Vegetarian Kung Pao Broccoli With Peanuts Recipes

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.

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 TOFU WITH BROCCOLI

Steps:

• In a small mixing bowl whisk together the dark and light soy sauces (see note for substitution), Chinese wine, toasted sesame oil, and ground Sichuan peppercorn. In a small dish whisk together the broth (or water) and corn starch to make a slurry, then add the slurry to the rest of the sauce and whisk to combine. Set aside.
• Put the cubed tofu in a large mixing bowl and sprinkle the 1 1/2 tbsp corn starch and 1/2 tsp salt and toss to coat the tofu.
• Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat. When hot add the 2 tbsp of oil then add the tofu. Fry for 7-8 minutes, flipping every couple of minutes, until golden and crispy on all sides. Remove the tofu and set on a paper towel lined plate to drain.
• In the wok using the leftover oil add the dried red chiles. Fry for about 15-30 seconds, stirring constantly, until a shade darker and toasted. Add the minced garlic, and white parts of the scallions and sauté for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Add the broccoli and stir fry until bright green and charred, about 2-3 minutes. Add the tofu, peanuts, and sauce and fry for 1-2 minutes. Add the scallion greens and turn off the heat.
• Serve the kung pao tofu with jasmine rice and enjoy hot.