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.

Vegetarian Kung Pao Tofu
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

  1. Press the firm tofu for 15 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut it into bite-sized cubes.
  2. In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili paste, and cornstarch to create the sauce.
  3. 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.
  4. In the same pan, add the remaining vegetable oil, then sauté the garlic and ginger for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  5. Add the diced bell pepper and zucchini to the pan, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until just tender.
  6. 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.
  7. Add the chopped green onions and roasted peanuts, stir to mix, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  8. 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