Kung Pao Tofu with Vegetables Recipe
Description
Kung Pao Tofu is a delightful and robust dish from Chinese cuisine, known for its flavorful combination of spicy, tangy, and savory elements. This stir-fried dish features tofu and vegetables tossed in a spicy sauce made with soy sauce, corn flour, honey, and sesame oil, complemented by the crunch of roasted peanuts and the heat of dry red chilies. While youโll find variations of Kung Pao across different regions of China, this version is crafted with a balanced spice level and a touch of sweetness. Paired with a simple yet hearty fried rice, this meal is not only a visual delight but also a nutritious powerhouse, packed with protein-rich tofu and vibrant vegetables. Perfect for a high-protein vegetarian meal, this dish can be enjoyed with brown rice or fried rice for a wholesome, satisfying experience.
Cuisine
Chinese
Course
Side Dish
Diet
High Protein, Vegetarian
Ingredients
For Kung Pao Sauce:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Corn flour | 2 tablespoons |
| Soy sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Green Bell Pepper (Capsicum) | 1, finely chopped |
| Honey | 1 tablespoon |
| Water | 1-1/4 cups |
For Kung Pao Tofu:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sesame (Gingelly) Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Garlic | 4 cloves, finely chopped |
| Ginger | 1 inch, finely chopped |
| Dry Red Chilies | 2 |
| Spring Onion Greens | 2 stalks, finely chopped |
| Red Bell Pepper (Capsicum) | 1, diced |
| Green Bell Pepper (Capsicum) | 1, diced |
| Roasted Peanuts (Moongphali) | 1/4 cup |
| Black pepper corns | 1 teaspoon, coarsely pounded |
| Tofu | 250 grams, diced |
| Salt | To taste |
For Fried Rice:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cooked rice | 2 cups |
| Green beans | 1/2 cup, finely chopped |
| Green Bell Pepper (Capsicum) | 1/2 cup, finely chopped |
| Carrots | 1/2 cup, finely chopped |
| Spring Onion (Bulb & Greens) | 4 stalks, finely chopped |
| Ginger | 1 inch, finely chopped |
| Black pepper powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time
20 minutes
Cooking Time
30 minutes
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Kung Pao Sauce
In a bowl, combine corn flour, soy sauce, chopped green bell pepper, honey, and water. Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated. Set the sauce aside for later use.
Step 2: Prepare the Kung Pao Tofu
- Heat sesame oil in a wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the finely chopped garlic, ginger, dry red chilies, green and red bell peppers, and spring onions. Stir-fry these ingredients on high heat until the peppers soften slightly.
- Next, stir in the roasted peanuts, coarsely ground black peppercorns, and diced tofu. Mix well.
- Pour the prepared Kung Pao sauce over the tofu and vegetables. Keep stirring the mixture to ensure the sauce thickens and coats the tofu and veggies evenly.
- Taste and adjust the salt and spice levels according to your preference. Allow the mixture to come to a quick boil, then turn off the heat.
Step 3: Prepare the Fried Rice
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add finely chopped ginger, spring onions, green beans, carrots, and green bell peppers. Sautรฉ the vegetables on high heat for 3 to 4 minutes, ensuring they remain slightly tender with a firm bite.
- Add the cooked rice, black pepper, and salt. Stir well and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Once done, transfer the fried rice to a serving bowl and set aside.
Step 4: Serving
Now that both the Kung Pao Tofu and fried rice are ready, itโs time to serve. In a bowl (such as a cereal or salad bowl), spoon a portion of fried rice at the bottom. Then, add a generous ladle of the Kung Pao Tofu with vegetables on top. Serve immediately, ensuring the dish is enjoyed hot.
For a complete meal, pair your Kung Pao Tofu with Vegetables with a refreshing Cherry Tomato and Orange Salad and a delicious Toffee Banana Dessert. This combination makes for a delightful, balanced weekend meal that you can share with family and friends!
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Sodium | 680mg |
| Sugars | 12g |
Tips for Perfect Kung Pao Tofu:
- Tofu Tip: For extra crispy tofu, you can press the tofu before cooking to remove excess water, making it more firm and absorbing flavors better.
- Adjusting Spice: If you prefer a spicier version, increase the number of dry red chilies or add a dash of chili oil to the sauce.
- Vegetables Variations: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for added texture and flavor.
- Rice: Brown rice or jasmine rice can be used for a different texture and flavor. You can also try adding a bit of soy sauce or sesame oil to the rice for extra flavor.
Enjoy this vibrant, healthy, and satisfying dish, perfect for those who love both the flavors of Chinese cuisine and a wholesome vegetarian meal.
