Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 block of firm tofu, drained and cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon of grated ginger
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- 1/4 cup of water
- 1/4 cup of chopped green onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Non-stick skillet or wok
- Spatula
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the tofu cubes and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the grated ginger and minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add the soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until the sugar has dissolved.
5. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth. Add the mixture to the skillet and stir until the sauce thickens.
6. Add the tofu back to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
7. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium-high heat
Serving size:
- 2-3 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Protein: 12g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Firm tofu can be substituted with extra-firm tofu or tempeh.
- Vegetable oil can be substituted with sesame oil or peanut oil.
- Rice vinegar can be substituted with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar.
- Brown sugar can be substituted with honey or maple syrup.
- Cornstarch can be substituted with arrowroot powder or potato starch.
Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms or bell peppers to the skillet for extra flavor and texture.
- Use honey instead of brown sugar for a sweeter sauce.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to drain the tofu well before cooking to remove excess water.
- Use a non-stick skillet or wok to prevent the tofu from sticking to the pan.
- To make the tofu extra crispy, coat it in cornstarch before cooking.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve on a bed of steamed rice or noodles.
- Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped cilantro.
Garnishes:
- Chopped green onions, sesame seeds, chopped cilantro
Pairings:
- Steamed rice, noodles, stir-fried vegetables
Suggested side dishes:
- Steamed broccoli, stir-fried bok choy, vegetable spring rolls
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water to thin it out.
- If the tofu is sticking to the pan, add more oil to the skillet.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the tofu to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food history:
- Tofu is a staple in Chinese cuisine and has been consumed for over 2,000 years.
Flavor profiles:
- Savory, sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy
Serving suggestions:
- Serve hot as a main dish or as a side dish with other Chinese-inspired dishes.
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Region: Chinese