... Fried Rice

Oh sure, I know what you're thinking.  You're thinking "Taylor, you're supposed to be on a diet and you're eating fried rice?!"  Well, sure, fried rice isn't very diet friendly... unless you make this recipe that's delicious and filling and only ten points on Weight Watchers... booyah.

Tofu Fried Rice
serves 4

2 cups uncooked instant rice
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
1 (14-ounce) package reduced-fat firm tofu, drained and cut into (1/2-inch) cubes
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup (1/2-inch-thick) slices green onions
1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
2 teaspoons bottled minced garlic
1 teaspoon bottled minced fresh ginger
2 tablespoons sake (rice wine)
3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1/2 teaspoon dark sesame oil
thinly sliced green onions (optional)

Cook rice according to package directions, omitting salt and fat.

While rice cooks, heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.  Add tofu; cook 4 minutes or until lightly browned, stirring occasionally.  Remove from pan.  Add eggs to pan; cook 1 minute or until done, breaking egg into small pieces.  Remove from pan.  Add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil to pan.  Add 1 cup onions, peas and carrots, garlic, and ginger; saute 2 minutes.

While vegetable mixture cooks, combine sake, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil.  Add cooked rice to pan; cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly.  Add tofu, egg, and soy sauce mixture; cook 30 seconds, stirring constantly.  Garnish with sliced green onions, if desired.

Taylor's Notes:
What a great recipe that allows you to make it your own.  Use whatever protein suits your fancy - tofu, chicken, shrimp - and whatever veggies you love.  Instead of frozen peas and carrots, I used frozen edamame, red bell pepper, and mushrooms.  Don't love fungi?  Toss in some broccoli.  Adverse to bell peppers?  (it's ok, I used to be, too)  How about sugar snap peas?  The possibilities and combinations are endless.  


This was the first time I'd cooked with tofu and it was really easy.  Just follow the directions and you'll be golden... just like the tofu.  


Enjoy!