VEGAN CHINESE CHILI SESAME

Elevate your plant-based cooking with the rich and vibrant flavors of Vegan Chinese Chili Sesame. This dish combines the bold heat of chili with the nutty aroma of sesame, creating a tantalizing sauce that perfectly coats your favorite vegan protein and vegetables. Served over a bed of rice or noodles, this Vegan Chinese Chili Sesame dish is a symphony of flavors and textures, making it a delicious and satisfying addition to your plant-based repertoire.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• ONE tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce (adjust for spice preference)
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water

For the Stir-Fry:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 block extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed (or protein of choice)
• ONE bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)

For Serving:

• Cooked rice or noodles of your choice

Instructions:

For the Sauce:

1. Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry:
   • In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Set aside.
2. Combine Sauce Ingredients:
   • In another bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, sesame oil, and chili garlic sauce.
3. Create Sauce Mixture:
   • Add the cornstarch slurry to the sauce mixture and whisk until well combined. This will thicken the sauce when cooked.

For the Stir-Fry:

1. Prepare Tofu (or Protein):
   • Press the tofu to remove excess water, then cube it.
2. Sauté Tofu:
   • Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed tofu and sauté until golden brown on all sides. Remove tofu from the pan and set aside.
3. Cook Vegetables:
   • In the same pan, add more oil if needed. Sauté bell pepper and broccoli until slightly tender but still crisp.
4. Combine Tofu and Vegetables:
   • Add the cooked tofu back to the pan with the sautéed vegetables.
5. Pour Sauce Over:
   • Pour the prepared chili sesame sauce over the tofu and vegetables. Stir well to coat evenly.
6. Simmer and Thicken:
   • Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes until it thickens and coats the tofu and vegetables.
7. Garnish and Serve:
   • Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
8. Serve:
   • Serve the Vegan Chinese Chili Sesame over cooked rice or noodles.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Makes 4 servings, excluding rice or noodles):

• Calories: 250
• Fat: 15g
• Protein: 14g
• Total Carbohydrates: 18g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 6g
• Net Carbs: 15g