GREEN BEANS & TOFU WITH CRUNCHY THAI PEANUT SAUCE

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Green Beans & Tofu With Crunchy Thai Peanut Sauce image

Another wonderful vegetarian recipe from Mollie Katzen's cookbook "Vegetable Heaven." This is one of my favorite ways to prepare tofu, and you get the added benefits of vegetables and flavorful sauce. Keep in mind that the fresher and firmer the green beans, the better this will taste. Tastes best served with basmati or jasmine rice.

Provided by hannahactually

Categories     Soy/Tofu

Time 30m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 1/2 cups unsalted peanuts (or lightly salted)
2 tablespoons peanut oil or 2 tablespoons canola oil
2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
1 lb firm tofu, cut into small cubes
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
red pepper flakes
1/2 cup good-quality peanut butter
1/2 cup hot water
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon vinegar
1 tablespoon minced cilantro

Steps:

  • For the stir-fry:.
  • Place the peanuts in a blender, and grind briefly until they form a coarse meal. Set aside.
  • Heat a medium-sized heavy skillet. Add 1 tablespoon of the oil, and the ginger and garlic. Sauté for a few minutes, then add the crushed peanuts and the lemon zest. Cook over medium-low heat for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring often, until the peanuts are lightly toasted. Remove from heat and set aside.
  • As the peanut mixture is cooking, heat a large, nonstick wok or deep skillet. Drizzle in a little oil. When it is very hot, add the tofu and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook over high heat for 10 to 15 minutes to let the water evaporate, stirring occasionally. Sprinkle with lemon juice, reduce the heat, and cook for a few minutes longer. Transfer the tofu to the pan containing the peanut mixture and set aside.
  • Scrape out the wok or skillet if necessary, and return to the heat. Let it get very hot, then add the remaining scant tablespoon of oil. When the oil is hot, add the green beans. (The pan should sizzle when they hit.) Stir-fry over high heat for about 5 minutes, then sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and a small amount of red pepper flakes.
  • Stir-fry just a few minutes longer, or until the beans are divinely tender-crisp (mostly crisp, but just tender enough). Add the peanut-tofu mixture and toss everything together. Serve right away, over rice.
  • For the peanut sauce:.
  • Combine peanut butter and water in a bowl; mash and mix until uniform. Add remaining ingredients, and stir until combined. Add a little more water it you prefer it thinner. Salt to taste. Serve warm or room temperature, drizzled over hot green beans.

Ms C.
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Overall, I really enjoyed this dish. It was flavorful, easy to make, and a great way to use up leftover tofu.


Must Jannat
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This dish was a bit too spicy for my taste. I think next time I'll use less chili peppers.


Star Song (Knottedfingers)
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I'm allergic to peanuts, so I had to make a few substitutions. I used almond butter instead of peanut butter and it turned out great.


Tara Budthapa
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This dish was a bit too expensive to make. I think I could have found a cheaper recipe that tasted just as good.


Asif Pasha
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I'm not a fan of green beans, but I tried this dish anyway and I was pleasantly surprised. The green beans were actually really good and the sauce was delicious.


mahamed barkadleh
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This dish was a great way to use up some leftover tofu. I'm always looking for new ways to cook tofu and this recipe was a winner.


Diinaari Mustafa Jeilani
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I made this dish for my family and they all loved it. Even my picky kids ate it without complaint.


Muneiwa Kone
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This dish was perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. I was able to get it on the table in under 30 minutes.


Tee Golden
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I'm not a vegetarian, but I really enjoyed this dish. The tofu was a great source of protein and the sauce was so flavorful.


Kevin Ouma
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This dish was a bit too bland for my taste. I think it could have used more spices.


blob fish
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I'm new to cooking Thai food, but this recipe was easy to follow and turned out great. I'll definitely be trying more Thai recipes in the future.


Jihad Ahamed (Dark mode)
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This dish was a hit at my party! Everyone loved the unique flavor of the peanut sauce.


Saaf Nafis
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I loved the combination of textures in this dish. The crispy green beans and tofu were a perfect match for the creamy sauce.


MIchael Brant
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The sauce was a bit too spicy for me, but otherwise this dish was great.


Khushbu Sajjad
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This dish was easy to make and packed with flavor. I'll definitely be making it again.


Oli M-C
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The green beans were a bit overcooked for my taste, but the tofu and sauce were delicious.


Mirfan Mrehan
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I'm not usually a fan of tofu, but this dish changed my mind. The tofu was so well-seasoned and cooked to perfection.


Paper Eater
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This dish was an absolute delight! The green beans were perfectly crisp and the tofu was tender and flavorful. The crunchy Thai peanut sauce was the perfect finishing touch, adding a wonderful balance of sweetness, saltiness, and acidity.