Panda Express Eggplant Tofu: Takeout Veggie Dupe

If you’re craving a delicious and satisfying dish that’s both healthy and packed with flavor, look no further than this Panda Express Tofu Eggplant Recipe! This delightful vegetarian dish combines the sumptuous taste of eggplant with tender tofu, all enveloped in a savory sauce. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a standout dish for a gathering. Let’s dive into the details of this mouthwatering recipe.

Panda Express Tofu Eggplant

Here’s a beautiful image of the finished dish:

### Ingredients:

• 1 medium eggplant, cut into cubes
• 14 ounces firm tofu, pressed and cubed
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece ginger, minced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (to thicken the sauce)
• Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Cooked rice (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Start by preparing the tofu. Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut it into cubes. In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the tofu and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the tofu from the pan and set aside.
2. In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Next, add the cubed eggplant to the pan. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes or until the eggplant becomes tender and lightly browned.
4. In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar together. Pour this sauce over the eggplant and stir to coat evenly.
5. Add the cooked tofu back to the pan, gently stirring to combine everything. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
6. To thicken the sauce, add the cornstarch mixture and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
7. Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions.
8. Serve the tofu eggplant hot over a bed of fluffy cooked rice. Enjoy your delightful meal!

This Panda Express Tofu Eggplant Recipe is sure to please your palate. Easy to make and packed with good-for-you ingredients, it’s a dish that both vegetarians and meat-eaters will love. To make it even more special, feel free to add your favorite vegetables or additional spices to customize it to your taste!

source: www.studiodelicious.com