Ma Po Eggplant with Crispy Tofu

Ma Po Eggplant with Crispy Tofu is a delicious and healthy vegan dish that is perfect for any occasion. This dish is a combination of crispy tofu and tender eggplant, cooked in a spicy and flavorful sauce. The dish is easy to make and can be served as a main course or as a side dish.

Ingredients:

- 1 large eggplant, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 block of firm tofu, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons of Sichuan peppercorns
- 2 tablespoons of chili bean paste
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1/2 cup of vegetable broth
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste

Serves: 4

Cooking Tips:

- Use firm tofu to ensure that it stays crispy when cooked.
- Cut the eggplant and tofu into bite-sized pieces to ensure that they cook evenly.
- Use Sichuan peppercorns to add a unique and spicy flavor to the dish.
- Adjust the amount of chili bean paste to your desired level of spiciness.

Instructions:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu and cook until crispy and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the tofu from the skillet and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add the garlic, ginger, and Sichuan peppercorns. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the eggplant to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until tender.
4. In a small bowl, mix together the chili bean paste, soy sauce, sugar, and vegetable broth. Pour the mixture over the eggplant and stir to combine.
5. Add the crispy tofu back to the skillet and stir to combine.
6. In a small bowl, mix together the cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of water. Pour the mixture over the eggplant and tofu and stir to thicken the sauce.
7. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.
Appearance and Taste:
Ma Po Eggplant with Crispy Tofu is a visually appealing dish with a vibrant red sauce and contrasting colors of the eggplant and tofu. The dish has a spicy and savory flavor with a hint of sweetness from the sugar. The crispy tofu adds a nice texture to the dish, while the eggplant is tender and flavorful.
Type of Dish: Vegan Stir-Fry
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Tofu, Chili Bean Paste