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Eggplant Tofu Panda Express Recipe

Eggplant Tofu Panda Express Recipe

A sweet, savory, and satisfying homemade take on the Panda Express Eggplant Tofu dish, made with pan-fried tofu, tender eggplant, and a garlicky soy glaze. Vegan, cozy, and totally weeknight-friendly!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Healthy Side Dishes & Salads, Vegan
Cuisine: American, Chinese
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large eggplant sliced into bite-sized chunks
  • 1 block firm tofu pressed and cubed
  • 1 red bell pepper sliced (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce or sugar-free for keto
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch or arrowroot for keto
  • 2 tablespoons avocado or vegetable oil
  • Toasted sesame seeds & chopped scallions for garnish

Equipment

  • Skillet or Wok
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Tongs
  • Paper Towels (for pressing tofu)

Method
 

  1. Prep tofu: Press tofu for 15–20 minutes. Cut into cubes.
  2. Cook tofu: Heat oil in a non-stick skillet. Pan-fry tofu until golden on all sides. Remove and set aside.
  3. Sauté veggies: In the same skillet, add more oil if needed. Sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds, then add eggplant (and bell pepper if using). Stir-fry for 6–8 minutes until soft and slightly browned.
  4. Make sauce: In a bowl, whisk soy sauce, hoisin, vinegar, sesame oil, and cornstarch.
  5. Combine: Return tofu to the pan. Pour in the sauce. Stir to coat everything. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened.
  6. Serve: Top with sesame seeds and scallions. Pair with rice, noodles, or One Pot Cauliflower Fried Rice.

Notes

🧮 Nutrition (per serving)

  • Calories: ~250 kcal
  • Protein: 12g
  • Carbs: 13g
  • Fat: 18g
    (Estimate only, exact values depend on ingredient brands used.)

📝 Recipe Notes

  • Use Japanese eggplant for a creamier texture and fewer seeds.
  • Swap hoisin sauce with sugar-free or keto-friendly versions if needed.
  • Make it spicy by adding chili garlic sauce or red pepper flakes.
  • Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers store well for 2–3 days in the fridge.
Eggplant Tofu Panda Express Recipe
Eggplant Tofu Panda Express Recipe