Braised Tofu

A hearty vegan dish with tons of flavor!

Braised Tofu in a Sweet Soy Sauce Mix

Ingredients:

• I box firm tofu, cut into 1 inch cubes

• 2 stalks of green onions, cleaned and cut in 2 inch segments

• Few slices ginger

• 1 star anise seed

• 4 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped

• 2 dried chili peppers, broken in halves

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 cup water

• 1 cup Oil

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 1/4 teaspoon salt, can be adjusted

• 1 teaspoon shaoxing wine, optional

Method:

1. Use paper towel to dry tofu cubes

2. In a nonstick pan, add 1 cup of oil

3. Place tofu in pan

4. Put pan over medium high heat

5. Fry tofu until slight brown, about 6-7 minutes

6. Turn off heat

7. Transfer tofu to plate

8. Pour hot oil to a bowl for later use

9. Wait 5 minutes to let pan reduce temperature

10. Use the same pan, add 1 tablespoon oil from bowl

11. Add 1 tablespoon sugar

12. Turn heat back on to medium low

13. Stir constantly until sugar is melted and turns brown but not burned

14. Return tofu to pan and stir a few times. Make sure tofu is coated with sugar sauce

15. Add water, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, green onions, chili peppers, star anise seed, and wine

16. Cover pan and bring to boil

17. Cook for 5 minutes to reduce sauce

18. Add salt to taste

19. Serve warm