Earl's Kung Pao (protein Of Your Choice)

Total Time: 40 mins Preparation Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients

• 8 ounces tofu or 8 ounces chicken breasts, cubed into 1-inch cubes
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons rice wine vinegar or 2 teaspoons vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar or 1 teaspoon vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 4 cups vegetables, chopped (broccoli, snow peas, carrots, peppers, etc)
• 375 g pasta (whole wheat or ) or 375 g noodles (dry)
• 2 -8 small dried red chili peppers
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 bunch green onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon szechuan peppercorn (optional)
• 4 tablespoons oil, for stir frying
• 1/2 cup salted peanuts or 1/2 cup cashews
• 3 drops sesame oil

Recipe

• 1 mix together the marinade, adding the cornstarch last, and whisking well until there are no lumps.
• 2 cut the tofu or chicken into 1-inch cubes. combine with the marinade ingredients. marinate ½ - 1 hour.
• 3 while the tofu or chicken is marinating, prepare the sauce and vegetables. set aside.
• 4 heat wok over medium-high to high heat. add 2 tbsp oil. when oil is hot, add tofu or chicken and marinade. stir-fry until chicken is cooked or tofu is browned. remove from the wok and set aside. stir fry vegetables until tender crisp, and set aside.
• 5 cook whole wheat pasta until al dente. drain.
• 6 add 2 tbsp oil to wok. when hot, add the garlic and ginger and stir-fry until aromatic (about 30 seconds). add the sauce, chili paste and hot pepper flakes. bring to a boil. add cooked tofu or chicken, vegetables, green onions and nuts. stir until hot. remove from heat and add few drops of sesame oil.
• 7 add sauce, vegetables, and chicken to pasta and toss. garnish with extra nuts.
• 8 enjoy!