Kung Pao Broccoli And Tofu With Pineapple Food

THE BEST KUNG PAO TOFU: A QUICK RECIPE

Steps:

• Use a tofu press or DIY pressing method to squeeze any excess liquid out of the tofu.
• While your tofu is pressing, prep your veggies.
• Once the tofu has been pressed, transfer it to a cutting board, place the block on its side, and slice it lengthwise. Next, flip it back over to lie flat and cut the tofu into 32 equal-sized cubes, roughly 1-2" each.
• Arrange the tofu cubes in a shallow container, so that they make one even layer.
• Place the tofu to one side and combine 2 tbsp of soy sauce with 2 tbsp of cornstarch in a small bowl. Whisk them together, then pour the sauce over the tofu.
• Flip the tofu cubes to ensure all sides are well coated in the marinade, then leave to sit while you make the Kung Pao sauce.
• Take a medium bowl and add the remaining ¼ cup of soy sauce, ½ cup of water, and the remaining 1 tbsp of cornstarch. Next, add the vinegar, sherry, brown sugar, and Sambal (I would recommend using a maximum of 3 tsp of Sambal if you like your sauce spicy, but start with less and add more to taste).
• Whisk the sauce ingredients together until thoroughly combined.
• Place a large skillet or wok over medium heat and add 2 tbsp of sesame oil.
• Once the sesame oil is warm, add the marinated tofu cubes, being careful of splattering oil.
• Fry the tofu for 8-10 minutes, occasionally flipping and stirring to ensure it cooks evenly and get nice and crispy on all sides.
• Once all sides of the tofu cubes are browned, remove the cubes from the heat and set to one side.
• Add the final tbsp of sesame oil to the hot pan, then add the ginger, garlic, and scallion whites and sauté for 30 seconds.
• Increase the heat to high, then place the zucchini and peppers in the pan.
• Cook the veggies for 3-4 minutes, occasionally stirring, then add the tofu and sauce to the pan.
• Stir-fry everything for 2-4 minutes. The sauce should thicken, and all the ingredients should be well coated.
• Serve hot, sprinkled with the halved peanuts and scallion greens.

VEGAN KUNG PAO TOFU WITH BROCCOLI

Steps:

• In a small mixing bowl whisk together the dark and light soy sauces (see note for substitution), Chinese wine, toasted sesame oil, and ground Sichuan peppercorn. In a small dish whisk together the broth (or water) and corn starch to make a slurry, then add the slurry to the rest of the sauce and whisk to combine. Set aside.
• Put the cubed tofu in a large mixing bowl and sprinkle the 1 1/2 tbsp corn starch and 1/2 tsp salt and toss to coat the tofu.
• Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat. When hot add the 2 tbsp of oil then add the tofu. Fry for 7-8 minutes, flipping every couple of minutes, until golden and crispy on all sides. Remove the tofu and set on a paper towel lined plate to drain.
• In the wok using the leftover oil add the dried red chiles. Fry for about 15-30 seconds, stirring constantly, until a shade darker and toasted. Add the minced garlic, and white parts of the scallions and sauté for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Add the broccoli and stir fry until bright green and charred, about 2-3 minutes. Add the tofu, peanuts, and sauce and fry for 1-2 minutes. Add the scallion greens and turn off the heat.
• Serve the kung pao tofu with jasmine rice and enjoy hot.

VEGETABLE KUNG PAO WITH BROCCOLI AND PEANUTS

Steps:

• Wrap the tofu slabs in paper towels and place a heavy weight, such as a skillet, on top; let stand for 30 minutes to press out the excess water.
• Cut the tofu into slices 1/2-inch thick and 2 1/2-inches long and place them in a bowl.
• Cut away the broccoli florets and separate into bite-size pieces; cut the stalks on the diagonal into 1-inch pieces.
• Heat a large pot of water to boiling, add the broccoli and boil for 3 minutes; drain, refresh under cold water and drain again.
• Heat a heavy skillet and add 2 1/2 T of the oil Arrange some of the tofu slices in the pan and sear over high heat for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown Remove with a spatula and drain in a colander Reheat the pan and add 2 more T of oil Continue frying the rest of the slices, removing and draining as they are cooked.
• Reheat the skillet, or a wok, add the remaining T of oil, heat until hot, and add the seasonings, stir-fry briefly, about 15 seconds, then add the scallion greens and water chestnuts, and stir-fry over high heat about 1 1/2- minutes.
• Add the premixed sauce and cook, stirring continuously to prevent lumps, until it thickens.
• Add the broccoli, fried tofu and peanuts.
• Toss lightly to coat and heat through.
• Serve with steamed rice.