Tofu 202: Tofu Stir Fry

OK. I don't have a recipe for this. But it's our favorite way to eat tofu. Here's the narrative:

Freeze the tofu, then cut it into 1-inch (or smaller, if you want it to cook faster) cubes. Place it in a marinade, which can contain ingredients like:

Soy sauce
Italian dressing
Cumin
Curry powder
Adobo
Garlic powder
Paprika
Sesame seeds
Store-bought marinades
Lemon juice

Sorry that's so vague, but you'll just want to choose the ingredients that most appeal to you. Use a base of soy sauce or other liquid marinade, then add the spices and extra ingredients that you like the most (or just what you have in hand).

Let the tofu soak up the marinade for at least half an hour. In a large saucepan, heat some olive oil and add chopped onions and garlic with a bullion cube. When the onion is golden, add the tofu to the saucepan. Let it cook on medium-high for 10-20 minutes...check the texture; when it's almost as firm as you want it, then add your choice of the following:

Canned water chestnuts
Frozen stir-fry vegetable blend
Fresh bell peppers, chopped
Broccoli, chopped
Whatever other vegetable you like

You will probably need to add a little more soy sauce when you put the vegetables in. Cook until everything is heated through and serve over rice.

Sorry this recipe was so vague and un-recipe-like. If you decide to attempt it, let me know if you have questions...

Oriental Grilled Chicken Spinach Pasta Salad

I finally got this yummy recipe from Jodie at a work party. I have been wanting it for 2 years now. It is SO good and people ask for the recipe every time it is served. Enjoy!

Dressing:
1/2 cup oil
1/2 cup sugar
3 Tbsp. Soy Sauce
2 Tbsp. Rice Vinegar
1/2 tsp. sesame seed oil
1 tsp. garlic grated or pressed
1 tsp. sesame seeds


3 chicken breasts, grilled
8 oz bow tie pasta
1 small pkg of spinach
2 cups bean sprouts, rinsed and drained
1 8 oz can water chestnuts, drained and sliced
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
2 Tbsp. sesame seeds

Combine ingredients for dressing in blender or shaker type container. Make dressing ahead of time and refrigerate. Grill 3 chicken breasts seasoned with lemon pepper and garlic salt on both sides. Cook pasta according to directions on package, drain and let cool.

The remaining ingredients can be added together in a large bowl. Add pasta once it has cooled and just before serving add the dressing.

Cashew Chicken Stir Fry

Using the egg whites and cornstarch with the chicken makes it so nice and tender. Enjoy!

3 or 4 chicken breasts
2 egg whites
1 1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp cornstarch
3/4 C peanut oil
4 tsp rice wine
2 tbsp soy sauce

Any or all of the following:
1/2 C cashews
broccoli flowerets
baby corn
carrots, sliced on the diagonal
mushrooms, cut in half or quarters, depending on size
snow peas
Cut chicken into bite sized pieces. Mix egg whites, salt & cornstarch. Combine with chicken and toss to coat. Refrigerate covered for at least 20 minutes. Heat oil, add chicken and stir fry for 3 minutes. Remove chicken, reserving 2 tbsp oil in the pan. Stir fry broccoli, carrots & mushrooms (you may need to add more oil). When broccoli seems cooked but still slightly crunchy, add nuts, baby corn, & snow peas. Add rice wine, soy sauce & chicken and stir fry for 1 more minute. Serve with rice.