Easy Vegan Chinese Hunan Style Tofu Recipe

If you're a tofu lover or simply craving a dish bursting with spicy and savory flavors, our Vegan Hunan style Tofu with Brown Rice is the best way to satisfy your craving. This Hunan-style tofu recipe brings the authentic taste of Chinese Hunan cuisine to your table, featuring a delightful blend of ingredients that create a spicy and aromatic dish. The sweet and salty flavors of the sauce makes this dish an all time favorite and a sure win for dinner tonight for the whole family.

Other Asian Recipes you will love! VEGAN KOREAN BUDAE JJIGAE RECIPE (ARMY BASE STEW), BACHAN'S JAPANESE BARBECUE TOFU TAGLIATELLE RECIPE, EASY VEGAN TOFU YAKISOBA, 3 INGREDIENT BACHAN'S TOFU RICE BOWL & CRISPY VEGAN SZECHUAN (SICHUAN) STIR-FRY TOFU! Enjoy Asian cuisine at home!

Why You'll Love This Recipe:

• Spicy Flavor Profile: The Hunan-style tofu brings a bold and spicy taste that tingles your taste buds.
• Versatile Tofu Dish: This recipe adapts well to various vegetables, making it perfect for your favorite veggies.
• Quick and Easy: With simple steps and easily accessible ingredients, it's a great dinner option for tonight.
• Vegan Delight: Plant-based and bursting with flavors, it's a favorite for both vegans and food lovers alike.

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This Recipe:
• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Top Tip:
• Substitutions
• Variation
• Storage
• Top tip
• Faq
• Related
• Pairing

Ingredients

• Extra Firm Tofu
• Fermented Blackbeans
• Coconut Sugar
• Cornstarch
• Onion
• Garlic
• Soy Sauce
• Vinegar

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

1. Prep the Tofu:
   • Cut the extra firm tofu into medium sized squares.
   • Coat the tofu pieces in cornstarch and seasonings for a crispy texture and flavor.
2. Pan-Fry Tofu:
   • Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Add tofu cubes and stir-fry until golden brown. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
   • In the same skillet, sauté garlic, ginger (optional), and green onions until fragrant.
   • Add soy sauce, dark soy sauce (optional), vinegar, and sambal oelek (optional) for a spicy kick.
4. Combine and Cook:
   • Toss in the cooked tofu, shiitake mushrooms (optional), and red bell peppers (optional).
   • Stir-fry on high heat to combine flavors.
5. Final Touch:
   • Drizzle sesame oil over the dish for a rich aroma.
   • Garnish with green parts of the onions.
6. Serve with Brown Rice:
   • Prepare brown rice separately as a wholesome base for the flavorful tofu.

Top Tip:

For an extra layer of umami, add a tablespoon of black bean paste to the sauce mixture. It enhances the overall depth of flavors in the dish.

Substitutions

1. Tofu: If you don't have extra firm tofu, firm tofu will work well. Press the tofu to remove excess water before cooking.
2. Fermented Blackbean: Substitute with black bean sauce for a convenient alternative. Hoisin sauce, kung pao sauce.
3. Coconut Sugar: Replace with brown sugar, agave nectar, or maple syrup.
4. Cornstarch: Arrowroot powder or potato starch can be used as alternatives for cornstarch.
5. Shiitake Mushrooms: Any mushrooms of your choice, such as cremini or button mushrooms, can be used.
6. Soy Sauce: Tamari or coconut aminos are excellent substitutes, especially if you're looking for a gluten-free option.
7. Vinegar: Rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar, shaoxing wine or white wine vinegar can be used interchangeably.
8. Vegetable Oil: Substitute with peanut oil, sesame oil, or any neutral oil you have on hand.
9. Brown Rice: Feel free to use white rice, quinoa, or your preferred grain.
10. Green Parts (for Garnish): Cilantro or parsley can be used instead of green onions for a different flavor.
11. Red Bell Peppers: Any color bell peppers or other colorful vegetables like carrots and snap peas can be added.

Variation

1. Spicy Tofu Stir-Fry:
   • Increase the amount of chili peppers or add extra sambal oelek for a spicier kick.
   • Include other spicy ingredients like jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes.
2. Vegetable Medley:
   • Mix in a variety of colorful vegetables such as broccoli, snow peas, or bell peppers for added texture and flavor.
   • Toss in baby corn, bamboo shoots, or water chestnuts for a unique touch.
3. Protein Boost:
   • Add plant-based protein sources like edamame, tempeh, or seitan for a heartier dish.
   • Experiment with different beans such as chickpeas or kidney beans.
4. Noodle Bowl:
   • Serve the Hunan-style tofu over cooked noodles like rice noodles or soba noodles for a noodle bowl variation along with fresh vegetables.
   • Adjust the sauce consistency to coat the noodles perfectly.
5. Hunan Tofu Wrap:
   • Use the flavorful Hunan tofu as a filling for wraps or tacos.
   • Add fresh lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a drizzle of vegan yogurt or tahini sauce.
6. Sesame Twist:
   • Toast sesame seeds and sprinkle them over the dish for added crunch and a nutty flavor.
   • Drizzle sesame oil over the finished dish for extra aroma.
7. Crispy Tofu Option:
   • Coat tofu cubes in cornstarch before frying for a crispier texture.
   • Try baking or air-frying the tofu for a healthier alternative.
8. Citrus Zest:
   • Enhance the flavors with a burst of freshness by adding orange or lime zest to the sauce.
   • Squeeze a bit of citrus juice for a zesty kick.

Feel free to mix and match these variations to create a Hunan-style tofu dish that suits your taste preferences and keeps your meals exciting!

See this spicy version of this recipe on my website! (placeholder for in-content link)

Storage

Refrigeration:

1. Allow any leftover tofu and brown rice to cool to room temperature before storing.
2. Transfer the dish into airtight containers to preserve freshness.
3. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing:

1. If you plan to store the dish for a longer duration, consider freezing it.
2. Place the tofu and rice in freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion.
3. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
4. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating:

1. To reheat, use stovetop.
2. If using the stovetop, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to maintain moisture.
3. Gently reheat until the dish reaches your desired temperature.

Faq

1. Can I use firm tofu instead of extra firm tofu?
   • While extra firm tofu works best for maintaining a good texture, you can use firm tofu if that's what you have. Just be gentle when handling to prevent it from breaking apart.
2. Is there a substitute for black bean paste?
   • If you don't have black bean paste, you can use miso paste or hoisin sauce as alternatives. Adjust quantities based on your taste preference.
3. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
   • Yes, you can! Ensure that your soy sauce and hoisin sauce are gluten-free. Also, replace regular soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option.
4. How do I make the tofu crispy?
   • To achieve a crispy texture, ensure the tofu is well-drained and pat it dry with a paper towel. You can also press the tofu before cooking to remove excess moisture.
5. Can I use frozen tofu?
   • While frozen tofu changes its texture, you can experiment with it. Freeze the tofu, then thaw and press it to achieve a more porous and chewy texture.
6. How long does this dish last in the fridge?
   • Properly stored in an airtight container, it can last up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave with a splash of water for freshness.
7. Can I freeze Vegan Hunan Tofu?
   • Freezing tofu can alter its texture, making it spongy. It's not recommended for this recipe.
8. What other vegetables can I add?
   • Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snow peas for extra freshness and flavor. Fresh ginger and peppers are such good aromatics too!

Related

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with [this recipe]: