Name: Kung Pao Tofu Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 14 oz extra firm tofu; ¼ cup soy sauce; 3 tbsp cornstarch; 1 ginger; 2 cloves garlic; 2 medium scallions; 2 medium zucchini; 2 medium red bell peppers; 2 tbsp unseasoned rice vinegar; 2 tbsp dry sherry; 1 tbsp brown sugar; 3 tsp Sambal Oelek; 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil; 2 tbsp lightly salted peanuts

How To Make Kung Pao Tofu

A delicious and healthy makeover on the classic Chinese takeout dish, kung pao tofu is made with stir-fried tofu and fresh veggies in sweet and sour sauce.

Preparation: 20 minutes

Cooking: 20 minutes

Total: 40 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

14ozextra firm tofu,(1 pkg), drained
¼cupsoy sauce,plus 2 tbsp, reduced sodium or gluten-free
3tbspcornstarch,divided
1ginger,(2-inch piece), minced
2clovesgarlic,minced
2medium scallions,chopped, whites and green separated
2medium zucchini,quartered lengthwise cut ½-inch cubes
2medium red bell peppers,cut 1-inch cubes
2tbspunseasoned rice vinegar
2tbspdry sherry
1tbspbrown sugar
3tspSambal Oelek,(fresh ground chili paste*)
2tbsptoasted sesame oil,plus 1 tsp, divided
2tbsplightly salted peanuts,chopped

Instructions

Place tofu on a tea towel or paper towels. Cover with another towel and gently press tofu to get rid of excess water.
Transfer to cutting board, flip on its side and slice in half lengthwise. Flip it back over to lay flat on the cutting board and cut into 32 equal cubes.
Place in a medium size shallow container so the cubes can lay in an even layer.
In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of soy sauce with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Whisk to combine and then pour over tofu. Gently flip cubes to make sure all sides are covered in marinade. Allow sitting while you make the sauce.
In a medium bowl, combine the remaining ¼ cup of soy sauce, ½ cup of water, the remaining 1 tablespoon cornstarch, vinegar, sherry, brown sugar, and Sambal. Whisk to combine.
Heat 2 tablespoons of sesame oil in a large deep skillet or wok over medium heat. Carefully add the tofu (the oil may splatter).
Fry the tofu for about 8 to 10 minutes, flipping every minute or so to brown all sides. Transfer to a plate.
Add the remaining teaspoon of sesame oil to the pan then add ginger, garlic, and scallion whites. Sauté for about 30 seconds.
Increase heat to high and add the zucchini and peppers. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring until slightly cooked, then add the tofu and sauce.
Cook, stirring often to combine, for about 2 to 4 minutes or until thickened.
To serve sprinkle peanuts and scallion greens on top and serve immediately.