Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 block of firm tofu, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 cups of mixed vegetables (such as carrots, mushrooms, snow peas, and bamboo shoots)
- 1 cup of vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon of water
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of ginger, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Large skillet or wok with lid
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add minced garlic and ginger and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
4. Add vegetable broth, soy sauce, and hoisin sauce to the skillet and stir to combine.
5. Add tofu cubes to the skillet and gently stir to coat with the sauce.
6. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the tofu is heated through.
7. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
8. Add the slurry to the skillet and stir to thicken the sauce.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Serve hot with rice or noodles.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
Medium-high heat for sautéing and simmering
Serving size:
4 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 180
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 12g
Sodium: 700mg
Sugar: 6g
Fiber: 4g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Firm tofu can be substituted with tempeh or seitan.
- Mixed vegetables can be substituted with any vegetables of your choice.
- Vegetable broth can be substituted with chicken or beef broth for non-vegetarian option.
- Hoisin sauce can be substituted with oyster sauce or sweet chili sauce.
Variations:
- Add a tablespoon of chili paste or sriracha for a spicy kick.
- Add a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas for extra protein.
- Add a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar for a sweeter taste.
Tips and tricks:
- Press the tofu with a paper towel to remove excess water before cutting into cubes.
- Use a non-stick skillet or wok to prevent sticking.
- Add more vegetable broth if the sauce becomes too thick.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro for added flavor.
Storage instructions:
Store 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 in a large bowl with rice or noodles on the bottom and the braised tofu and vegetables on top.
Garnishes:
Chopped green onions or cilantro
Pairings:
Steamed rice or noodles
Suggested side dishes:
Steamed broccoli or bok choy
Troubleshooting advice:
If the sauce is too thin, add more cornstarch slurry. If the sauce is too thick, add more vegetable broth.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the tofu and vegetables to a safe temperature of 165°F to prevent foodborne illness.
Food history:
Buddha's Delight, also known as Luohan Zhai, is a vegetarian dish that originated in Buddhist monasteries in China. It is traditionally served on the first day of the Chinese New Year as a symbol of purification and health.
Flavor profiles:
Savory, umami, slightly sweet
Serving suggestions:
Serve hot with rice or noodles and steamed vegetables on the side.
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Region: Chinese