It had to be kung pao chicken, which dates back to the 19th century, when the first kung pao dish was made with chicken.
The Chinese delicate now has more dishes that include kung pao shrimp, kung pao scallops, and vegan or meat-free versions like kung pao cauliflower and kung pao tofu recipe.
The flavorful, easy recipe of classic kung pao tofu recipe with a sauce makes the perfect Saturday night meal.
You know what makes it better when served with rice, or you can go for noodles. Moreover, it is a great dish that could last for 4 days, and you can have it every day.
So let’s dig into the classic kung pao tofu recipe that could be the next best recipe on your list.
Also Read: Gamja Bokkeum Recipe: A Korean-Style Potato
Ingredients Required:
- Tofu that is extra firm (12-ounce)
- Soy sauce, as it will always be in your kitchen (3 tablespoons),
- Shaoxing wine: you might need to go to the market for it (2 tablespoons).
- Rice Vinegar (1 Tablespoon)
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons)
- Sugar (1 teaspoon)
- Avocado Oil (4 tablespoons)
- 4 cloves of minced garlic
- minced ginger (1 tablespoon)
- Sichuan peppercorns (1 teaspoon)
- Chinese chiles, but they must be dried and whole.
- Dry-roasted peanuts (½)
- Scallions must be diced.
Directions:
Step 1: Making up the Tofu
First, place the tofu on a cutting board, and then start wrapping it in a paper towel.
Step 2: Pressing of tofu
You can use a sandwich press or anything else on top of the tofu to press for 30 minutes. It will pour out any extra moisture in the tofu.
Step 3: Making the Sauce
Now it’s time to prepare the sauce. You can add soy sauce, wine vinegar, 2 teaspoons of cornstarch, and sugar to a small bowl.
Step 4: Stir the prepared ingredients
Stir the ingredients for some time, and then set them aside.
Step 5: Cutting the tofu
Start cutting tofu into 1-inch cubes.
Step 6: Mixing tofu with cornstarch
Put all the tofu in a large bowl, and add the remaining tablespoon of cornstarch.
Step 7: Adding and warming oil
Warm 2 tablespoons of oil. You can use a wok over medium-high heat.
Step 8: Cooking of tofu
Now cook the tofu until it is brown on each side. You can divide it into two batches. Each can take up to 6 minutes.
Step 9: Draining of Tofu
Remove the cooked tofu from the pan, take a paper towel, and place it on it.
Step 10: Adding the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil to the wok
Remaining 2 tablespoons of oil, add them to a wok.
Step 11: Fry the seasoning
Add all the seasoning ingredients, like garlic, ginger, chili, and peppercorns, to the wok. Stir and cook for at least 1 minute, or until it gets fragrant.
Step 12: Add and stir scallions and peanuts in the sauce.
It’s time to add the scallions and peanuts to the sauce and stir and mix them.
Step 13: Giving a mist of sauce to tofu
Add the tofu to the sauce and stir-fry for 2 minutes.
Step 14: Serve the Tofu
When the tofu is ready, serve it with either rice or noodles. These can make the best match for taste with tofu.
Final Viewpoints:
The Classic Kung Pao Tofu Recipe is surely a dish you need to try. You might try it in a restaurant, but making this recipe will make you taste the real Kung Pao Tofu dish.