Kung Pao Tofu
This Chinese Kung Pao Tofu results in a crispy tofu and vegetable dish with a spicy, tangy sauce topped with peanuts and scallions.
PREP TIME 30 minutes TOTAL TIME 55 minutes SERVINGS 2
Instructions
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Step 1 Drain excess water out of the tofu
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Step 2 Mix all the sauce ingredients together in a bowl or measuring cup. Set aside.
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Step 3 Slice the tofu diagonally into large squares before cutting them in half to form triangles. You can also slice them into 1-inch cubes.
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Step 4 In a large bowl or container, mix in the cornstarch and salt.
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Step 5 Coat each piece of tofu in the cornstarch mixture. Add more cornstarch if needed.
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Step 6 Heat a large non-stick pan or skillet over high heat. Add in oilto have a thin later covering the surface of the pan. Leave the oil to heat up.
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Step 7 Once the oil is hot, add in the coated tofu.
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Step 8 Pan fry the tofu over medium high heat on each side until golden brown and crisp. Ensure that the tofu do not stick to one another in the pan. You may need to fry them in 2-3 batches depending on the size of the frying pan.
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Step 9 Set the tofu aside.
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Step 10 In the same frying pan over high heat, add in the onions. Sauté until tender over high heat, around 1 minute.
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Step 11 Add in the bell pepper and cook until tender, around 2 minutes.
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Step 12 Turn up the heat. Add in 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine and cook until it has evaporated.
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Step 13 Add in the szechuan pepper powder then mix well.
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Step 14 Add in the scallions and dried chili (if using) the mix together.
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Step 15 Afterwards, give the sauce good mix again to prevent the starch from sticking to the bottom. Over medium heat, pour in the sauce to the pan. Immediately stir. The sauce will slowly thicken due to the starch.
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Step 16 When the sauce has slightly thickened, add in the crispy tofu pieces and immediately mix to coat.
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Step 17 Turn off the heat then add in the peanuts.
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Step 18 Mix well and then serve immediately while hot to enjoy the tofu while they're still a little crisp! Garnish with more peanuts and chopped scallions if desired and serve with rice.
