What We’re Cooking This Weekend: Spicy Sesame Ginger Tofu

It’s officially 2020 and I hope everyone had a magical New Year! Coming into 2020, I want to start bringing you guys some simple and easy vegan meals and snacks. Especially because it’s also "Veganuary," and there may be some of you who are looking to adopt a plant-based diet but have no idea where to start. I want to make things as easy as possible for you and show you that even simple meals can be super delicious! But whether a new plant-based eater or a veteran, you definitely need to try out this recipe.

The great thing about this dish is it’s high in protein, super filling, and you can make it in advance! If you aren't a fan of tofu you can use tempeh, chickpeas, or meatless chicken strips. A lot of the flavor of this dish will come from the Spicy Sesame Ginger sauce, which is as simple to make as combining everything in one bowl and mixing. Let’s start this new year off with some nutritious and delicious meals!

Servings: 2-4 plates

Prep Time: 10 Minutes

Cooking Time: 10 Minutes

Overall: 20 Minutes

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 Block Extra Firm Tofu, pressed (or "chick'n" strips)
• 2-3 Cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 Tsp Ginger, grated
• 1 Chili Pepper, finely sliced (leave this out if you don’t want it spicy)
• ¼ Cup Tamari Sauce or Soy Sauce 
• 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil 
• 1 Tbsp Rice Wine Vinegar 
• 2 Tbsp Brown Sugar 
• 1 Tbsp Sesame Seeds 
• 2 Tsp Cornstarch
• 1 Stalk of Green Onions, finely sliced 
• Cooked rice of your choice
• Steamed Broccoli or Veggie of choice

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Cut your block of tofu (or "chick'n" strips )into large squares, cut those squares diagonally to create tofu triangles. Then cut those tofu triangles in half sideways so you end up with thinner slices. Or just cut them however want! Set aside.
2. To make the sauce, combine the garlic, ginger, chili pepper, tamari, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, brown sugar, sesame seeds, and cornstarch in a bowl. Whisk until cornstarch and sugar is dissolved.
3. In a large pan, heat up some oil over medium heat. Once oil is hot, cook your tofu for about 3-5 minutes or until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 3-5 minutes. 
4. Carefully pour your sauce in the pan with the tofu and stir around to coat the tofu for 30 seconds. The sauce will thicken up quickly, so once you reach your desired consistency for your sauce remove your pan from the heat. If you find your sauce is too thick, you can always add a splash of water to thin it out a bit. 
5. Stir in the green onions and serve immediately with a side of rice and veggies. Garnish with extra sesame seeds, chili peppers, and green onions.