PINEAPPLE FRIED RICE

~ East Meets Vegan: The Best of Asian Home Cooking, Plant-Based and Delicious, written by Sasha Gill

2 1/2 T. vegetable oil
7 oz. extra-firm tofu, pressed and crumbled
1/4 t. turmeric
1/4 t. black or regular salt
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 scallions, chopped
1 inch ginger, finely chopped
3 c. cooked rice, chilled (preferably jasmine)
1 T. + 1 t. soy sauce
1 t. sriracha
2 t. sesame oil
1 1/2 c. pineapple chunks
1/2 c. frozen peas
cilantro leaves for garnish
roasted cashews for garnish

Pour half the oil into a wok or nonstick frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry tofu and turmeric in oil until dry and firm, similar to scrambled eggs. Add salt, then transfer to a plate.

Wipe pan clean. Add remaining oil and fry garlic, scallions, and ginger three minutes or until fragrant. Add rice and cook for two minutes, breaking up any clumps.

Stir in soy sauce, sriracha, and sesame oil. Mix in pineapple, peas, and tofu. Stir until well-combined, then cook for two more minutes to heat through.

Serve hot, garnished with cilantro and cashews.

Notes: Firm tofu works fine if that's all you have access to. If you've never pressed tofu, you need to remove it from the package, then wrap in lint-free towel or paper towels and place on cutting mat. Top with something heavy, like a skillet or baking pan, for 30 minutes to press out excess moisture. As always, I grate frozen ginger instead of chopping fresh. 

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