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Healthy Kung Pao Tofu Recipe

posted by Mel, selected from Eating Well magazine Oct 24, 2008 7:00 am
Healthy Kung Pao Tofu Recipe
7 comments

I feel fairly comfortable taking on any number of ethnic food categories in the kitchen, but something about Chinese food has left me less than adventurous. Maybe it’s because ordering take-out is so easy? With this vegetarian remake of the classic from Eating Well, I might not be so quickly tempted to reach for the take-out menu–it’s healthy and delicious, and can be cooked in nearly the same amount of time that it takes the delivery man to arrive.

INGREDIENTS
1 14-ounce package extra-firm water-packed tofu, rinsed
1/2 teaspoon five-spice powder, divided (see Shopping Tip)
1 tablespoon canola oil
1/2 cup water
3 tablespoons oyster-flavored or oyster sauce, (see Shopping Tip)
1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
12 ounces broccoli crowns, trimmed and cut into bite-size pieces (4 cups)
1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch dice
1 red bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch dice
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 tablespoons unsalted roasted peanuts
2 teaspoons hot sesame oil, (optional)

1. Pat tofu dry and cut into 1/2-inch cubes. Combine with 1/4 teaspoon five-spice powder in a medium bowl.

2. Heat canola oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu and cook, stirring every 1 to 2 minutes, until golden brown, 7 to 9 minutes total. Transfer to a plate.

3. Meanwhile, whisk water, oyster sauce, cornstarch and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon five-spice powder in a small bowl. Add broccoli, yellow and red bell pepper to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until beginning to soften, about 4 minutes. Add ginger and garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

4. Reduce heat to low, add the oyster sauce mixture and cook, stirring, until thickened, about 30 seconds. Return the tofu to the pan along with peanuts and stir to coat with sauce; stir in hot sesame oil (if using).

Shopping tips: Be sure to use “oyster-flavored” sauce (it’s oyster-free) to make this vegetarian; both it and oyster sauce are found in the Asian-food section or at Asian markets. Five-spice powder is a blend of cinnamon, cloves, fennel seed, star anise and Szechuan peppercorns. Look for it in the spice section or with other Asian ingredients.

Nutrition: Makes 4 servings, 1 cup each.

Per serving: 197 calories; 11 g fat (2 g saturated fat, 4g mono unsaturated fat); 0 mg cholesterol; 16 g carbohydrates; 12 g protein; 5 g fiber; 622 mg sodium; 517 mg potassium.

Nutrition bonus: Vitamin C (230% daily value), Vitamin A (40% dv), Calcium & Folate (25% dv).

Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 plant-based protein, 2 fat.

Carbohydrate servings:
1.

Visit EatingWell.com for free quick and easy healthy recipe collections!

More on Entrees (449 articles available)
More from Mel, selected from Eating Well magazine (78 articles available)

7 comments

7 comments

add your comment »
7 comments add your comment
Surriya I.

what is tofu
surriya

Leticia Esquer

Can I reduce the sodium and fat content ? I just love this recipe but would like to reduce the fat and sodium since i might like a 2 cup serving Thanks

Pam A.
  • Pam A. says
  • Oct 27, 2008 8:27 AM

Just a warning to read ingredients on oyster sauce and other Asian seasonings. Many common brands contain MSG-like flavor enhancers that are potent neurotxins, just like MSG. Read some of the pseudonyms here: http://www.truthinlabeling.org/hiddensources.html (not my site, just a helpful list). To your health!

Hugh M.
  • Hugh M. says
  • Oct 27, 2008 5:16 AM

I'm pleased to see a recipe here for what I learned to love in China as 'gong bao' (probably mandarin as opposed to cantonese). Whereas I used to love it as a chicken recipe I'll be happy to try the 'dou fu' form (Chinese vs Japanese). Thanks Mel.

Maha H.
  • Maha H. says
  • Oct 27, 2008 4:37 AM

Hi...I really wish i could eat Tofu..the problem with me is that i have allergy against this charming food Soya..i don't know why i have ,low blood pressure..sweating....what a pity...

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