Recipe: Lacquered Tofu with Green Beans

LACQUERED TOFU WITH GREEN BEANS

1 pound firm tofu, drained
1 red bell pepper
1/4 cup stock
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon mushroom soy sauce
4 teaspoons roasted peanut oil, divided use
1/4 pound green beans, cut into 2-inch lengths
5 scallions , sliced 1/2 inch thick
1/2 teaspoon szechwan peppercorns, toasted
salt
1/4 cup roasted cashews

Cut the tofu and red pepper into l 1/2 inch triangles.

In a bowl, mix the stock, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic and mushroom soy.

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large nonstick skillet. Add the tofu and cook, turning once, until golden; transfer to a plate.

Add the remaining teaspoon of oil to the pan; add the beans and stir-fry for 2 minutes.

Add the red pepper and scallions and stir-fry until just tender.

Add the tofu and Szechwan peppercorns; season with salt. Pour in the sauce and stir gently until the vegetables and tofu are evenly coated.
Transfer to a platter and sprinkle with the cashews.

Servings: 4
Source: This Can't Be Tofu! by Deborah Madison