Enjoy a delicious and colorful bowl of Vegan Chop Suey, packed with a variety of crisp vegetables and savory flavors. This recipe offers a plant-based twist on the classic Chinese-American dish, perfect for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced (any color)
- 1 carrot, julienned or thinly sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup snap peas or green beans
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth or water
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
Instructions:
Prepare the Tofu:
- In a bowl, combine the cubed tofu, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Toss until the tofu is evenly coated.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the tofu cubes to the skillet and cook until golden and crispy on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the tofu from the skillet and set aside.
Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil.
- Add the sliced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant and onions are translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the bell pepper, carrot, broccoli florets, snap peas or green beans, mushrooms, and cabbage to the skillet.
- Stir-fry the vegetables for 5-7 minutes or until they are tender-crisp.
Make the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix together the vegetable broth (or water), hoisin sauce, and sesame oil.
- Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the vegetables.
- Return the cooked tofu to the skillet.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all ingredients and coat them with the sauce.
Serve:
- Remove the skillet from heat.
- Serve the vegan chop suey hot over cooked rice or noodles.
- Garnish with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, or cilantro if desired.
Serving Suggestions:
- Rice or Noodles: Enjoy over steamed white or brown rice, or toss with cooked noodles for a complete meal.
- Garnishes: Sprinkle with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro for added flavor and presentation.
Cooking Tips:
- Pressing Tofu: Pressing tofu helps remove excess moisture and allows it to crisp up better when cooked.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on your preferences or what’s in season.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Protein: Tofu provides plant-based protein.
- Fiber and Vitamins: Vegetables contribute fiber, vitamins, and minerals essential for a balanced diet.
Dietary Information:
- Vegan: Suitable for vegan diets.
- Vegetarian: Suitable for vegetarian diets.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Healthy and Flavorful: Packed with nutrient-rich vegetables and savory tofu in a delicious sauce.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes for a convenient weeknight meal.
- Customizable: Adjust the vegetables and seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
Conclusion:
Vegan Chop Suey offers a delightful and nutritious meal option for those following a plant-based diet. With its colorful array of vegetables, crispy tofu, and flavorful sauce, this dish is both satisfying and delicious. Enjoy it over a bed of rice or noodles for a complete and wholesome meal that’s sure to please your taste buds.