This is a lovely meal that we enjoyed over the weekend. It is quite simple to make and comes together quickly.

Szechuan Style Tofu with Vegetables and White Rice – License photo

Serving Size: 4

Ingredients

  • 1 package tofu (14 ounces)
  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil
  • 8 ounces mushrooms
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and cit into matchstick shapes
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 8 ounces sugar snap pea pods, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, de-seeded and sliced
  • ½ cup spring onions
  • handful peanuts as garnish
  • white rice for 4
  • ½ cup vegetable bouillon
  • 1 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce
  • 2-3 tablespoons sambal oelek (depending on strength)
  • 1 tablespoons black bean garlic sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1.4 teaspoon salt
  • garnished with a few black sesame seeds

Directions

  1. Peel and cut the carrots.
  2. Clean the snow peas and cut the large ones in half or quarters.
  3. Slice the spring onions.
  4. De-seed the bell pepper and slice into bite-sized pieces.
  5. Clean and slice the mushrooms.
  6. To mix the ingredients for the sauce: place the vegetable bouillon in a medium bowl.
  7. Add the tamari, and 2 tablespoons of the sambal oelek.
  8. Mix with a small whisk or fork.
  9. Add the black beans sauce and rice vinegar.
  10. Add the sesame oil and taste the mixture. If you want it to be more spicy, add more sambal oelek. If you want it a bit sweet or to counter the saltiness, add a teaspoon of agave syrup.
  11. Pat the tofu dry with paper towels.
  12. Cut the tofu in bite-sized squares.
  13. Heat the oil and fry the tofu until golden on both sides.
  14. When the tofu is cooked, remove from the pan and set in a bowl for further use.
  15. Prepare the rice.
  16. Heat the remaining oil in the pan and add the red pepper pieces.
  17. Add the carrot matchsticks and at last add the snow pea pieces.
  18. All of these only take a few minutes to cook as you want them to be light and crunchy.
  19. Add a few tablespoons of the sauce and mix well.
  20. Place the rest of the sauce in a bowl for people to help themselves.
  21. We served the meal on a bed of white rice, garnished with a light sprinkling of black sesame seeds.