STIR FRIED TOFU WITH MIXED VEGETABLES
by Sepi Z
Ingredients
Tofu, firm, cut into ½” thick triangles 4 lb.
Corn starch 4 cups
Peanut or canola oil 1 cup
Ginger, minced 2 Tbsp.
Garlic, minced 2 Tbsp.
Green onion, thinly sliced 2 Tbsp.
Shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and sliced 4 cups
Snow peas, strings removed 4 cups
Napa cabbage, julienne 2 cups
Red pepper, sliced 2 cups
Bean sprouts 2 cups
Chinese black bean sauce 6 Tbsp.
Oyster sauce (optional) 8 Tbsp.
Sesame oil 4 Tbsp.
Cilantro, minced 4 Tbsp.
Salt as needed
White pepper, ground 1 tsp.
Directions
Toss the tofu with cornstarch to coat the tofu. Shake off excess.
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil to 350°F in a heavy pot. Working in batches if necessary, sauté the tofu until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Drain well on paper towels and reserve.
Heat approximately 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or large sauté pan. Add the ginger, garlic, and green onions and stir-fry or sauté until aromatic, about 1 minute.
Add the mushrooms, snow peas, cabbage, red peppers, and bean sprouts, and stir-fry or sauté until the vegetables are tender, 6 to 8 minutes.
Add the black bean sauce and stir-fry or sauté 1 minute more.
Add the cooked tofu, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, cilantro, salt, and pepper. Stir-fry or sauté to heat through, about 3 minutes.
Recipe Note
Firm tofu is necessary for the above cooking method. If only soft tofu is available, add at the end of the recipe and gently fold into the mixture as not to crumble the tofu. Tempeh, smoked tofu or Seitan can be substituted for the firm tofu; however, the cooking times may vary.
Other vegetables such as green beans, Asian eggplant, carrots, bok choy, sugar snap peas, bamboo shoots, water chestnuts and other types of mushrooms can easily be added or substituted in this recipe. The amount of each ingredient may have to be adjusted and the order of cooking may be slightly different if other products are used. The ingredients in this recipe can be prepared one or two days in advance; however, should be eaten soon after cooking for best results.