Crispy Tofu & Green Beans with Zesty Thai Peanut Sauce
Indulge in a delightful fusion of crispy tofu and fresh green beans, enveloped in a zesty Thai peanut sauce that bursts with flavor. This recipe, inspired by Mollie Katzen's 'Vegetable Heaven', showcases the natural crunchiness of crisp green beans complemented perfectly by the creamy richness of peanuts. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish not only pleases the palate but also offers the nutritional benefits of plant-based proteins and vitamins. Served over fragrant basmati or jasmine rice, it's a meal that will transport your taste buds straight to Thailand with every bite.
4
Servings
300
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
unsalted peanuts
1.5 cups (coarsely ground)
peanut oil
2 tablespoons
minced fresh ginger
2 tablespoons
minced garlic
2 tablespoons
lemon zest
0.5 teaspoon
firm tofu
1 lb (cut into small cubes)
salt
1.5 teaspoons
fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon
fresh green beans
1 lb (trimmed and cut into 1.5-inch pieces)
red pepper flakes
to taste
peanut butter
0.5 cup
hot water
0.5 cup
soy sauce
1 tablespoon
sugar
2 teaspoons
minced garlic
1 teaspoon
vinegar
1 teaspoon
minced cilantro
1 tablespoon
Instructions
1
For the stir-fry: Begin by grinding the peanuts in a blender to a coarse meal and set them aside.
2
Heat a medium-sized heavy skillet over medium-low heat. Add one tablespoon of oil, followed by minced ginger and garlic. Sauté for a few minutes until fragrant.
3
Stir in the crushed peanuts and lemon zest, cooking for 10 to 15 minutes while stirring frequently until the peanuts are lightly toasted. Remove from heat and set aside.
4
Meanwhile, heat a large nonstick wok or deep skillet until very hot. Drizzle a little oil in the pan and add the tofu cubes along with half a teaspoon of salt. Cook over high heat for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tofu has browned and excess moisture evaporates.
5
Drizzle lemon juice over the tofu, reduce heat slightly, and cook for another few minutes. Transfer the tofu to the skillet with the peanut mixture and mix well.
6
If needed, scrape out the wok or skillet and return it to high heat. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Once hot, add the green beans, ensuring they sizzle as they hit the pan.
7
Stir-fry the beans for about 5 minutes, then sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and a pinch of red pepper flakes to taste.
8
Continue to stir-fry for an additional few minutes until the green beans are tender-crisp, then fold in the peanut-tofu mixture and toss everything together.
9
Serve immediately over steaming basmati or jasmine rice.
10
For the peanut sauce: In a bowl, combine peanut butter and hot water, then mash and stir until smooth. Add the remaining ingredients and mix well. Adjust the consistency with more water if desired, and salt to taste. Serve warm or at room temperature drizzled over the hot green beans.
Nutrition Information
18.75g
Fat
22.5g
Carbs
11.25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish featured in this recipe?
The main dish is Crispy Tofu & Green Beans with Zesty Thai Peanut Sauce.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains 300 calories.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian and plant-based recipe featuring tofu.
What type of tofu is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of firm tofu, cut into small cubes.
What kind of rice should I serve with this dish?
It is best served over fragrant basmati or jasmine rice.
What is the source of inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by Mollie Katzen's 'Vegetable Heaven'.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 11.25 grams of protein per serving.
What are the primary fats used in this dish?
The dish uses peanut oil and peanuts, containing 18.75g of fat per serving.
How do I prepare the peanuts for the stir-fry?
The peanuts should be coarsely ground in a blender.
What provides the zest in the Thai peanut sauce?
The zest comes from lemon zest and fresh lemon juice.
How long should I cook the tofu to make it crispy?
The tofu should be cooked over high heat for 10 to 15 minutes until browned.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
Each serving contains 22.5g of carbohydrates.
What ingredients are needed for the peanut sauce base?
The sauce is made from peanut butter, hot water, soy sauce, sugar, garlic, vinegar, and cilantro.
How should the green beans be prepared?
The fresh green beans should be trimmed and cut into 1.5-inch pieces.
Is there ginger in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 2 tablespoons of minced fresh ginger.
How much garlic is required in total?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of minced garlic for the stir-fry and 1 teaspoon for the sauce.
What is the recommended cooking temperature for the green beans?
The beans should be stir-fried in a very hot wok or skillet so they sizzle upon contact.
Can I add spice to this dish?
Yes, you can add red pepper flakes to taste during the stir-fry process.
How do I toast the peanuts?
Sauté minced ginger and garlic, then stir in the ground peanuts and lemon zest for 10-15 minutes until lightly toasted.
What is the total amount of peanuts used?
The recipe calls for 1.5 cups of unsalted peanuts.
What is the texture of the green beans when finished?
The green beans should be cooked until they are tender-crisp.
How much soy sauce is in the peanut sauce?
The peanut sauce contains 1 tablespoon of soy sauce.
Does the recipe include sugar?
Yes, 2 teaspoons of sugar are added to the peanut sauce.
What kind of oil should be used for stir-frying?
Peanut oil is recommended for this recipe.
How is the peanut sauce consistency adjusted?
You can adjust the consistency by adding more water if desired.
When should the peanut-tofu mixture be added to the beans?
Fold the peanut-tofu mixture into the green beans after they have been stir-fried for about 7-8 minutes.
What is the total amount of salt used in the stir-fry?
A total of 1.5 teaspoons of salt is used, divided between the tofu and the beans.
How should the final dish be served?
Serve immediately over rice with the peanut sauce drizzled on top.
Are there any fresh herbs used?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 tablespoon of minced cilantro in the peanut sauce.