In this recipe, the eggs are replaced with mashed tofu and you cannot tell the difference, I promise! Now.. are you ready to make some delicious, healthy, fried rice?! Let's do it. You will notice that in this recipe, and a few of my other Chinese dishes, I like to use MSG (Monosodium Glutamate). MSG is a flavour enhancer, commonly used in Chinese dishes and in snacks all around the world. It adds a depth and an Umami taste to dishes, a similar effect to miso paste or seaweed. There is a stigma around it in many places and people are quite wary of using or eating it due to some bad press, and if you don't want to use it, that's absolutely fine! You can just use a pinch of salt or a teaspoon of miso paste instead. I personally really like using it in these types of dishes! used sparingly, there is absolutely nothing to be worried about!
If you would like to try it, you can purchase it at any Asian/Chinese supermarket at a great price, and it will last you a very long time!
Gather these thing:
Cooked and cooled white rice (a microwave packet works just as well), 2 spring onions, a handful of frozen peas, soy sauce, black pepper, sesame oil, half a block of firm tofu, turmeric, MSG (optional)
1. Firstly, mash up half a block of drained tofu in a bowl. Don't worry about pressing the liquid out as this will help with the eggy texture. Add 1/2 a teaspoon of turmeric powder and mix through. The turmeric is just for the colour, so we don't need much!
2. Finely slice the spring onions and pop to one side with the frozen peas, we'll need these later. But not now. calm down.
3. In a large frying pan, add 1 tbsp sesame oil and bring to a medium/high heat. Add the cooled, cooked rice to the pan and stir to coat the rice in the oil and you hear a crackling sound from the rice. Add the mashed tofu and 2tbsp soy sauce. Fry until warmed through and you have some tasty little crispy bits forming.
4. Then, add the spring onion, peas, black pepper to taste and a pinch of salt or MSG (if using)
HOW EASY WAS THAT?! the perfect addition to any vegan Chinese meal.. ya welcome.
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