Tofu Hoisin With Broccoli Red Pepper And Walnuts Recipes

STIR-FRIED TOFU AND PEPPERS

Steps:

• Optional step for firmer tofu: Blot the tofu dry, wrap in a clean kitchen towel and place a cutting board on top. Let sit for about 15 minutes. Whether weighted or not, slice the tofu about 1/2 inch thick into 1- x 2-inch dominoes.
• Mix together 1 tablespoon of the soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of the brown sugar and 1 tablespoon of the oil in a medium bowl. Toss with the tofu, and stir to make sure all of the pieces are coated. Let sit for five to 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
• In a small bowl, stir together the remaining soy sauce and sugar, hoisin sauce and sesame oil. Set aside.
• Heat a large nonstick skillet or wok over high heat until a drop of water evaporates on contact. Add the oil, turn the heat to medium-high and add the peppers. Stir-fry for a couple of minutes, until the peppers begin to soften, and add the garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for 20 seconds, until the garlic and ginger begin to smell fragrant, and add the tofu, dried red pepper flakes and green onions. Stir-fry two minutes, give the sauce a stir and add to the pan. Cover and cook for three minutes. Remove the lid, stir the ingredients in the pan, and taste and adjust seasonings. Serve with rice or noodles.

STIR-FRIED BROCCOLI STALKS AND FLOWERS, RED PEPPERS, PEANUTS AND TOFU

Steps:

• Cut broccoli stems away from crowns. Peel stems, slice lengthwise, then cut in 2-inch julienne. Cut crowns in thin slices and collect all of the flower buds that fall off onto your cutting board in the same bowl with the sliced crowns.
• Dry tofu slices on paper towels. In a small bowl or measuring cup combine soy sauce, rice wine or sherry, and stock or water. Combine salt and sugar in another small bowl and garlic, ginger and red pepper flakes in another. Have all ingredients within arm's length of your pan.
• Heat a 14-inch flat-bottomed wok or 12-inch steel skillet over high heat until a drop of water evaporates within a second or two when added to the pan. Swirl in 1 tablespoon of the oil by adding it to the sides of pan and swirling the pan, then add tofu and stir-fry until lightly colored, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove to a plate.
• Swirl in remaining oil, add garlic, ginger and pepper flakes if using and stir-fry for no more than 10 seconds. Add peanuts, all of the broccoli - stems, crowns and flower buds - and red peppers, and stir-fry for 1 minute. Add salt, pepper, and sugar, toss together and add soy sauce mixture. Stir-fry for 1 to 2 minutes, until vegetables are crisp-tender, and return tofu to the wok. Add cilantro and stir together for about 30 seconds. Serve with additional soy sauce as desired and hot grains or noodles.

TOFU HOISIN WITH BROCCOLI, RED PEPPER AND WALNUTS

Steps:

• Press tofu, then cut into 1/2 inch cubes. See Anne Sainz's notes above for more detailed instructions.
• Combine hoisin, sherry, sesame oil and soy sauce in medium bowl and whisk until smooth to make sauce. Set aside.
• Cut broccoli into bite sized pieces, then steam until tender crisp, about 6 minutes. Set aside.
• Coat large skillet with oil. Add tofu and stir-fry on medium high heat until lightly golden all over. Remove from pan and add to sauce mixture.
• Lower heat to medium. Put garlic, pepper flakes, mushrooms, red bell pepper and walnuts into skillet. Cook 5 minutes or until peppers are tender yet still crunchy, adding small amounts of water if needed to prevent sticking or burning.
• Add tofu-sauce mixture and mix until sauce coats everything and is thickened.
• Add broccoli and heat through just before serving.