Szechuan Tofu and Green Beans Stir-Fry

Name: Szechuan Tofu and Green Beans Stir-Fry
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 14 oz firm tofu; 8 oz green beans; 4 cloves garlic; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger; 1 teaspoon Szechuan peppercorns; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

Crisp green beans and golden tofu simmered in a spicy-savory Szechuan sauce, finished with toasted sesame seeds for nutty depth.

Cuisine: Chinese

Category: Asian

Prep: 15 minutes. Cook: 15 minutes.

Serves 4.

Ingredients

14 oz firm tofu
8 oz green beans
4 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon fresh ginger
1 teaspoon Szechuan peppercorns
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon sesame seeds

Instructions

Step 1: Pat 14 oz firm tofu cubes dry with paper towels, then toss with 1 teaspoon cornstarch until lightly coated. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil to the skillet. Stir-fry 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 1 teaspoon crushed Szechuan peppercorns and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, stirring for 10 seconds to toast the spices.
Step 3: Add 8 oz trimmed green beans and stir-fry for 2 minutes. Whisk 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon sugar, and 2 tablespoons water in a small bowl. Pour the sauce over the green beans and stir to coat.
Step 4: Return the tofu to the skillet, add 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, and cook for 2-3 minutes until green beans are tender-crisp and sauce has thickened. Serve immediately.