Black Pepper Tofu with Bok Choy

I really enjoy this vegan weeknight meal. I add more bok choy than the recipe calls for and serve it over rice or noodles.

Time: 30 minutes

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

  • 8–12 ounces firm tofu, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • corn starch for dredging (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons wok oil (high heat oil like peanut, coconut or vegetable)
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 teaspoon fresh cracked peppercorns
  • 1 fat shallot, sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, rough chopped
  • 6 ounces baby bok choy (about 4) quartered lengthwise

Black Pepper Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Chinese Cooking Wine (Shaoxing Rice Wine) or sub dry white wine, pale sherry, or rice wine
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon fresh cracked peppercorns
  • 1 teaspoon chili paste (optional)

Directions:

  1. Cut tofu into cubes and blot dry with paper towels, pressing down gently.
  2. Make the wok sauce, stirring ingredients together in a small until most of the sugar dissolves. Place it by the stove.
  3. Prep the shallots, garlic and bok choy.
  4. Dredge the tofu in a light coating of cornstarch (cornstarch is optional, but provides a crispier texture).
  5. Heat oil in a wok or large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add the salt and crushed peppercorns to the oil, swirling it around until fragrant, about one minute.
  6. Add the tofu to the seasoned oil, and sear on all sides until golden and crispy, turning the heat down if need be. Be patient and take your time, it will take about 5-6 minutes.
  7. Set the crispy tofu aside on a paper towel-lined plate, and wipe the pan out.
  8. Heat another teaspoon or two of oil over medium heat, and add shallots, garlic and bok choy. Stir continuously until bok choy begins to wilt and shallots become golden, about 3-4 minutes. Add the wok sauce to the pan, careful to get all the sugar that may have settled in the bowl.
  9. Simmer for a couple of minutes, or until bok choy is just tender.
  10. At the very very end, toss the tofu back into the pan with the bok choy and sauce (just long enough to coat, only 5-10 seconds). Taste for salt and heat, adjusting to your preference.
  11. Serve immediately, diving between two bowls.

Notes: