Kung Pao Tofu Stir Fry 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.

BRIAN'S SPICY KUNG PAO TOFU STIR FRY

Steps:

• Whisk together ingredients for sauce into a bowl and set aside.
• In wok, add oil and lightly fry cubed tofu for about 3 minutes, continually tossing. Set aside.
• Add carrots to wok and cook on med. high heat for 3 minutes. Add onion, scallions, garlic and ginger. Cook for about 2 minutes and then add remaining vegetables, water chestnuts, chilis. Continue cooking for additional 2 minutes until vegetables are soft.
• Add tofu back into stir fry.
• Pour sauce over to coat stir fry, may not need all sauce.
• Cook until sauce is reduced to desired consistency.
• Spoon stir fry over 1 cup of steamed rice and garnish with chopped cashews.

KUNG PAO CHICKEN STIR-FRY

Steps:

• Mix the chicken, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, salt, pepper, and 1 pinch of five-spice powder together in a bowl until the chicken is coated, and set aside.
• Whisk together water, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, rice vinegar, and 1 pinch of five-spice powder in a bowl until the mixture is smooth, and set aside.
• Place 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat, and cook and stir the chicken mixture until the chicken is browned, about 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the wok, and set aside.
• Pour 1 more tablespoon of oil into the heated wok, and stir in the onion, celery, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Cook and stir the vegetables until they start to become tender, about 3 minutes. Pour in the cornstarch mixture, and cook and stir until the sauce thickens, about 1 minute. Remove the wok from the heat, lightly stir in the cooked chicken and peanuts, and serve.