244 Cals 12 Protein 21 Carbs 12.5 Fats
PREP TIME:
20 mins
COOK TIME:
20 mins
TOTAL TIME:
40 mins
YIELD:4 SERVINGS
COURSE:Dinner
CUISINE:Asian, Chinese
Kung Pao Tofu, a lighter (and vegetarian) take on one of my favorite Chinese takeout dishes!
INGREDIENTS
1 14-ounce package extra firm tofu, drained
¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons reduced sodium or gluten-free soy sauce*
3 tablespoons cornstarch, divided
1 2-inch piece ginger, minced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 medium scallions, chopped, whites and green separated
2 medium zucchini, quartered lengthwise cut 1/2 inch cubes
2 medium red bell peppers, cut 1 inch cubes
2 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar
2 tablespoons dry sherry
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2-3 teaspoons Sambal Oelek, fresh ground chili paste*
2 tablespoons, 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil, divided
2 tablespoons lightly salted peanuts, chopped
INSTRUCTIONS
Place tofu on a tea towel or paper towels. Cover with another towel and gently press tofu to get rid of excess water.
Transfer to cutting board, flip on its side and slice in half lengthwise. Flip it back over to lay flat on the cutting board and cut into 32 equal cubes.
Place in a medium size shallow container so the cubes can lay in an even layer.
In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons soy sauce with 2 tablespoons cornstarch. Whisk to combine and then pour over tofu. Gently flip cubes to make sure all sides are covered in marinade. Allow to sit while you make the sauce.
In a medium bowl, combine remaining 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/2 cup water, remaining 1 tablespoon cornstarch, vinegar, sherry, brown sugar and Sambal (use 3 teaspoons if you like it really spicy*). Whisk to combine.
Heat 2 tablespoons sesame oil in a large deep skillet or wok over medium heat. Carefully add the tofu (the oil may splatter).
Fry the tofu for 8-10 minutes, flipping every minute or so to brown all sides. Transfer to a plate.
Add remaining teaspoon of sesame oil to the pan then the add ginger, garlic and scallion whites. Sauté 30 seconds.
Increase heat to high and add the zucchini and peppers. Cook 3 to 4 minutes, stirring until slightly cooked, then add the tofu and sauce.
Cook, stirring often, to combine, for 2 to 4 minutes until thickened.
To serve sprinkle peanuts and scallion greens on top and serve immediately.
Serving: 11/2 cups, Calories: 244kcal, Carbohydrates: 21g, Protein: 12g, Fat: 12.5g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Sodium: 938mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 9gBlue Smart Points:6Green Smart Points:8Purple Smart Points:6
