Veggie Fried Rice With Crispy Tofu

• 1 extra firm tofu
• 1 tablespoon corn flour
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1⁄2 tablespoon ginger (finely chopped)
• 2 cups grams shiitake mushrooms (sliced)
• 1 cup white cabbage (finely shredded)
• 2 cups carrots (finely chopped)
• 1⁄2 cup green beans (finely chopped)
• 1⁄2 cup green peas
• 1 teaspoon asafoetida
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups brown rice (cooked)

For the Sauce:

• 1 teaspoon Chinese 5 spice
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 - 2 tablespoon sambal oelek
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons agave
• 1 tbsp corn flour

For topping:

• 4-5 nori sheets
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 2 red chiles (sliced)

1. Begin by preparing the tofu. Cut the tofu into 1 inch slices, wrap in paper towel and place something heavy on top to squeeze out the water - do this for 5 minutes then unwrap the tofu and chop onto cubes. Put the tofu into a big bowl and sprinkle over the corn flour and toss the cubes till coated. In a large frying pan add 1/2 tbsp of oil and heat. Then add in the tofu and cook on medium heat until each side is brown and crisp, once crispy pour in the soya sauce and stir. Set aside.
2. Prepare the vegetables. Add oil to a wok or large pan and let it heat. Once hot add in your ginger and mushrooms. Cook until the mushrooms begin to shrink, then add the cabbage and cook until the cabbage begins to wilt slightly. Add in your carrots, fine green beans, peas, asafetida and 1/4 tsp salt.
3. Add in the cooked rice and mix.
4. For the sauce add all ingredients into a small jar or bowl except the corn flour. Put the corn flour and a tbsp of water in a separate small bowl and mix together, then add into the jar and shake. Add the sauce to the pan with the rice and vegetables, stir to coat.
5. Add in the crispy tofu, stir and heat on high heat for 2 minutes till it sizzles and some parts of the rice become a bit crispy.
6. To serve, sprinkle nori and sesame seeds on top, with red chilis if you prefer.
7. ♡ Say a prayer of gratitude, serve with love, and eat with joy.