Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 block of firm tofu, drained and cut into cubes
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons sweet bean sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Special equipment needed:
- Wok or large skillet
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the tofu and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, until golden brown. Remove from the wok and set aside.
3. Add the red bell pepper, yellow onion, garlic, and ginger to the wok and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the sweet bean sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and water.
5. Add the sauce to the wok and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats the vegetables.
6. Add the tofu back to the wok and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, until everything is heated through.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium-high heat
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 170
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Protein: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Firm tofu can be substituted with extra firm tofu or tempeh.
- Red bell pepper and yellow onion can be substituted with any other vegetables of your choice.
- Sweet bean sauce can be substituted with hoisin sauce or oyster sauce.
Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms or broccoli to the stir-fry for extra vegetables.
- Add sliced chicken or beef for extra protein.
- Add a tablespoon of honey for a sweeter sauce.
Tips and tricks:
- Press the tofu to remove excess water before cutting into cubes.
- Use a non-stick wok or skillet to prevent sticking.
- Stir-fry the vegetables quickly over high heat to retain their crunchiness.
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 the stir-fry in a bowl with a side of rice or noodles.
Garnishes:
- Sliced green onions or sesame seeds.
Pairings:
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles.
Suggested side dishes:
- Steamed broccoli or bok choy.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little more water to thin it out.
- If the vegetables are too crunchy, stir-fry them for a few more minutes.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the tofu is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to prevent foodborne illness.
Food history:
- Sweet bean sauce is a popular condiment in Chinese cuisine, made from fermented soybeans and sugar.
Flavor profiles:
- Sweet, savory, and slightly tangy.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve hot as a main dish.
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Region: Chinese