Quick & Easy

Szechuan Tofu & Green Bean Stir Fry

Image

Drescription

This spicy vegetarian stir-fry is a great way to use green beans when they're bountiful and inexpensive at the supermarket. You can also try it with other vegetables, such as broccoli or peppers, just make sure to cut them into small pieces so that they cook quickly. Coating the tofu in cornstarch before you cook it gives it a light crust.

Ingredients

  • ½ cup water, divided
  • ¼ cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons chinkiang vinegar (see note) or balsamic vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 1/4-1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper, or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon plus 2 tablespoons cornstarch, divided
  • 1 14-ounce package extra-firm tofu, drained
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil, such as canola or avocado, divided
  • 4 cups green beans, trimmed and cut in half
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger

Directions

  1. Whisk 1/4 cup water, soy sauce, tomato paste, vinegar, sugar, crushed red pepper to taste and 1 teaspoon cornstarch in a small bowl. Set aside. Cut tofu into 1/2- to 3/4-inch cubes and pat dry. Toss the tofu in a bowl with the remaining 2 tablespoons cornstarch to coat.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu and spread out across the surface of the pan. Let cook undisturbed for 2 minutes. Gently turn and stir. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and crispy, 2 to 3 minutes more. Transfer to a plate.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the pan. Add green beans, garlic and ginger; cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Add the remaining 1/4 cup water, cover and cook until the beans are crisp-tender, 2 to 4 minutes. Stir the reserved soy sauce mixture and pour it over the green beans. Cook, stirring, until thickened, about 1 minute. Add the tofu and cook, stirring, until heated through, about 1 minute more.

Related Post

Image
Pancake

Berry Puff Pancake

My family requests this pancake often when fresh berries are in season. Serve with whipped topping, chocolate syrup, and powdered sugar. I cut the pancake into quarters and let everyone top it however they want.

Read More
Image
Quick & Easy

Sheet Pan Harissa Chicken & Vegetables

This one-pan dinner gets a hit of flavorful heat from harissa, the popular North African chile-and-garlic paste. We use harissa paste from a tube for this recipe. It's got a concentrated chile flavor that makes an excellent spice rub for chicken and adds a subtle punch of heat to a refreshing herbed yogurt sauce.

Read More
Image
Chicken

Paprika Chicken Thighs with Brussels Sprouts

In this healthy chicken recipe, paprika-rubbed chicken thighs are nestled into Brussels sprouts and shallots and roasted on a sheet pan in the oven for an easy, healthy dinner. As the chicken thighs roast, the garlicky drippings flavor the Brussels sprouts and shallots. Delicious one-pan cooking! Smoked paprika adds a touch of smoky flavor--look for it at well-stocked supermarkets or in the bulk-spice section at natural-foods markets. Regular paprika can be used in its place, but doesn't add the hint of smoke.

Read More
Image
Quick & Easy

The Only High Protein Mason Jar Salad Formula You Need

Mason jar salads make for a convenient lunch that can easily be taken on the go or enjoyed at home. With just a few ingredients, you have a well-rounded lunch packed with fiber, protein and micronutrients that won’t spike your blood sugars. This nutritious Mason jar salad allows plenty of room for customization based on your preferences.

Read More