| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 367 | 28g | 4g | 21g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 3g | 16g | 1.9g |
Why I Love Chinese Vegetarian Charred Rings
As I soak up the global flavors and cooking techniques that flow into the melting pot of Miami, I find myself continually enchanted by the art of fusion cuisine – creating a culinary love story through merging various world flavors. One delightful result of such an exploration is my Vegetarian Charred Rings; a palette-pleasing Chinese dish with a hint of my classic flair. Not straying too far from my Caribbean and Spanish roots but offering a tasty detour to the Far East, this seamless fusion leaves a beautiful imprint on your taste buds.
A Fusion of Cultures
Intrinsically, the Vegetarian Charred Rings contain a universal appeal – a simplicity adorned with complexity. The charred rings of tofu and bell peppers are an homage to Chef Chen Kenichi, the Szechwan cuisine maestro, whose bold flavors made a lasting impression on my culinary journey. The addition of Chinese five-spice powder evokes a profound sensory delight, allowing your palate to dance between the bitter, sweet, sour, pungent and salty tones.
Despite its Chinese roots, this dish subtly nods to my own heritage. Inspired by the Spanish tradition of tapas and their inherent synergy with commensal sharing, these charred rings provoke a conversational dining experience. Their vibrant colors are reminiscent of Havana’s flair, subtly connecting me to my Cuban lineage in each bite.
Pairing Potential and Versatility
Beside their eye-catching presentation, these Vegetarian Charred Rings offer immense versatility. Their earthy, yet vibrant notes make them an ideal companion to a wide array of Asian-inspired mains. Although seemingly eclectic, they actually pair beautifully with the dense, robust flavors of Spanish paella – a personal favorite. Let’s not forget their affinity with drinks. A gin-based tropical cocktail or a zippy white wine accentuates the bold flavors and provides a harmonious balance to the meal.
Such a harmonious fusion of cultures cultivates an unparalleled symbiosis of flavors, which, as a dance teacher, I equate to a perfect duet – two different individuals moving in unison, enhancing each other’s best traits, creating an enchanting performance. In essence, this recipe does that – it’s a harmonized duet on your plate, as pleasant to the eyes as it is tantalizing to your taste buds.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup of tofu, sliced into rings
- 1/2 cup of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1/2 cup of Chinese black vinegar
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of ginger, minced
- 1/2 cup of red bell peppers, sliced into rings
- 1/2 cup of green bell peppers, sliced into rings
- 2 tablespoons of Chinese five-spice powder
- 1/2 cup of green onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons of water
- 1/2 cup of sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons of toasted sesame seeds
Method
Step One
First prepare the tofu. Slice it into rings and set them aside. Then slice the red and green bell peppers into rings and keep them separate.
Step Two
In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, olive oil, Chinese black vinegar, sugar, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Stir well to ensure the sugar is completely dissolved.
Step Three
Pour the marinade over the tofu. Make sure each piece is evenly coated and then marinate them for approximately 30 minutes.
Step Four
While the tofu is marinating, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the Chinese five-spice powder, chopped green onions, crushed red pepper flakes, and cornstarch. Dilute the mixture with water and set aside.
Step Five
Heat a pan over high heat and add the sesame oil. Once the oil is hot, add the bell pepper rings and sauté them until they are slightly charred. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
Step Six
In the same pan, add the tofu and cook each side until it is golden brown and slightly charred.
Step Seven
Pour the prepared sauce into the pan with tofu and stir well to coat the tofu. Cook for another couple of minutes to allow the tofu to absorb the sauce.
Step Eight
Place the charred tofu and bell pepper rings on a serving dish. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and serve. Enjoy your Vegetarian Charred Rings!
