Whip Up Flavor-Packed Vegan Meals in Just 20 Minutes!

Wednesday, August 21, 2024  Read time4 min

SAEDNEWS: : Discover three delicious and easy vegan meals that can be prepared in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights!

Whip Up Flavor-Packed Vegan Meals in Just 20 Minutes!

According to SAEDNEWS, In today’s fast-paced world, having a stash of quick and easy meals at your fingertips can make all the difference when those busy weeknights roll around. But let’s be honest: “quick and easy” doesn’t have to mean bland or boring. Here, I’ll share three mouthwatering vegan meals that are not only a breeze to prepare but also brimming with flavor. Trust me, these dishes will soon become your go-to recipes for those hectic evenings!

Quick Kitchen Hacks for Time Saving

Before diving into the recipes, let’s explore a few essential kitchen hacks to chop down your prep time:

- Invest in Time-Saving Tools: A mandoline, food processor, box grater, and a garlic press can streamline the cutting, grating, and mincing process, allowing you to prep your ingredients in no time. For instance, a mandoline is perfect for quickly shredding cabbage for slaw.

- Prep Ahead: If you can carve out a bit of time on a weekend, consider preparing sauces or chopping veggies ahead of time. This way, you can enjoy a hassle-free cooking experience during the busy week.

- Master the Art of Multitasking: When you're cooking, don't just stand idly by! If you’re frying tofu, use that time to whip up your slaw or sauce—all while keeping an eye on your dish!

Flavor-Packed 20-Minute Vegan Recipes

This dish combines crispy tofu with a creamy peanut sauce and a refreshing slaw, making it delicious and nutritious. Plus, you can achieve perfectly crispy tofu without the hassle of pressing!

Highlighted Ingredients:

- Peanut Butter: Use Simply Nature Organic Creamy Peanut Butter from ALDI, made with just organic peanuts and sea salt for that perfect creaminess.

- Extra-Firm Tofu: The secret to achieving that crispy texture lies in using extra-firm tofu—another great find from ALDI.

- Cabbage: This versatile vegetable is antioxidant-rich and adds a lovely crunch to your dish. Use either green or red cabbage for a pop of color.

Cooking Tips:

- When frying, keep a safe distance from the splattering oil—no one needs a kitchen mishap!

- Use your mandoline or grater for quick slaw prep. To really maximize your time, consider shredding the veggies or making the peanut sauce a day in advance.

- For leftovers, store the un-dressed slaw separately to prevent sogginess.

Embrace the joy of flavorful, quick meals that fit seamlessly into your busy week! These recipes promise to elevate your dinner routine while

Ingredients

For the Crispy Tofu:

- 1 (14-ounce) block of Earth Grown Extra-Firm Tofu

- 2 tablespoons Simply Nature Avocado Oil

For the Cabbage-Carrot Slaw:

- ½ small green or red cabbage (or ⅓ of a large cabbage, about 3 cups shredded, 180g)

- 2 to 3 medium carrots (about 1½ cups shredded, 120g)

- ½ cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped

- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice

- 1 tablespoon Simply Nature Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil

- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

- ½ teaspoon sea salt

- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

For the Peanut Sauce:

- 4 tablespoons Simply Nature Creamy Peanut Butter

- 1 tablespoon agave nectar or maple syrup

- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice

- 2 teaspoons soy sauce (substitute with tamari for gluten-free option)

- 1 to 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil

- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

- 2 to 3 tablespoons water (more as needed)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Tofu: Start by patting dry the tofu to remove excess moisture. Slice the tofu widthwise into ⅓ to ½-inch thick slabs (you should get about 10 slabs from a 14-ounce block). Use paper towels to gently dab away any remaining water.

2. Cook the Tofu: In a large nonstick frying pan, heat the avocado oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the tofu slices, ensuring they don’t overlap. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, carefully moving them around occasionally to ensure even browning. Once the bottoms are golden, flip the tofu using a spatula (a larger spatula and a smaller offset spatula can be helpful) and cook for an additional 4 to 6 minutes on the other side until golden and crispy.

3. Make the Slaw: While the tofu is cooking, prepare the slaw. Shred the cabbage and carrots using a mandoline, box grater, or food processor. Transfer them to a large bowl and toss with the chopped cilantro. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, sesame oil, lime juice, sea salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Pour the vinaigrette over the slaw and toss until everything is well-coated. Adjust seasoning with additional lime juice, salt, or pepper to taste, if necessary.

4. Prepare the Peanut Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the peanut butter, agave, lime juice, soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Whisk until smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add water a tablespoon at a time until it reaches your desired pourable consistency.

5. Serve: Plate the crispy tofu on a bed of the vibrant cabbage-carrot slaw, then generously drizzle with the creamy peanut sauce.

Enjoy your gourmet meal that’s ready in no time! This recipe is sure to impress and will quickly become a favorite in your weeknight dinner rotation.

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Dive into this delicious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any day of the week!