. Mix ingredients in D, pour into the pan. Return the fried tofu to the pan. Stir gently.

Add the cashew nuts and sprinkle a tablespoon...

Add the cashew nuts and sprinkle a tablespoon of scallion. Serve.

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