Recipe Vortex

stir-fry:

1 - 14 ounce block extra firm tofu

1 ½ tablespoon cornstarch

½ teaspoon salt

3 tablespoons oil (vegetable, canola, coconut)

1 ½ cup sliced shiitake mushrooms (button or baby bellas work too)

1 cup white onions, large dice

sauce:

1 ½ tablespoon EACH: minced garlic AND grated ginger (ginger paste is fine too)

3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce (use GF tamari to make this gluten-free)

2 teaspoon chili oil

1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

2 tablespoons peanut butter

2 tablespoons lime juice

¼ cup brown sugar OR agave syrup?

optional:

grilled bok choy, crushed peanuts, red pepper flakes, and lime wedges

TOFU: Place a folded tea towel in the shape of the tofu on a plate. Place tofu in the prepared plate. Place another tea towel on top (in the shape of the tofu) followed by another plate and 2-28 ounce cans or anything that weight 2-3 pounds to help remove the water from the tofu. Or you can simply use a tofu press and tighten the wheels to help squeeze out the water over a plate. Let the tofu dry for at least 15-20 minutes and ideally, I like to let it go for an hour. Once dry, cut the tofu up into 1-inch cubes. Place the cornstarch, salt, and if desired, a pinch of chili powder into a zip top bag. Add the tofu, zip the bag and give it a toss so the tofu is coated with the cornstarch.

SAUCE: While the tofu is drying, prepare the sauce. Combine all the ingredients for the sauce in a blender or in a medium mason jar (with a lid). I prepared it in a jar and gave it a few good shakes until the ingredients mixed through. Set aside.

STIR FRY: In a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons of oil and swirl to coat pan. Add the cubed tofu to the pan and let fry for 3 minutes. Flipping the tofu as needed to ensure even browning on all sides. Add 3 tablespoons of the prepared sauce to the tofu and allow to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. When the tofu is caramelized, remove to a plate. Add the remaining 1 tablespoons of oil to the pan, turn the stove to high heat and add the shiitake mushrooms and onions to the pan. Cook the veggies for 3-4 minutes or to desired doneness. Add the tofu back into the skillet, turn the stove off. Drizzle in the peanut sauce and toss to coat. Remove stir fry to a serving dish.

SERVE: Serve warm with rice, quinoa, or on it's own. Top with crushed peanuts, red pepper flakes and lime wedges. Serve with grilled bok choy is desired. The tofu will lose a bit of the crispness as it sits. But the flavors intensify and the stir fry tastes even better the next day!