Szechuan Style Spicy Eggplant and Tofu

Szechuan Style Spicy Eggplant and Tofu is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines tender eggplant and crispy tofu in a fiery, aromatic sauce. This gluten-free dish brings the bold, spicy flavors of Szechuan cuisine right to your table.

Ingredients

• Asian eggplant - 300 grams
• Firm tofu - 200 grams
• Vegetable oil - 2 tablespoons
• Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
• Ginger - 1 tablespoon, minced
• Szechuan peppercorns - 1 teaspoon
• Dried red chili peppers - 4-5, adjust to taste
• Soy sauce (gluten-free) - 2 tablespoons
• Chili paste - 1 tablespoon
• Sugar - 1 teaspoon
• Rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon
• Green onions - 2, chopped
• Cilantro - for garnish, optional

Steps

1. Start by pressing the firm tofu to remove excess moisture; wrap it in a clean towel and place a weight on top for about 15 minutes.
2. While the tofu is pressing, wash and cut the eggplant into bite-sized pieces and soak them in salted water for about 10 minutes to reduce bitterness.
3. After soaking, drain the eggplant and pat it dry with a paper towel.
4. Cut the pressed tofu into cubes and heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the tofu cubes and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
5. In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil and heat over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, ginger, Szechuan peppercorns, and dried red chili peppers. Stir-fry for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
6. Add the eggplant to the pan and stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes until it starts to soften.
7. In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, chili paste, sugar, and rice vinegar. Pour this sauce over the eggplant and stir well to coat.
8. Add the crispy tofu back into the pan and gently toss to combine everything. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
9. Garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro if desired before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 18 g
• Carbs: 28 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in antioxidants from eggplant and garlic, which may help reduce inflammation.
• High in protein and fiber from tofu, promoting satiety and muscle health.

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