Looking to put the POW in your Kung Pao? Look no further because my simple vegetarian take on this classic Szechuan recipe is loaded with yummy flavors from the sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, srircha and Chinese rice wine and some POWerful protein from the tofu and peanuts. For a vegan version, just replace the soy sauce with tamari. If you prefer it less spicy then replace the srircha with dried Chinese chili peppers or chilies de arbol. Stir-fry the chiles with the garlic and toss everything else in. I love to serve this over some steaming hot brown jasmine rice or quinoa. It pairs nicely with a glass of sauvignon blanc.
stir-fry sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoons Chinese rice wine or dry cooking sherry
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar or white vinegar
1 tablespoon srircha sauce
1/2 cup water
2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
1 clove garlic, minced
2 cups diced firm tofu, drained and patted dry with paper towel
1 small red pepper, diced
2 finely chopped green onions plus more for garnish
1 cup dry roasted peanuts, plus more for garnish
