Vegan Kung Pao Tofu Recipe

Introduction

Vegan Kung Pao Tofu is a delightful twist on the classic Kung Pao Chicken, offering a savory, spicy, and tangy experience while adhering to plant-based dietary preferences. This dish combines crispy tofu with a flavorful sauce, crunchy peanuts, and a medley of colorful vegetables. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep, this vegan version retains the essence of the traditional Chinese favorite while being entirely plant-based. This detailed guide provides comprehensive instructions, ingredient measurements, nutritional information, and Weight Watchers (WW) SmartPoints, ensuring you achieve a delicious and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

For the Tofu:

  • 14 oz (400g) firm tofu (pressed and cubed)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for coating the tofu)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Kung Pao Sauce:

  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (for acidity)
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (or a vegan alternative)
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or agave nectar for sweetness)
  • 1 tablespoon chili paste (adjust according to desired spice level)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (for flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water to create a slurry)

For the Stir-Fry:

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 1 bell pepper (red or green), sliced
  • 1 medium carrot, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1 cup snap peas (or snow peas)
  • 1/4 cup roasted peanuts (unsalted)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
  • 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • Cooked rice or cauliflower rice (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Press and Cube the Tofu: Begin by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture. Place the tofu block between two paper towels and set a heavy object on top to press out the liquid. After pressing, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes.
  2. Marinate the Tofu: In a bowl, toss the cubed tofu with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavor.
  3. Coat the Tofu: After marinating, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of cornstarch over the tofu cubes. Toss gently to ensure that each piece is evenly coated. This helps achieve a crispy texture when frying.
  4. Fry the Tofu: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the tofu from the skillet and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
  5. Prepare the Kung Pao Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon of hoisin sauce, 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, 1 tablespoon of chili paste, and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. In a separate bowl, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Add the slurry to the sauce mixture and stir until combined.
  6. Stir-Fry the Vegetables: In the same skillet or wok used for frying the tofu, add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Heat over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onion, bell pepper, carrot, and snap peas. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
  7. Add Garlic and Ginger: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet. Stir-fry for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. If you’re using crushed red pepper flakes, add them at this stage for extra heat.
  8. Combine Tofu and Sauce: Return the fried tofu to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared Kung Pao sauce over the tofu and vegetables. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated with the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the tofu is heated through.
  9. Add Peanuts: Stir in the roasted peanuts, allowing them to warm slightly and become coated with the sauce.
  10. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve the Vegan Kung Pao Tofu over cooked rice or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
  11. Optional Adjustments: For a more intense flavor, you can add a splash of soy sauce or a squeeze of lime juice to the dish before serving. Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of chili paste or red pepper flakes.
  12. Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover Kung Pao Tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving. This dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in a skillet or microwave.

Useful Tips

  • Pressing Tofu: Properly pressing the tofu is crucial for achieving a crispy texture. Ensure you remove as much moisture as possible before cooking.
  • Cornstarch Coating: For extra crunch, you can double-coat the tofu by dipping it in a cornstarch slurry before frying.
  • Vegetable Variations: Feel free to swap out or add vegetables according to your preference or what’s in season. Broccoli, mushrooms, or baby corn are excellent additions.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Based on a recipe yielding 4 servings:

  • Calories: 350
  • Total Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Dietary Fiber: 4g
  • Sugars: 11g
  • Protein: 15g

Weight Watchers (WW) SmartPoints

Calculated using the WW system, per serving:

  • Blue Plan: 8 SmartPoints
  • Green Plan: 8 SmartPoints
  • Purple Plan: 8 SmartPoints

These SmartPoints values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredient brands and portion sizes. Adjust the recipe if needed to fit your WW plan requirements.

Conclusion

Vegan Kung Pao Tofu is a vibrant and flavorful dish that delivers all the satisfying qualities of traditional Kung Pao Chicken in a plant-based format. With its crispy tofu, savory sauce, and crunchy peanuts, this recipe offers a deliciously balanced meal that adheres to vegan and low-carb dietary guidelines. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to please with its robust flavors and satisfying texture. Enjoy the ease of preparation and the pleasure of indulging in a classic Chinese favorite that aligns with your health and dietary goals.