Irene Pastore Fitness

INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
2 1/2 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
1 (14-ounce) package firm tofu, cut into cubes
1 cup sherry, divided
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh ginger
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
4 1/2 teaspoon tamari

3 dried whole red chiles
3 cups small broccoli florets
1 cup cubed fresh pineapple
1/4 cup dry roasted unsalted peanuts
2 green onions, sliced
2 cups cooked brown rice

INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, beat together nutritional yeast, five-spice powder and 1 tablespoon plus 1-1/2 teaspoons of the cornstarch, until blended. Add tofu and toss until evenly coated.  Spread tofu on a baking sheet, lined with baking sheet paper in a single layer. Bake tofu until crisp.

Sherry Cornstarch Mixture: In a small bowl, beat together ginger, garlic, tamari, 1/2 cup of the sherry, and remaining 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Set aside.

Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add chili.  Toast until fragrant. Takes about 2 minutes. Add cooking oil to cover skillet or wok. Stir in broccoli, pineapple and baked tofu and continue cooking until broccoli is still firm, but cooked. Note: you can prepare the broccoli separately, to be sure it’s not raw and the other ingredients are not overcooked, and then toss the broccoli into the mixture.

Stir in remaining 1/2 cup sherry and cook, stirring constantly, until reduced, about 2 minutes. Beat sherry and cornstarch mixture once more. Add mixture to wok with green onions and peanuts. Cook  vegetables thoroughly. Serve over rice.

KITCHEN UTENSILS
Wok or Large Skillet. A cast iron skillet works well with this recipe.
Measuring Cups
Measuring Spoons
Large Mixing Spoon