Vegetarian Kung Pao Broccoli With Peanuts Food

KUNG PAO TOFU

Steps:

• Remove the tofu from the plastic carton onto a plate and let it sit for 10 minutes to allow the excess liquid to drain. Next, place the tofu on a flat surface lined with clean kitchen towels or paper towels and pat the sides dry. Transfer to a cutting board.
• Cut the tofu into ½-inch cubes and allow them to continue to drain for a few minutes.
• Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl, combine 1/3 cup cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, 5 spice powder, salt and water until a thick batter forms. Add the tofu and gently toss in the batter until thoroughly coated.
• Prepare the sauce by mixing together the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, salt, rice vinegar, sesame oil, 2 teaspoons cornstarch and 2/3 cup warm water. Stir the sauce until everything is dissolved and combined.
• Add 1/4 cup of peanut oil (or vegetable oil) to a medium to large nonstick frying pan over low heat and add 1 cup of the blanched shelled peanuts. Stir the peanuts in the wok for 5 minutes until they are golden brown. You'll notice the peanuts releasing more oil into the pan. Remove the peanuts from the pan, and set aside, leaving behind any oil in the pan.
• Next, adjust the heat to medium, and gently place each cube of tofu in the pan. Let the tofu fry for about 5 minutes, or until the bottoms are browned. Turn the tofu with a spatula (they'll stick together slightly, which may make it easier to flip a bunch of pieces all at once) and let the other side fry for another 5 minutes until the bottom is browned again. At this point, use a spatula to gently separate any tofu pieces that may be sticking together. Set the tofu aside.
• Use 1 ½ tablespoons of the remaining oil from frying the peanuts and tofu to coat your wok. Add the carrots and stir-fry over medium heat for 1 minute. Add the ginger and dried chili peppers.
• Toast the ginger and chili peppers for about 20 seconds and add the garlic and scallions. Stir-fry for another 20 seconds. Stir up the pre-mixed sauce with a chopstick or spoon since the cornstarch is likely to have settled, and add the sauce to the wok.
• Turn the heat up to high, and bring the sauce to a simmer. Once the sauce begins to thicken and reduce, add the tofu and peanuts.
• Toss the tofu and peanuts into the sauce until everything is coated. Keep stir-frying until the sauce has reduced and is clinging to the tofu and peanuts. At this point, you can stir in the Sichuan peppercorn powder, or you can sprinkle it on top. Serve with steamed rice.

VEGAN KUNG PAO BROCCOLI LO MEIN

Steps:

• Start boiling the water for the lo mein and cook according to package instructions.
• Make a marinade for the broccoli. In a shallow mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, water, agave and corn starch until fully combined and the corn starch has dissolved. Now add the broccoli to the bowl. Stir to coat and make sure the broccoli is fully covered by the marinade. Set aside to marinate for about 5 minutes or so. Stirring every minute or so.
• Now in a wok or large non stick skillet, heat the sesame oil on medium high. Add the green onions, garlic, ginger, and chilies. Saute for 1-2 minutes, until the garlic and ginger are soft. Reducing heat as needed.
• Now add the broccoli and the marinade to the wok or skillet. Saute until the sauce has thickened. 1-3 minutes. Now add the hoisin sauce and half the peanuts. Toss together.
• Once the lo mein noddles are done, drain and add to the wok. Toss the noodles to coat with sauce. Serve immediately topped with the remaining peanuts and more chopped green onions.

INSTANT POT® KUNG PAO BROCCOLI

Steps:

• Whisk soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sambal oelek, sherry, and garlic together in a bowl. Pour sauce into a multi-functional pressure cooker (such as Instant Pot®). Set a steamer basket on top of the sauce and place broccoli inside the basket. Close and lock the lid. Select high pressure according to manufacturer's instructions; set timer for 0 minutes. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for pressure to build.
• Release pressure carefully using the quick-release method according to manufacturer's instructions, about 5 minutes. Lift the steamer basket out and dump broccoli into the sauce below. Stir to coat.
• Divide broccoli between serving plates and garnish with peanuts and green onions.

VEGETARIAN KUNG PAO BROCCOLI WITH PEANUTS

Steps:

• 1. Wrap the tofu slabs in paper towels or a cotton towel, and place a heavy weight, such as a cast-iron skillet, on top. Let stand for 30 minutes to press out the excess water. Cut the tofu into slices about 1/2-inch thick and 2 1/2 inches long. Place them in a bowl. 2. 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 until boiling. Add the broccoli, and boil for 3 minutes. Drain, refresh under cold water, and drain again. 3. Heat a large, heavy skillet and add 2 1/2 tablespoons of the oil. Arrange some of the tofu slices in the pan and sear over high heat for 3 to 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 tablespoons of oil. Continue frying the rest of the slices. Remove and drain. 4. Reheat the skillet or wok, add the remaining tablespoon 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. Scoop the dish onto a serving platter. Serve with steamed rice.