Baked Tofu Szechuan Style Recipes

Steps:

• In a shallow dish, combine 2/3 cup of the cornstarch, the salt and pepper. Toss the eggplant pieces in the cornstarch mixture to coat, shaking off the excess; set aside. Repeat the process with the tofu.
• Heat 1/2 inch of the peanut oil in a large, deep, straight-sided skillet over medium heat until it shimmers. Working in batches, cook the eggplant first, tossing gently until golden brown, about 3 minutes on each side. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain. Repeat with the remaining eggplant and the tofu.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken stock, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, lime juice and remaining 2 teaspoons cornstarch.
• Carefully drain the oil from the skillet, and wipe out any residue using paper towels held with tongs. Add 1 tablespoon of peanut oil to the skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add the ginger, about 1 teaspoon of the minced chiles (or to taste) and the garlic. Cook, stirring, until just fragrant, about 30 seconds; pour in the chicken stock mixture and bring it to a simmer. Simmer until slightly thickened, 2 to 3 minutes.
• Add the cooked eggplant and tofu to the skillet and toss gently to combine. Stir in the sesame oil and remove from the heat. Serve immediately over rice and garnished with the remaining minced chiles if desired and chopped cilantro.

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
• Arrange tofu slices onto a baking sheet. Brush olive oil over the top of each slice. Sprinkle salt and pepper over the tofu.
• Bake tofu in preheated oven until lightly browned on top, 8 to 10 minutes.
• Stir soy sauce, Sriracha, sesame oil, chile-garlic sauce, sesame seeds, garlic, and green onion together in a bowl; spoon atop the tofu slices.
• Return baking sheet to oven and continue baking tofu until topping is warmed, 3 to 5 minutes more.