Panda Express Tofu Eggplant
Explore the delicious world of Panda Express with our Tofu Eggplant recipe! Master the art of combining tender tofu and flavorful eggplant in a savory sauce that's both satisfying and vegetarian-friendly. Bring the bold flavors of Panda Express to your home kitchen for a delightful meatless experience.
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup water or vegetable/chicken broth
For the Tofu:
- 1/2 cup firm tofu, cut into 2-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1/2 cup eggplant, cut into small chunks
- 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce or chili flakes
- 1/2 cup red peppers, sliced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 green onions, chopped (white parts for cooking, green parts for garnish)
Optional Garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Red pepper flakes
- Cilantro
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Sauce
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine all sauce ingredients, including soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, cornstarch, and water/broth. Stir until cornstarch is dissolved.
Step 2: Preparing the Tofu
- Cut firm tofu into 2-inch cubes. Toss tofu chunks in a medium-sized bowl with cornstarch until lightly coated.
Step 3: Frying the Tofu
- Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry tofu chunks on all sides until golden and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a plate lined with paper towels.
Step 4: Putting Together the Eggplant
- Chop eggplant into small, even-sized chunks. In the same skillet, add more vegetable oil if needed. Stir-fry eggplant for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Step 5: Cooking with Red Peppers and Aromatic Spices
- Add red peppers to the skillet, stir-frying for 3-4 minutes until slightly charred. Then, add minced garlic, ginger, and chopped white parts of green onions. Cook until aromatic.
Step 6: Sizzling Tofu and Eggplant Stir-Fry
- Reintroduce the tofu and eggplant to the skillet. Pour the sauce over them, stirring until well-coated. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
- Garnish with green parts of chopped green onions, sesame seeds, red pepper flakes, or cilantro.
Notes
Best Ways to Serve the Dish
- Serve over steamed broccoli, white or brown rice, or brown rice noodles.
- Pair with chow mein or miso soup for a delightful meal.