Vegetarian Kung Pao Tofu
Vegetarian Kung Pao Tofu is a flavorful and spicy dish that combines crispy tofu with a medley of vegetables, peanuts, and a bold, savory sauce. It's a delightful twist on the traditional Kung Pao chicken, perfect for a satisfying vegetarian meal.

30 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Chinese
400 kcal
Ingredients
- Firm tofu - 250 grams
- Bell pepper (red) - 1 medium, diced
- Zucchini - 1 medium, diced
- Green onions - 2, chopped
- Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
- Ginger - 1 tablespoon, minced
- Roasted peanuts - 50 grams
- Soy sauce - 2 tablespoons
- Rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon
- Chili paste - 1 teaspoon
- Cornstarch - 1 tablespoon
- Sesame oil - 1 tablespoon
- Vegetable oil - 2 tablespoons
- Salt - to taste
- Black pepper - to taste
Steps
- Press the firm tofu for 15 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut it into bite-sized cubes.
- In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili paste, and cornstarch to create the sauce.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat and add the tofu cubes. Fry until golden brown on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the remaining vegetable oil, then sauté the garlic and ginger for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the diced bell pepper and zucchini to the pan, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until just tender.
- Return the tofu to the pan, pour in the sauce, and stir well to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is well coated and heated through.
- Add the chopped green onions and roasted peanuts, stir to mix, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Nutrition
- Calories: 400
- Protein: 18 g
- Carbs: 30 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Total Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Water: 0.4 L
Health Benefits
- Rich in plant-based protein from tofu, supporting muscle health.
- Packed with vitamins and minerals from vegetables, promoting overall health.
Tags
ChineseVegetarianSeafood Dish