Dinner for 2

Garlic Pepper Tofu

Name: Garlic Pepper Tofu
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 14 oz firm or extra-firm tofu; 1 tsp soy sauce; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp cornstarch; 2 tbsp white rice flour; 2 tsp oil; 2 tsp oil; 2 1/2 tbsp garlic; 1 tsp finely chopped ginger; 1/2 green chili; 2 tbsp chopped green onion (optional); 2 tbsp chopped onion; 2 tbsp chopped green bell pepper; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 tbsp ketchup; 1 tbsp sambal oelek; 1/2 tsp vinegar; 3/4 cup water; 1 tsp cornstarch

$7.54for 445 minServes 2

Crisp tofu is coated in garlic pepper seasoning, then simmered in a spicy soy sauce with vegetables.

Photo: veganricha.com

What it costs

Pick your city to see which ingredients are on sale

Ingredient	Amount	Cost
	Tofu, 14 oz$0.17/oz typical	14 oz	$2.38Typical price
	Garlic, 0.25$0.75 each typical	0.25	$0.20Typical price
	Fresh ginger, a little$0.40/oz typical	a little	$0.03Typical price
	Canned chiles and chipotles in adobo, 0.5 oz$0.35/oz typical	0.5 oz	$0.17Typical price
	Green onions, a little$1.19 each typical	a little	$0.07Typical price
	Onions, a little$1.29/lb typical	a little	$0.05Typical price
	Bell peppers, a little$2.49/lb typical	a little	$0.10Typical price
Total for the servings shown		$3.77

Swaps

Swap onions for red onionsabout $0.20/lb more at typical prices

Pantry staples you likely have

Soy sauceDried spices (cumin, paprika, chili powder, oregano)Salt and pepperCornstarch, vanilla, yeast, cocoaFlourCooking spray, shortening, ghee, coconut and sesame oilMustard, mayo, ketchupAsian sauces and pastesVinegar

Not included in the cost.

45 minstart to table
Mediumdifficulty
2servings (the source says 4, which counts pieces)
$typical cost tier

Chinese Dairy-free Budget Family Dinners

Typical price

$1.89 per serving$7.54 for 4

City Store

Typical price: Salefork's estimate of an everyday US shelf price for each ingredient. Pick your city to price it from this week's ad.

Ingredients

14 oz firm or extra-firm tofu
1 tsp soy sauce
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp white rice flour
2 tsp oil
2 tsp oil
2 1/2 tbsp garlic
1 tsp finely chopped ginger
1/2 green chili
2 tbsp chopped green onion (optional)
2 tbsp chopped onion
2 tbsp chopped green bell pepper
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp salt
1 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp sambal oelek
1/2 tsp vinegar
3/4 cup water
1 tsp cornstarch

Steps

Press the tofu dry, cut it into cubes, and toss it with soy sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, cornstarch, and rice flour.
Heat two teaspoons oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat and cook the tofu for 8 to 10 minutes, turning often.
Heat the remaining two teaspoons oil in the skillet and cook the garlic, ginger, chili, onion, and bell pepper for 3 minutes.
Stir in the black pepper, salt, ketchup, soy sauce, sambal, vinegar, and water, then bring the sauce to a simmer.
Whisk the remaining cornstarch with a little water, stir it into the skillet, and simmer for 2 minutes until thick.
Return the tofu to the skillet and toss it with the sauce for 2 minutes.

Main ingredient on sale this week? See what to make with tofu on sale.