Kung Pao Tofu, #SundaySupper

To bring families back together around the dinner table, Isabel of Family Foodie created the weekly #SundaySupper. Type in hashtag (#) SundaySupper at Twitter and take a seat at 7 p.m. ET. (on 07 April 2013.) This week’s topic of discussion is budget meals. The lovely Lane from Supper for a Steal will be hosting.

Cost-saving cuisine is synonymous with quick and easy for this Ninja Baker. Japanese chahan rice and ramen noodles are but two examples. Kung Pao Tofu is no exception. The recipe below is adapted from Steamy Kitchen’s Healthy Asian Favorites. Jaden Hair, the author of the cookbook, joined our SundaySupper one week - thanks to our Family Foodie founder. Isabel also arranged for Healthy Asian Favorites giveaways. I was over the moon when I won mine from Alice of Hip Foodie Mom.

I was quite happy, too, when the husband (my biggest critic) took one taste. Then another. “Very good,” he said. I started to take the dish away so I could take the photograph for the blog. “One more,” he said and reached for another bite. (Victory!)

Kung Pao Tofu & Pickled Plum Topped Rice 

Kung Pao Tofu Tips

• As much of my pantry is prepared for Japanese cooking and budget is the theme this week, I made a few adjustments to Jaden’s awesome Kung Pao Chicken. (Page 146)
• Instead of chicken, I substituted cubed extra firm tofu.
• One tablespoon of Chinese black vinegar was reduced to a ½ tablespoon of the slightly sweeter Japanese rice vinegar (which is always in my refrigerator.)
• Also, to counteract the sweet, I employed full strength soy sauce instead of the suggested low sodium.
• The recommended red peppers were replaced with orange, yellow and green peppers. The orange ones were on sale. (Yea!)
• Grapeseed oil was a good choice for frying.
• To temper the spice, cutting the dried red chiles into skinny strips was a fine idea, too.
• Last and not least, slivered almonds (which I had on hand) provided a perfect crunch.

In addition to the Kung Pao Tofu recipe adapted from Healthy Asian Favorites, check out the budget saver faves of the following fabulous food bloggers. Also, if you’ve got a dish, which is easy on the pocketbook and pleasing to the palate, please share in the comments section. Of course, come and share at #SundaySupper. 7 p.m. ET at Twitter!

Soups and Salads

• Lentil Soup {Linsensuppe} from The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
• Gado-gado from The Urban Mrs.
• Pasta e Fagioli from Curious Cuisiniere
• Ramping Up Instant Ramen from girlichef

Main

• Salmon Lasagna from Blueberries and Blessings
• Kadun Pika from The Foodie Army Wife
• Mushroom and Artichoke Quiche with Red Pepper Puree from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
• Pasta Carbonara from The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen
• San Francisco Special Breakfast Burritos from Gourmet Drizzles
• Chicken Divan from Simply Gourmet
• Chicken and Brown Rice with Veggies and Mushrooms from Daily Dish Recipes
• The Cod Puffs War {Duelo de Buñuelos de Bacalao} from My Cute Bride
• From the Pantry Peanut Noodles from Supper for a Steal
• Pasta Puttanesca from Juanita’s Cocina
• Hawaiian Grilled Cheese from Home Cooking Memories
• Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas from I Run For Wine
• Browned Butter Pasta with Collards from Momma’s Meals
• Turkey and Acini Di Pepe Skillet from Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
• Golden State Gourmet from Crazy Foodie Stunts
• Buffalo Chicken Dip Quesadillas from Chocolate Moosey
• Tonkatsu {Pork Cutlet} from Damn Delicious
• Tarka Dal {Spicy Curry Lentils} from Food Lust People Love
• Kung Pao Tofu from Ninja Baking
• Roasted Honey Mustard Chicken from Mama’s Blissful Bites
• Four-Cheese Risotto with Turkey Italian Sausage from The Weekend Gourmet
• Lemon Chicken and Vegetables from The Lovely Pantry
• Salvage-Your-Vegetables Frittata from Daddy Knows Less

Sides

• English Baked Beans from Small Wallet, Big Appetite
• Southern-style Black-eyed Peas from Magnolia Days
• Classic Macaroni and Cheese from The Skinny Chick Can Bake!!!
• Baked Beans from What Smells So Good?
• Hearts of Palm Mix Rice from Basic N Delicious

Drinks and Desserts

• Skinny Cinnamon Dolce Frappe from Peanut Butter and Peppers
• Portuguese Rice Pudding {Arroz Doce} from Family Foodie

Wishing you budget saving suppers that deliver big time taste!