Szechuan Green Beans and Tofu
Known for its spicy flavors, Szechuan-Hunan is one of the five regional Chinese cuisines. Control the "heat" of this recipe by adjusting the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Servings: Makes 4 servings
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Total time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup water
- 12 ounces fresh green beans, trimmed, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 cup fresh baby carrots, quartered lengthwise
- 1 small tomato, coarsely chopped
- 1/2 cup cut (1-inch) green onions
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (12.3 ounces) package frim or extra-firm tofu, drained, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 8 ounces uncooked vermicelli
Method
- In medium nonmetal bowl, combine all marinade ingredients; mix well. Add tofu cubes; stir gently. Let stand 5 minutes.
- Drain tofu well, reserving marinade. Stir cornstarch into marinade. Set aside.
- Cook vermicelli to desired doneness as directed on package. Drain; cover to keep warm.
- Meanwhile, spray large nonstick skillet with nonstick cooking spray. Heat over medium-high heat until hot. Add drained tofu; cook 6 to 9 minutes or until lightly browned on all sides, turning gently with pancake turner. Remove tofu from skillet; cover to keep warm.
- In same skillet, combine green beans, carrots and 1/2 cup water. Reduce heat to medium; cover and cook 6 to 8 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender, stirring occasionally. Drain; stir in tofu, tomato and onions.
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Increase heat to medium-high. Stir marinade well. Pour over tofu and vegetables; cook and stir 2 to 3 minutes or until sauce is bubbly and thickened. Serve over vermicelli.
Notes
- Round out with a cup of soba or udon, flat Japanese noodles made from buckwheat, or other thin ribbons made from rice, quinoa or spelt.
- Ingredient variation Check the natural-foods section of the grocery store for interesting noodles to use in the stir-fry.
Nutrients
- 350 Calories
- 17g Protein
- 59g Carbohydrate
- 6g Dietary Fiber
- 5g Total Fat
- 1g Saturated Fat
- 0mg Cholesterol
- 200mg Calcium
- 520mg Sodium