Sassy Chopsticks

  • Flavorful Asian-inspired Recipes
  • Recipes
  • Pantry
  • How-To
  • About
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Pantry
  • How-To
  • About
  • Subscribe

subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • Pantry
  • How-To
  • About
  • Subscribe

×
Home » Recipes » Main Dishes

Eggplant And Tofu Recipe (Panda Express Copycat)

Published: May 18, 2024 by Yuan

176 shares
  • Facebook4
  • Flipboard
  • X
Jump to Recipe
Pinterest

Are you tired of the same old takeout meals from Panda Express? Check out this eggplant and tofu recipe inspired by the popular Panda Express dish. This delicious recipe combines a flavorful mix of tender eggplant and crispy tofu. Since not all Panda Express locations serve this eggplant tofu dish, in this post, I will introduce you to the secrets of creating a perfect eggplant tofu recipe that tastes just like the one from Panda Express. Keep reading, and let's get cooking!

eggplant tofu 3 (9451)
Jump To
  • Main ingredients
  • Step-by-step cooking instructions
  • Pro tips for the best results and variations
  • Storing and reheating
  • Final thoughts
  • Eggplant And Tofu Recipe (Panda Express Copycat)
  • YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

Main ingredients

Fresh eggplant: You can slice it into rounds first, then slice it. Choose firm, shiny eggplants. Asian varieties like Japanese eggplant or Chinese eggplant are ideal, as they have fewer seeds and a sweeter taste. I ended up using the American eggplant from my local grocery store instead since the Asian markets are quite a drive from where I live. 

Tofu: Cut it into cubes. Firm or extra firm tofu is the best; do not use soft tofu, which breaks easily. For the best texture, press the tofu to remove excess water before cooking.

ingredients

Cooking oil: You can use peanut oil or olive oil.

Garlic cloves: minced.

Fresh ginger: sliced.

Green onions: for garnish.

Red bell pepper: diced.

Salt and black pepper: to taste

Sauce ingredients

Light soy sauce

Vegetable broth: You can also use water instead.

Coconut sugar

Dou Bang Jiang 豆瓣酱 (adjust to taste): Dou ban jiang is a Chinese fermented broad bean and chili paste. Doubanjiang is popular for its complex, umami-rich taste. It adds a savory, slightly spicy, and earthy flavor to this dish.

Zhejiang black vinegar: Feel free to use white vinegar if you don't have it. 

Corn starch: I coat the eggplant before stir-frying it so it stays crispy. The cornstarch coating also helps the sauce adhere better to the eggplant pieces.

Step-by-step cooking instructions

Prepare and fry the tofu: Press the tofu with a heavy object to remove excess moisture, drain the tofu, and cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized pieces or cubes. Heat cooking oil in a large skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Fry the tofu cubes in a single layer until golden and crispy on all sides. Remove the tofu from the pan and set aside.

steps 1234

Prepare the eggplant: Sprinkle salt over the eggplant pieces to remove bitterness, and drain the liquid out after 10 minutes. Rinse and pat dry. Coat the drained eggplant pieces with cornstarch and set aside. Do not forget to dice the red bell pepper, too.

Prepare the sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, coconut sugar, Dou ban jiang vegetable broth, and Zhejiang black vinegar.

Cook the eggplant: Use the remaining oil in the same skillet, add minced garlic and ginger, and stir-fry until fragrant. Add the coated eggplant pieces and cook until golden brown and tender.

steps 5678

Combine and add sauce: Return the diced tofu and red bell pepper to the pan with the eggplants, continuing to stir fry for 20 seconds. Pour the premade sauce over the mixture and toss to coat evenly. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

eggplant tofu 1 (9403)

Serve: Serve the eggplant and tofu stir-fry hot cooked white rice. Garnish with sliced green onion curls and sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.

Pro tips for the best results and variations

Here are some pro tips to help you achieve a delicious and balanced Panda Express eggplant tofu dish:

Salt the eggplant: Salt the eggplant pieces and let them sit for 10-15 minutes. It is optional, but I strongly recommend it because it will draw out excess moisture and reduce the bitterness of the eggplant.  

