Savory Vegan Mongolian Tofu Delight
Experience the rich, bold flavors of Mongolian cuisine with this exquisite vegan twist on the beloved PF Chang's classic. Our Savory Vegan Mongolian Tofu Delight pairs extra-firm tofu, marinated in a luscious blend of sesame oil, fresh ginger, garlic, and dark brown sugar, with vibrant vegetables like green onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms. This hearty dish isn't just for vegans; it's a crowd-pleaser that satisfies both plant-based eaters and meat lovers alike. Perfect for a family gathering or meal prep, it offers generous servings and keeps wonderfully for leftovers, ensuring every bite is infused with deliciousness and nutrients. Serve over fluffy brown rice or our favorite pad thai noodles for a satisfying meal that everyone will rave about!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sesame oil
3 tablespoons (For cooking)
Fresh ginger
1 teaspoon (Minced)
Garlic
2 tablespoons (Chopped)
Low sodium soy sauce
1 cup (As is)
Water
1 cup (As is)
Dark brown sugar
1 1/4 cups (As is)
Extra firm tofu
2 containers (14 ounces each) (Drained and pressed)
Cornstarch
1/4 cup (As is)
Green onions
4 large (Cut into 1-2 inch slices)
Red bell pepper
1 large (Cut into long slices lengthwise (optional))
Mushrooms
10 ounces (Quartered (optional))
Instructions
1
Begin by removing the tofu from its packaging, and thoroughly pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2
Slice the tofu in half lengthwise and then cut each half into quarters along the thinner sides, resulting in four rectangles. Cut these rectangles into 1/4-inch slices, yielding pieces roughly 1 inch long and 3/4 inch wide.
3
Place the tofu slices on a plate lined with paper towels, layering between additional towels. Press down gently to absorb even more moisture.
4
In a deep skillet over low to medium heat, heat the sesame oil until fragrant.
5
Add the minced ginger and chopped garlic to the skillet, sautéing for about 30 seconds without allowing the garlic to scorch.
6
Stir in the low sodium soy sauce and water, mixing well.
7
Gently dissolve the dark brown sugar into the mixture, raising the heat to medium-high to bring the sauce to a boil for about three minutes, where it will thicken slightly.
8
Remove the skillet from heat and let the sauce cool slightly before marinating the tofu. Immerse the tofu slices in the sauce, allowing them to marinate for 30-60 minutes. This is a great time to prepare your brown rice or noodles.
9
After marinating, use a colander to carefully strain the tofu, keeping the marinade liquid in a bowl for the next step.
10
In the bowl with the marinade, whisk in the cornstarch until fully dissolved.
11
Return the marinated tofu back into the skillet or your wok, and brown on medium heat. Avoid flipping too often as the tofu pieces may break. A little extra sesame oil can be added to assist in browning.
12
As the tofu browns, add the chopped green onions, red bell pepper, and quartered mushrooms to the skillet. Stir gently to combine.
13
Finally, pour the reserved sauce mixture over the tofu and vegetables and heat until everything is hot and steaming.
14
Serve your delightful dish over cooked brown rice or pad thai noodles, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Vegan Mongolian Tofu Delight?
It is a plant-based version of the classic Mongolian beef dish, featuring extra-firm tofu marinated in a rich, sweet, and savory sauce.
What type of tofu is best for this recipe?
Extra-firm tofu is recommended because it holds its shape during the pressing, marinating, and browning processes.
How many containers of tofu do I need?
You will need two 14-ounce containers of extra-firm tofu for this recipe.
Why do I need to press the tofu?
Pressing the tofu removes excess moisture, which allows it to better absorb the Mongolian marinade and achieve a crispier texture when browned.
What are the primary aromatics used in the sauce?
The sauce is flavored with fresh minced ginger and chopped garlic sautéed in sesame oil.
Is this Mongolian tofu recipe vegan?
Yes, the recipe is entirely plant-based and suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets.
How long should the tofu marinate?
The tofu should marinate for 30 to 60 minutes to ensure it is thoroughly infused with the flavors of the sauce.
What kind of sugar is used for the glaze?
The recipe uses 1 1/4 cups of dark brown sugar to create a rich, caramelized sweetness.
What vegetables are included in this dish?
The dish features green onions, red bell pepper, and mushrooms.
Is the red bell pepper a required ingredient?
No, the red bell pepper is optional, but it adds color and texture to the meal.
Can I omit the mushrooms?
Yes, the 10 ounces of mushrooms are optional and can be omitted if preferred.
How do I thicken the Mongolian sauce?
The sauce is thickened by whisking 1/4 cup of cornstarch into the reserved marinade and heating it with the tofu and vegetables.
What should I serve with Savory Vegan Mongolian Tofu Delight?
It is delicious when served over fluffy brown rice or pad thai noodles.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is excellent for meal prep as the tofu stores well and the flavors continue to meld in the refrigerator.
How do I prevent the tofu from breaking in the pan?
Avoid flipping the tofu too often while browning and use extra-firm tofu that has been properly pressed.
What type of soy sauce should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of low sodium soy sauce to balance the saltiness of the dish.
How should the tofu be sliced?
Slice the tofu into rectangles approximately 1 inch long, 3/4 inch wide, and 1/4 inch thick.
How much garlic does this recipe require?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of chopped garlic.
What is the purpose of the sesame oil?
Sesame oil is used for sautéing the aromatics and browning the tofu, providing a deep nutty flavor.
How long does the sauce need to boil initially?
The sauce should be brought to a boil for about three minutes until it thickens slightly before marinating the tofu.
Can I use fresh ginger or is powder okay?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 teaspoon of minced fresh ginger for the best flavor profile.
How should the green onions be prepared?
Cut four large green onions into 1 to 2-inch slices before adding them to the skillet.
Is this dish spicy?
As written, this is a savory and sweet dish; it is not inherently spicy unless you choose to add chili flakes.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes, you can make it gluten-free by substituting the soy sauce with tamari and ensuring your other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
How many people does this recipe serve?
While servings vary, the recipe uses 28 ounces of tofu and a significant amount of vegetables, making it suitable for a family meal.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to remove the tofu from its packaging and pat it thoroughly dry with paper towels.
Do I need to cook the sauce before marinating?
Yes, you boil the soy sauce, water, and brown sugar mixture for three minutes and then let it cool slightly before adding the tofu.
Can I use light brown sugar instead?
Yes, but dark brown sugar is preferred for its higher molasses content and deeper flavor.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients total, including the tofu, aromatics, vegetables, and sauce components.
What texture should the sauce have at the end?
The sauce should be hot, steaming, and thick enough to coat the tofu and vegetables like a glossy glaze.