Vegan Kung Pao 'Chicken'

Vegan Kung Pao 'Chicken' is a delightful plant-based twist on the classic Chinese dish, featuring crispy tofu and vibrant vegetables tossed in a spicy and savory sauce. This dish is not only satisfying but also packed with flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.

Ingredients

• Firm tofu - 300 grams
• Cornstarch - 2 tablespoons
• Vegetable oil - 3 tablespoons
• Red bell pepper - 1 medium, diced
• Green bell pepper - 1 medium, diced
• Zucchini - 1 medium, diced
• Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
• Ginger - 1 tablespoon, minced
• Roasted peanuts - 50 grams
• Green onions - 2, sliced
• Dried red chilies - 4-5 (adjust to taste)
• Soy sauce - 3 tablespoons
• Rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon
• Sugar - 1 tablespoon
• Sesame oil - 1 teaspoon
• Water - 100 ml

Steps

1. Press the tofu for 15 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut it into bite-sized cubes.
2. In a bowl, toss the tofu cubes with cornstarch until evenly coated.
3. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
4. Add the tofu cubes and fry until golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil, and sauté the minced garlic, ginger, and dried red chilies for about 1 minute until fragrant.
6. Add the diced red and green bell peppers, and zucchini to the skillet, and stir-fry for about 5 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
7. In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and water to create the sauce.
8. Return the crispy tofu to the skillet, pour the sauce over the tofu and vegetables, and stir well to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
9. Remove from heat and stir in the roasted peanuts and sliced green onions.
10. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 15 g
• Carbs: 30 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Water: 0.1 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in plant-based protein from tofu, supporting muscle health.
• Packed with vitamins and minerals from the variety of vegetables, contributing to overall well-being.

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