In a new series, Wing Yip, the Oriental grocery store, shares its expertise with yummy, easy-to-make recipes. World Vegan Day (November 1) kicked off World Vegan Month, so what better time to stock up on all your favourite vegan ingredients and whip up a mouth-watering vegan meal for your friends and family.

Wing Yip has developed a tasty Vegan Ma Po Tofu recipe inspired by a popular dish eaten in South East Asia, that’s not only easy to make but is also bursting with delicious Oriental flavour that is guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family – whether they’re vegan or not. 

Tofu, which is high in protein and carbohydrates, combined with spicy Szechuan sauce creates a punchy flavour, while the Asian spices and oils marry together perfectly for a delicious creamy dish.

Vegan Ma Po Tofu

Serves 2

Ingredients:

30g dried shiitake mushrooms
200g extra firm tofu
2tsp Wing Yip Light Soy Sauce
1tsp Wing Yip Sesame Oil
2tbsp peanut or vegetable oil
1tsp minced garlic paste
1 jar Wing Yip Spicy Szechuan Sauce
1 packet soft tofu
2 spring onions (fine sliced)
1 red chilli (fine dice)

Method:

Vegan ma po tofu, Wing Yip1. Soak the shiitake mushrooms in just-boiled water for 20 minutes, or until soft. Once soft, drain but reserve the mushroom liquid.

2. With your hands, gently crumble the extra firm tofu and season with 2tsp light soy and 1 tsp sesame oil.

3. Dice the soft tofu into 1cm cubes (handle gently).

4. Heat oil in a wok and quickly add minced garlic, mushrooms and crumbled extra firm tofu.

5. Stir well with a metal spatula.

6. After 1 minute, when the garlic has started to colour add Wing Yip Spicy Szechuan Sauce and continue cooking for 5 minutes. If you prefer your dish to be quite wet, add some of the reserved mushroom liquid at this stage.

7. Add the diced soft tofu and cook for further 2 minutes, allowing tofu to absorb sauce.

8. Just before removing from the heat gently stir in onions.

9. Garnish with more sliced spring onions and the diced red chilli

10. Serve with boiled rice.