Ginger Sesame Tofu with Green Beans

Ingredients

• 1 lb extra firm tofu
• 2-3 tbsp corn starch (, add more if needed to coat)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Sesame oil (or other oil, for cooking)
• 1 small onion (sliced)
• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• 1/2 red bell pepper (feel free to use other veggies of choice)
• 1 cup chopped green beans
• Water to cook down beans
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Chili sauce (optional for spice)
• 1/2 cup room temp water
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 1/2 tbsp maple syrup ( or other liquid sweetener)
• 1/2 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp roasted sesame seeds
• 1 tbsp corn starch
• 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or other rice wine, optional)
• Pinch white pepper
• Chopped scallions (for topping)
• Steamed rice

Instructions

1. 1

   You can watch the video below for a complete step-by-step.

2. 2

   Dry the tofu and cut into cubes. I wrap the tofu in towels and place a plate on top of it until excess liquid is absorbed by the towels. You can also opt to use a tofu press.

3. 3

   In a shallow plate or bowl, mix the cornstarch and salt. Coat the tofu well in the mix.

4. 4

   In a bowl, mix all the ingredients for the sauce. Feel free to adjust depending on your desited taste. Set aside.

5. 5

   In a pan, heat around 2 tbsp of oil and then fry the tofu cubes until crisp and golden. You will need to turn around the tofu cubes to evenly crisp them.

6. 6

   Take out the tofu and set aside.

7. 7

   In the same pan add more sesame oil, sauté the onion, ginger, and bell peppers over medium high heat until tender and aromatic.

8. 8

   Afterwards, add in green beans and cook over medium high heat. Add some water to cook down the beans. Cook for a few minutes until tender and cooked to your liking,

9. 9

   Mix the sauce again to make sure the cornstarch hasn’t stuck to the bottom. Add in the sauce. Leave to simmer over medium heat while mixing. The sauce will slowly thicken from the corn starch.

10. 10

    Add in the tofu and coat in the sauce. Leave to cook for 2-3 minutes until the tofu is well coated.

11. 11

    Taste the tofu and feel free to season with more salt and pepper, to taste. You can also add in some chili sauce, if you'd like.

12. 12

    Serve the tofu with a bowl of rice and garnish with some scallions, if desired. enjoy while hot!