BEST FRY PAN RECIPES

Steps:

• 1. Start with your veg prep: peel and finely slice the garlic and ginger, trim and finely slice the chilli(es) and spring onions, then deseed and finely slice the pepper. Finely slice the mangetout, and quarter the baby corn lengthways.
  2. Pick and roughly chop the coriander, then thinly slice the steak.
  3. Cook the egg noodles in boiling salted water according to the packet instructions, then drain and set aside.
  4. Heat a splash of vegetable oil in a large wok or a heavy-based frying pan over a high heat, add the beef slices, garlic, ginger and chillies and stir-fry until just cooked.
  5. Add the shoots or beansprouts, a good splash of soy sauce and sesame oil and the lime juice for the last 30 seconds of cooking.
  6. Tip the contents of the wok into a large bowl, including all the lovely juices.
  7. Put the wok back on the heat, drizzle in a splash more vegetable oil, then add all the vegetables. Stir-fry for 1 to 2 minutes, then add the cooked noodles and toss well over the heat.
  8. Divide the fried vegetables and noodles between 4 plates. Return the beef and juices to the wok and stir-fry until heated through.
  9. Add the coriander and toss until well mixed with the beef. Arrange on top of the noodles and garnish with a cos lettuce leaf.

Steps:

• Take your block of tofu and wrap it in several layers of paper towels.
• Gently press the tofu with your hands or against the counter top to release the liquid. This will take about a minute.
• Slice the tofu into pieces about 1/2 an inch thick.
• Set tofu aside.
• If you are using a non-stick pan heat it slightly on medium-high heat (about 30 seconds) before adding oil.
• If you are using a cast iron pan, please heat for about 1 minute to 1 1/2 minutes on medium-high heat. Cast iron is very thick and you want the pan to be heated evenly before adding the tofu.
• Add oil to heated pan.
• Gently spread oil over the entire surface of the pan.
• Set the tofu pieces in the pan, leaving ample room between them. They should sizzle when placed in the oil. Sprinkle the tops with salt and a little cayenne pepper.
• Now, the MOST IMPORTANT step is -- LEAVE THEM ALONE for about 6 or 7 minutes. Just gently shake them to make sure they don't stick to the pan. Do NOT turn them or agitate them in any other way. When you see a golden crust beginning to creep its way up the sides of the slices, turn them and spice the other side. Add more oil if the pan seems too dry.
• The second side will only take about 4 minutes to cook.
• When they are evenly browned take them out of the pan and place them on paper towels to drain.
• These are very simply seasoned and basic and can now be used any way you like. I like these with steamed broccoli and peanut sauce -- or in a sandwich with grilled peppers and mushrooms and aioli -- or just eaten with ketchup:-).