Vegan Kung Pao

Vegan Kung Pao is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines spicy, sweet, and savory elements with a delightful mix of vegetables and plant-based protein. This dish offers a perfect blend of textures and tastes, making it a satisfying meal for anyone looking for a delicious vegan option.

Ingredients

• Tofu - 200 grams, firm
• Bell pepper - 1 medium, diced
• Zucchini - 1 medium, diced
• Carrot - 1 medium, diced
• Green onion - 2 stalks, chopped
• Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
• Ginger - 1 tablespoon, grated
• Peanuts - 50 grams, unsalted
• Soy sauce - 3 tablespoons
• Maple syrup - 1 tablespoon
• Rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon
• Szechuan peppercorns - 1 teaspoon, crushed
• Cornstarch - 1 tablespoon
• Vegetable oil - 2 tablespoons
• Cooked rice - 200 grams, for serving

Steps

1. Press the tofu for 15 minutes to remove excess water, then cut it into bite-sized cubes.
2. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, and crushed Szechuan peppercorns to create the marinade.
3. Add the tofu cubes to the marinade and let them sit for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
4. In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
5. Add the marinated tofu cubes to the skillet and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the tofu from the skillet and set aside.
6. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil and sauté the garlic and ginger for about 1 minute until fragrant.
7. Add the diced bell pepper, zucchini, and carrot to the skillet and stir-fry for about 5 minutes until tender-crisp.
8. Return the tofu to the skillet, add the chopped green onions and peanuts, and mix well.
9. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry, then add it to the skillet, stirring well to thicken the sauce.
10. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce is glossy and coats the ingredients well.
11. Serve hot over cooked rice.

Nutrition

• Calories: 400
• Protein: 20 g
• Carbs: 50 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in plant-based protein from tofu, promoting muscle health.
• Contains a variety of vegetables, providing essential vitamins and minerals.

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