Asian > Chinese

Bean Paste and Tofu Stir-Fry Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 block of firm tofu, drained and cut into small cubes
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons of bean paste
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1/4 cup of water
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 cup of snow peas
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish

Special equipment needed:
- Wok or large skillet

Step-by-step instructions:

1. In a small bowl, mix together the bean paste, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and water. Set aside.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
3. Add the garlic and ginger and stir-fry for 30 seconds.
4. Add the tofu and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned.
5. Add the red and green bell peppers, onion, and snow peas. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.
6. Pour the bean paste mixture over the vegetables and tofu. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the vegetables and tofu.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with sliced green onions.


- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
Temperature:
- High heat
Serving size:
- 4 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 170
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 8g
- Fiber: 4g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Firm tofu can be substituted with extra firm tofu or tempeh.
- Bean paste can be substituted with miso paste.

Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
- Add sliced carrots for a touch of sweetness.
- Add sliced water chestnuts for crunch.

Tips and tricks:
- Drain the tofu well before cutting it into cubes to prevent excess moisture in the stir-fry.
- Use a non-stick wok or skillet to prevent sticking.
- Stir-fry the vegetables in batches to prevent overcrowding and ensure even cooking.

Storage instructions:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the stir-fry in a large bowl or on individual plates.
- Garnish with sliced green onions.

Garnishes:
- Sliced green onions

Pairings:
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles.

Suggested side dishes:
- Steamed broccoli
- Edamame
- Cucumber salad

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water to thin it out.
- If the vegetables are not cooking evenly, stir-fry them in batches.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the tofu and vegetables to a safe temperature of 165°F.

Food history:
- Bean paste is a common ingredient in Chinese cuisine and is made from fermented soybeans.

Flavor profiles:
- Savory, umami, slightly sweet

Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a main dish or as a side dish.

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Region: Chinese

Taste: Savory, Umami, Spicy, Tangy