Fry in batches: If you are doing meal prep, fry tofu and eggplant in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding can lead to soggy pieces instead of crispy ones.

eggplant tofu 5 (9440)

Combine at the right time: Add the fried tofu back into the pan after the eggplant is nearly cooked. This prevents the tofu from becoming too soft.

Spice level: If you want your eggplant tofu dish to be more spicy, add red pepper flakes or any spicy sauce.

Storing and reheating

Storing:  Transfer the cooled eggplant tofu leftovers into an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator if you plan to consume it within 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the leftovers using freezer-safe containers. You can freeze the leftovers for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating: Reheating the leftovers on the stovetop is the best way to maintain the texture. To do so,  add a small amount of oil to a non-stick skillet or wok. Heat over medium heat and add the stir fry. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes. If the dish appears dry, add a splash of water or broth to help rehydrate it. If you are in a hurry, try the microwave method to reheat the leftovers: Cover with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until thoroughly heated.

eggplant tofu 2 (9449)

Final thoughts

I hope you enjoyed this post. Eggplant and tofu may seem like an unlikely combination, but when prepared with the proper techniques and tips outlined in this post, it can be a delicious and nutritious meal! Give it a try next time in your own kitchen, and let me know how it turned out! Happy cooking!

eggplant tofu 3 (9451)

Eggplant And Tofu Recipe (Panda Express Copycat)

This delicious eggplant and tofu recipe is inspired by Panda Express. It combines the flavor of tender eggplant and crispy tofu.
5 from 10 votes
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
Servings: 2
Calories: 331kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 eggplant
  • 1 block firm tofu
  • 4 tablespoons cooking oil
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 slices fresh ginger
  • 1 green onion
  • half red bell pepper
  • salt and black pepper to taste remember you will need extra salt to salt the eggplant
  • 1 teaspoon chopped green onions (for garnish)

Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
  • 4 tablespoons vegetable broth or water
  • 2 tablespoons coconut sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Dou Bang Jiang
  • 1 tablespoon Zhejiang black vinegar
  • 4 tablespoons cornstarch

Instructions

  • Prepare and fry the tofu: Press the tofu with a heavy object to remove excess moisture, drain the tofu, and cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized pieces or cubes. Heat cooking oil in a large skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Fry the tofu cubes in a single layer until golden and crispy on all sides. Remove the tofu from the pan and set aside.
  • Prepare the eggplant: Sprinkle salt over the eggplant pieces to remove bitterness, and drain the liquid out after 10 minutes. Rinse and pat dry. Coat the drained eggplant pieces with cornstarch and set aside. Do not forget to dice the red bell pepper, too.
  • Prepare the sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, coconut sugar, Dou ban jiang vegetable broth, and Zhejiang black vinegar.
  • Cook the eggplant: Use the remaining oil in the same skillet, add minced garlic and ginger, and stir-fry until fragrant. Add the coated eggplant pieces and cook until golden brown and tender.
  • Combine and add sauce: Return the diced tofu and red bell pepper to the pan with the eggplants, continuing to stir fry for 20 seconds. Pour the premade sauce over the mixture and toss to coat evenly. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  • Serve: Serve the eggplant and tofu stir-fry hot cooked white rice. Garnish with sliced green onion curls and sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.

Nutrition

Calories: 331kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 7.4g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 3.9g | Sodium: 4708mg | Potassium: 204mg | Fiber: 2.3g | Sugar: 14.9g | Calcium: 97mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe? Leave a comment below, and tag me @sassychopsticks9 or tag #sassychopsticks9 on Instagram!

