Spicy Szechuan Green Beans with Crispy Tofu
This vibrant and flavorful dish features tender green beans tossed with crispy tofu, all coated in a spicy and savory Szechuan-inspired sauce. It's a perfect choice for a healthy meal that is both gluten-free and vegan. The fresh ginger and garlic add aromatic depth while the hot chili paste gives it the signature Szechuan heat. This dish can be easily adapted to fit your dietary preferences; simply omit the tofu for a vegetable-focused meal or substitute with your choice of protein such as chicken, beef, or shrimp for a non-vegan variation. Perfect for meal prep or an easy weeknight dinner that is sure to delight!
N/A
Servings
100
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tofu
7.5 ounces (pressed and cubed)
Green Beans
12 ounces (trimmed and halved)
Tamari Soy Sauce
2 tablespoons
Sake or Water
1 tablespoon
Hot Chili Paste
1-2 teaspoons
Raw Sugar
2 teaspoons
Sesame Oil
1 tablespoon
Garlic
1 clove (minced)
Ginger
1 tablespoon (minced)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Begin by pressing the tofu: place the block of tofu in a bowl, cover it with a plate, and stack some weight on top to squeeze out excess moisture. Leave it to press for at least 1 hour.
2
Once the tofu is pressed, cut it into 1/2 inch cubes.
3
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the trimmed green beans. Cook for about 3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
4
Immediately transfer the beans to a colander and run under cold water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, cut the beans in half.
5
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the tamari soy sauce, sake (or water), hot chili paste, and raw sugar until combined. Set aside.
6
In a large sauté pan or skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
7
Add the cubed tofu to the pan, gently stirring to coat in the oil and aromatics. Continue to sauté for 5-7 minutes or until the tofu is golden and crispy on all sides.
8
Next, add the green beans to the pan and stir everything together until heated through.
9
Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture, stirring constantly, and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and evenly coats the ingredients.
10
Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste, giving it a final stir.
11
Serve hot, infusing it with love before presenting to your guest!
Nutrition Information
3.75g
Fat
11.25g
Carbs
6.25g
Protein
1.75g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is Spicy Szechuan Green Beans with Crispy Tofu.
Is this dish vegan and gluten-free?
Yes, this dish is both vegan and gluten-free.
How long should I press the tofu?
You should press the tofu for at least 1 hour to remove excess moisture.
What size should I cut the tofu into?
The tofu should be cut into 1/2 inch cubes.
How much tofu is required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 7.5 ounces of tofu.
How do I prepare the green beans?
The green beans should be trimmed, blanched for 3 minutes, cooled in cold water, and then halved.
How many green beans are needed?
You will need 12 ounces of green beans.
What ingredients are in the Szechuan-inspired sauce?
The sauce consists of tamari soy sauce, sake (or water), hot chili paste, and raw sugar.
Can I substitute sake in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute sake with an equal amount of water.
What oil is used for sautéing the aromatics?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of sesame oil.
Which aromatics provide the base flavor for this dish?
The base flavor comes from one minced garlic clove and one tablespoon of minced ginger.
How long does it take to crisp the tofu in the pan?
The tofu takes about 5 to 7 minutes to become golden and crispy on all sides.
How do I ensure the green beans stop cooking after blanching?
Immediately transfer them to a colander and run them under cold water.
Is this dish spicy?
Yes, it contains hot chili paste which gives it the signature Szechuan heat.
Can I use proteins other than tofu?
Yes, you can substitute tofu with chicken, beef, or shrimp for a non-vegan version.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are 100 calories per serving.
What is the protein content of this dish?
Each serving contains 6.25g of protein.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 3.75g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 11.25g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much fiber does this dish provide?
This dish provides 1.75g of fiber per serving.
How many total ingredients are used?
The recipe uses 11 ingredients in total.
How do I finish the sauce in the pan?
Pour the sauce over the ingredients and cook for 2-3 minutes until bubbly and evenly coated.
Can I omit the tofu for a lighter meal?
Yes, you can omit the tofu to create a vegetable-focused side dish.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include szechuan, green beans, tofu, vegan, gluten-free, spicy, healthy, and asian cuisine.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is noted as being perfect for meal prep or an easy weeknight dinner.
What is the recommended salt and pepper amount?
Salt and pepper should be added to taste at the end of the cooking process.
What kind of soy sauce should be used for the gluten-free version?
Tamari soy sauce is used to keep the recipe gluten-free.
How much hot chili paste is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 1-2 teaspoons of hot chili paste.
How much raw sugar is used?
Two teaspoons of raw sugar are included in the sauce mixture.
What is the first step of the preparation?
The first step is to press the block of tofu to squeeze out excess moisture.