FRIED PEPPERS RECIPES

Steps:

• Optional step for firmer tofu: Blot the tofu dry, wrap in a clean kitchen towel and place a cutting board on top. Let sit for about 15 minutes. Whether weighted or not, slice the tofu about 1/2 inch thick into 1- x 2-inch dominoes.
• Mix together 1 tablespoon of the soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of the brown sugar and 1 tablespoon of the oil in a medium bowl. Toss with the tofu, and stir to make sure all of the pieces are coated. Let sit for five to 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
• In a small bowl, stir together the remaining soy sauce and sugar, hoisin sauce and sesame oil. Set aside.
• Heat a large nonstick skillet or wok over high heat until a drop of water evaporates on contact. Add the oil, turn the heat to medium-high and add the peppers. Stir-fry for a couple of minutes, until the peppers begin to soften, and add the garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for 20 seconds, until the garlic and ginger begin to smell fragrant, and add the tofu, dried red pepper flakes and green onions. Stir-fry two minutes, give the sauce a stir and add to the pan. Cover and cook for three minutes. Remove the lid, stir the ingredients in the pan, and taste and adjust seasonings. Serve with rice or noodles.

Steps:

• Heat a very large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bacon and cook until browned, 5 to 6 minutes. Remove to paper towels, reserving the drippings in the skillet.
• Add additional oil to the pan if needed. Add the onion, carrot and peppers and cook until the vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Stir in the cabbage and garlic and saute until the cabbage begins to brown, about 10 minutes.
• Stir in the hot sauce and bring to a boil. Cover, then reduce the heat to low and simmer until the cabbage is tender, about 15 minutes. Stir in the reserved bacon, and season with salt and pepper.