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Hey, if the Panda Express Location in your region doesn’t serve Eggplant Tofu dish, then it’s definitely a sign that you should try making this at your home! Yes, we have got the copycat recipe of Panda Express Eggplant Tofu and it’s super easy to make.
You know what, most of us tend to avoid having eggplant but eggplant can be delicious if it is cooked with the right ingredients & method. This recipe is a perfect blend of eggplant, tofu and the savory yet sweet sauce!
How To Make Eggplant Tofu Panda Express?
Eggplant Tofu Panda Express Recipe
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Small Bowl
- Baking Sheet/Wire Metal Rack
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Of Olive Oil
- 1 lb Of Extra-Firm Tofu Squeezed & Cut Into Small Cubes
- 1 Eggplant Large & Cut Into Small Pieces
- 1 Red Bell Pepper Large & Cut Into Small Square Pieces
- 2 tbsp Of Cornstarch
- 3 To 4 Onions White & Green Parts Separated
- 1 tbsp Ginger Minced
- 5 Garlic Cloves Minced
For The Sauce
- ¼ Cup Of Soy Sauce
- 1 tbsp Of Rice Vinegar
- ¼ Cup Of Water Or Vegetable Broth
- 1 tbsp Of Cornstarch Or Arrowroot
- 1 tbsp Of Sesame Oil
- 1 tbsp Of Brown Sugar
- 1 tbsp Of Chili Paste Or Sambal Oelek
Instructions
- Take a large skillet and add olive oil. Heat it over medium to high heat.
- In a small bowl, add tofu and cornstarch. Toss everything properly so that it is well coated.
- Now add the coated tofu into the skillet and don’t toss it or stir for at least 10 minutes. This is done to make it crispy and this can be done with all the sides or even two sides, whatever you prefer.
- When the tofu is cooking, prepare the sauce. Take one bowl and add all the ingredients. Stir everything well to make it a smooth sauce.
- Now the tofu is all golden brown, so keep it aside on a baking sheet or a wire metal rack to let it stay all crispy.
- Next, use the same skillet and add the red bell peppers, eggplant, ginger, garlic and green onions. Sautè everything until everything becomes crisp and well cooked.
- Add the tofu now and then pour all the sauce over it. Cook it over low to medium heat and let it simmer for at least 5 minutes. Turn off the heat.
- Serve the delicious eggplant tofu dish with white parts of the onion and season it with salt & pepper. And it’s ready to enjoy!
Notes
- It’s important to squeeze out the extra moisture in the tofu as it helps to make the tofu crispy and chewy.
- You can use Tamari Sauce instead of Soy Sauce if you want to go vegan.
- Instead of using red bell peppers, you can also use green or yellow bell peppers. However, any other vegetable such as baby corn, snap peas or bok choy can also be used.
- You can use maple syrup or granulated sugar in place of brown sugar.
Shelf Life
In order to store it, add it into an airtight container and then it can be refrigerated for up to 4 to 5 days.
Conclusion
This recipe is quite different from your regular dishes and it actually tastes exactly like the original one! The Eggplant Tofu recipe doesn’t take much of your time and is a healthy option! So, what are you thinking? Go, give it a try and let us know about your experience in the comment section below!
FAQ
Is Eggplant Tofu (Panda Express Copycat) A Vegan Recipe?
The website of Panda Express has stated that they do have any dishes that fall into the category of gluten-free and vegetarian. However, our recipe is completely vegan and you can follow this one step-by-step to make this at home.
What Can I Pair Panda Express Eggplant Tofu With?
You can serve this with vegetable spring rolls, plain or chilli garlic noodles, vegan orange chicken, rice and more.
How Many Calories Are There Eggplant Tofu Panda Express?
The eggplant tofu panda express (1 Cup) contains about 200 to 300 calories. However, the calorie count might vary depending on the size of the portion, different ingredients utilized and the method of cooking.