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

  • A bowl of black sticky rice pudding garnished with mango slices and sprinkled with coconut flakes.
    Easy Black Rice Pudding: A Hearty, Delicious Dessert
  • A colorful strawberry banana smoothie in a clear glass, showcasing a blend of strawberries and bananas on a cutting board.
    Healthy Strawberry Banana Smoothie Without Yogurt
  • Close-up of warm red bean soup in a pretty blue and white color bowl 252.
    Easy Red Bean Soup Instant Pot Recipe You Must Try
  • A plate of lemon white chocolate cookies.
    5-Ingredient Lemon White Chocolate Cookies With Cake Mix

Comments

  1. Megane says

    May 28, 2024 at 7:39 pm

    5 stars
    I was surprised how the kids even enjoyed this too. I made enough for myself for a couple of meals but it all disappeared. A good sign of a delicious meal. Thanks again for all your amazing recipes.

    Reply
  2. Juyali says

    May 30, 2024 at 6:23 am

    5 stars
    Panda Express who? This tofu & eggplant is amazing!
    Crispy tofu, tender eggplant, perfect sauce - just like Panda Express! 🙂

    Reply
  3. veenaazmanov says

    May 30, 2024 at 2:41 pm

    5 stars
    I have to give this unusual combination a try. A delicious and nutritious meal is always a welcome.

    Reply
  4. Leslie says

    May 30, 2024 at 8:29 pm

    5 stars
    Anytime I can make a restaurant dish at home, I am all for it and this Panda Express copycat recipe did not disapoint!

    Reply
  5. DK says

    June 01, 2024 at 2:02 am

    5 stars
    What a great stir fry recipe! I usually don't like eggplant but this recipe is so good I'll definitely try this again!

    Reply
  6. Jenny says

    June 02, 2024 at 5:56 am

    5 stars
    That's a great dinner recipe. Have never had Panda Express anything, just came upon your recipe. Came out terrific. Thanks so much for this great dish.

    Reply
  7. Jennifer says

    June 02, 2024 at 6:00 am

    5 stars
    I have only had this once before at a Panda Express, and it was super delicious! I have never found a recipe for it, until now! Where I live we don't have Panda Express. Thank you!

    Reply
  8. Mikayla says

    June 02, 2024 at 7:20 pm

    5 stars
    The pairing of earthy eggplant and nutty tofu are palate pleasing in this dish. It was simple to make and tasted great!

    Reply
  9. Jacqueline Debono says

    June 03, 2024 at 3:37 am

    5 stars
    This is a delicious stir fry recipe. I love eggplant but rarely use tofu. They go together so well. Will make again for sure!

    Reply
  10. Hayley Dhanecha says

    June 03, 2024 at 4:14 am

    5 stars
    Although one of the family member not a fan of eggplant, even they came for seconds 🙂 We loved this flavorful dish with noodles. Thanks for the recipe.

    Reply
5 from 10 votes

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




me

Hey there! Welcome to SassyChopsticks.com!

I'm Yuan, a writer, world traveler, web developer, and photographer based in the U.S. My journey has taken me across multiple countries, from Malaysia to England, before I settled in Tennessee, where I've called home for nearly two decades.

More about me →

Popular

  • Tuna kimbap on a brown cutting board with a few spinach leaves on the side.
    Spicy Tuna Kimbap Rolls – Quick & Tasty Recipe
  • Colorful stir-fried kung pao chicken with vegetables in a glossy sauce, served on a plate with chopsticks on the side.
    Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken: Easy Copycat Recipe
  • Cantaloupe slices on a cutting board.
    How to Cut a Cantaloupe: Simple Step-by-Step Guide
  • Baking soda in a clear glass with a silver spoon resting inside, ready for use in cooking or baking.
    Top 6 Baking Soda Substitutes for Easy Baking

Trending recipes

  • rolls
    Chinese Egg Rolls
  • stir fry Taiwanese spinach
    Stir Fry Taiwanese Spinach with Garlic
  • Creamy coconut shrimp buffet style
    Creamy Coconut Shrimp Buffet Style- Quick and Easy
  • Chinese sponge cake
    Chinese Sponge Cake Recipe (Chiffon Cake)

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions

Newsletter

Sign Up! for emails and updates

Contact

  • Contact

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.