Best Szechuan Style Tofu With Eggplant Recipes

BAKED TOFU SZECHUAN STYLE

Steps:

• In a medium size bowl combine the marinade ingredients. Gently stir in the tofu and coat well. Let marinate for 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours. Cover and chill if longer than 30 minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Pour the tofu and its marinade into a shallow baking dish in one layer. Bake for 15 minutes, tossing once with a spatula.
• Combine the sauce ingredients and pour over the tofu. Toss to coat evenly. Return to the oven and bake 10 more minutes, or until golden brown. Let sit 10 minutes before serving; it should be served warm, not piping hot.

EGGPLANT AND TOFU CURRY

Steps:

• Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, puree the garlic, ginger, jalapeno and 1 to 2 tablespoons water in a mini food processor until a paste forms. Drain the tomatoes, reserving the juice; coarsely crush the tomatoes in a separate bowl.
• Add the remaining 2 tablespoons vegetable oil and the eggplant to the pot; cook 2 minutes. Add the garlic-ginger paste and cook, stirring, 2 more minutes. Add the curry powder and tomatoes (but not the juice) and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add the tomato juice and 1 cup water and cook until slightly reduced, about 3 minutes. Add the coconut milk and tofu; simmer until the eggplant is very tender, about 5 minutes. Add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with rice, if desired.

SZECHUAN-STYLE TOFU WITH EGGPLANT

Steps:

• Heat the olive and sesame oils in a stir-fry pan. Add the onion and garlic and sauté over medium-low heat until golden.
• Meanwhile, cut the Japanese eggplants into 1/4-inch-thick slices. If using regular eggplant, quarter it lengthwise, then cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices.
• Cut the tofu into 6 slabs crosswise. Blot well with paper towels, then cut into narrow strips.
• Add the eggplant and tofu to the pan, followed by the wine, hoisin sauce, ginger, and 1/4 cup water. Cook, covered, over medium heat for 5 minutes, or until the eggplant is nearly tender. Lift the lid once or twice during that time to stir. Cook, uncovered, for 5 minutes longer, or until the liquid has been completely reduced.
• Add the bok choy and stir-fry, uncovered, for just a minute or two, until warmed. Season to taste with soy sauce and chile oil. Serve at once.
• menu suggestions
• It's nice to serve this hearty dish over cooked quick grains (like whole-wheat couscous or quinoa) or Asian noodles. Or, if you have the time, cook some brown rice-that's how I like it best. Since this isn't a colorful dish, you'll need something to liven up the plate. Broccoli with Pine Nuts or Almonds (page 204) or Stir-Fried Baby Carrots (page 206) would be a good choice. A few cherry or grape tomatoes or pickled beets add interest to the plate as well.
• If you'd prefer something raw and crunchy to go with this, choose Bok Choy, Red Cabbage, and Carrot Salad (page 176), Fruitful Red Slaw (page 177), or Mixed Greens with Sprouts, Apple, and Daikon (page 179). A bed of noodles or grain would be welcome with this menu, too.
• nutrition information
• Calories: 155
• Total Fat: 8g
• Protein: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 270mg

SZECHUAN-STYLE EGGPLANT AND TOFU IN CHILI BEAN SAUCE

Steps:

• Heat a wok with the oil over a high heat. Stir-fry the garlic and ginger for about 30 seconds.
• Add the eggplant to the wok and continue frying for 2-3 minutes.
• Pour over 500ml of water, followed by the chilli bean sauce, soy sauce and tofu. Simmer for another 1-2 minutes, garnish with spring onions and serve immediately with steamed rice.