STIR-FRIED CUCUMBER WITH TOFU

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Stir-Fried Cucumber With Tofu image

This vegan take on the cucumber and pork stir-fry offers the perfect level of acid to balance out the spice. Cooked quickly over high heat, cucumbers become juicy, with a lovely silky texture that is still crisp to the bite. Salting the cucumbers before stir-frying is essential, as it draws out moisture and allows for more of the garlicky umami flavors of the sauce to be soaked up. The tofu delivers heartiness, while the hint of Sichuan chile flakes takes this dish to another level.

Provided by Hetty McKinnon

Categories     weekday, vegetables, main course

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 large cucumbers (about 1 1/2 pounds), peeled in alternating vertical stripes, seeded, then cut on the bias 1/4-inch thick
Kosher salt
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 (14-ounce) package extra-firm tofu, crumbled
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
Finely chopped scallions, toasted white sesame seeds and steamed rice, for serving (optional)
Freshly ground white pepper
2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon red-pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon Sichuan chile flakes

Steps:

  • Place cucumbers in a bowl, add 1 teaspoon salt, and gently massage the pieces. (This helps to release some of the water.) Let stand for 10 to 15 minutes until the cucumbers are slightly wet and pliable to the touch.
  • Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients with 1 tablespoon water.
  • Prepare the stir-fry: Heat a wok or a large skillet over high. When smoking hot, add 2 tablespoons vegetable oil. Add the tofu, season generously with salt and pepper, and stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until the tofu is partly golden. Transfer to a bowl and set aside. Wipe the wok or skillet clean, and keep off the heat until the cucumbers are ready.
  • Drain the cucumbers and rinse under cold running water. Drain well, then pat dry with a clean kitchen towel.
  • Heat the wok or skillet back over high heat. When hot, add the remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Add the garlic and allow to sizzle for just 10 seconds, then toss in the cucumbers, stir-frying for 2 minutes. Return the tofu to the wok and toss well.
  • Add the sauce and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until the cucumbers look glossy. Taste and season well with salt and white pepper. Top with scallions and sesame seeds, and serve with rice, if using.

Ranja Joiya
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This dish is a great way to use up leftover tofu.


Marta Marin
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I'm not a big fan of tofu, but I really enjoyed this dish.


Zziwa Ronald
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This is a great recipe for a quick and healthy weeknight meal.


Puja Nepal
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I love the way the tofu and cucumbers complement each other in this dish.


Ruth Shanzi
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This dish is so easy to make and it's always a crowd-pleaser.


Md Shahed Hossain
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Definitely a 5-star recipe!


Khaled Bouam
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Yum!


Solomon Quaicoe
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This recipe is a keeper! I've made it several times and it's always a hit. The tofu is always perfectly cooked and the sauce is delicious. I love serving this dish over rice.


JUBIR ISLAM
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I followed the recipe exactly, but my dish didn't turn out as good as I expected. The tofu was tough and the sauce was too thin. I think I might have overcooked the tofu.


Sinoxolo Sinoxolo
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This dish was a bit bland for my taste. I think it could have used more garlic and ginger. The tofu was also a bit dry. Overall, it was just okay.


teri koziczkowski
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I'm not usually a fan of tofu, but this dish changed my mind. The tofu was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The sauce was flavorful and the cucumbers added a nice crunch. I'll definitely be making this again.


Sommy Makeup
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This was a quick and easy weeknight meal that the whole family enjoyed. The kids loved the sweet and tangy sauce. I'll definitely be adding this recipe to my regular rotation.


James Arther
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Simple, yet so tasty! I love how the tofu soaks up the flavors of the sauce. The cucumbers add a nice crunch and freshness. This dish is a great way to get your daily dose of veggies.


Aaron Swords
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I was skeptical at first, but this dish turned out to be a real winner! The tofu and cucumbers cooked perfectly, and the sauce was delicious. I especially appreciated the addition of the red pepper flakes, which gave the dish a nice kick. Will defini


Bhuwan Kunwar
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This stir-fried cucumber with tofu dish was a delightful surprise! The combination of flavors and textures was simply exquisite. The tofu was soft and tender, while the cucumbers provided a refreshing crunch. The sauce was perfectly balanced, with ju