5 Spice Tofu Recipes

FIVE SPICE TOFU WITH SESAME NOODLES

Steps:

• Slice the block of tofu into 1/2-inch slabs. Lay some paper towels or a clean tea towel on a flat surface, and place the slabs side by side on top of the paper towels. Cover with another layer of paper towels, then place a cutting board on top of the tofu, and stack a bunch of heavy cans or pots or whatever you can safely balance on the cutting board. Let the tofu drain for at least 15-30 minutes.
• Whisk together the hoisin, rice vinegar and five spice powder until combined. Set aside.
• Make the sesame noodles according to recipe instructions here.
• Remove the paper towels and slice the tofu into 1/2-inch cubes. Heat the oil in a large non-stick sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the tofu and sauté for 8-10 minutes, flipping and tossing the tofu every 2 or so minutes, until it is crispy and browned. Remove pan from heat, add hoisin sauce, and toss until combined.
• Serve the sesame noodles topped with the tofu (plus any extra veggies you might like to add), sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds and thinly-sliced green onions for garnish. Enjoy!!

5-SPICE TOFU

Steps:

• Cut cakes in half horizontally.
• Combine rest of ingredients in pan large enough to accommodate slices of tofu flat and bring to a boil.
• Add the tofu carefully and lower heat and simmer for 10 minutes, uncovered.
• Remove from heat, cover and marinate 3 hours, turning over occasionally.
• Drain and use or store up to a week, wrapped in plastic.

VEGETARIAN FIVE SPICE TOFU STIR-FRY

Steps:

• In bowl, whisk together broth, oyster sauce, cornstarch, soy sauce, sugar and 1/2 cup water. Set aside.
• Cut tofu into 1-inch cubes, toss with 5 spice powder. In wok or skillet, heat half of the oil over medium high. Stir-fry tofu for 4 minutes (or until golden). Transfer to paper towel lined plate.
• Heat remaining oil over medium high heat, stir-fry garlic and hot pepper flakes for 30 seconds.
• Add bok choy and mushrooms, stir-fry for 3 minutes.
• Stir in tofu and broth mixture, bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until thickened and vegetables are softened (around three minutes). Serve over rice.

FIVE-SPICE TOFU STIR-FRY

Steps:

• Heat 1 1/4 cups water to boiling in 1-quart saucepan. Stir in rice; reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, mix stir-fry sauce, orange juice, honey and five-spice powder in medium bowl. Press tofu between paper towels to absorb excess moisture. Stir tofu into sauce mixture; let stand 10 minutes to marinate.
• Spray 12-inch nonstick skillet with cooking spray; heat over medium heat. Remove tofu from sauce mixture; reserve sauce mixture. Cook tofu in skillet 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, just until light golden brown. Remove tofu from skillet.
• Cook onion in skillet 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add frozen vegetables and 1/4 cup water. Heat to boiling; reduce heat to medium. Cover and cook 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are crisp-tender.
• Stir in reserved sauce mixture and tofu. Cook 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mixture is slightly thickened and hot. Serve over rice.

FIVE-SPICE TOFU STIR-FRY WITH CARROTS AND CELERY

Steps:

• Heat 14-inch-diameter flat-bottomed wok or heavy 12-inch-diameter skillet over high heat until drop of water added to wok evaporates on contact. Add 1 tablespoon peanut oil and swirl, then add tofu and stir-fry until tofu just begins to brown, about 1 minute. Transfer tofu to plate. Add remaining 1 tablespoon peanut oil to same wok (do not clean). Add carrots, celery, and Szechuan preserved vegetable and stir-fry until carrots are crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Return tofu to wok; add rice wine, salt, sugar, and white pepper. Stir-fry to blend, about 1 minute. Remove pan from heat; stir in sesame oil and serve.