Delicious and Easy Szechuan Sauce for a Quick Meal

Star Anise

1 cup chicken both, vegetable broth or water
4 teaspoons corn starch
4 tablespoons dry sherry
3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoon Asian chili-garlic sauce
3 tablespoons fresh ginger, peeled and minced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 tablespoon black bean sauce (optional)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar (unseasoned)
2-4 whole star anise
1 teaspoon dried red pepper (hand crushed dried chilis or crushed red pepper are both fine)
1 teaspoon sugar (optional)

DISH INGREDIENTS
1 pound regular or soft tofu (not silken) cut into 1” pieces (or other protein of your choice)
2-3 stalks celery slivered, cross-wise
2 carrots, slivered cross-wise
1-2T peanut, coconut or olive oil
splash of dark sesame oil
** you can use whatever fresh vegetables you love or have on hand.  Beans, sugar peas, broccoli, napa cabbage, and any vegetable you would add to a stir fry would all be fabulous in this sauce.

ACCOMPANIMENTS
Garnish with chopped cilantro, green onion, sesame seeds or chili flakes
Serve over white rice or julienned cabbage

RECIPE
Prepare Tofu: Poach the tofu by gently sliding it into a simmering pot of water and keep it at a bare simmer while you make the sauce.  Drain and pat dry.

Make Sauce: In a small saucepan, bring the sherry (dry white wine or rice wine will work in a pinch), soy sauce, garlic sauce, ginger, garlic, star anise, red pepper and sugar to a simmer over low heat.  Dissolve the cornstarch in water while you are waiting for the sauce to simmer.  Once simmering, add the cornstarch mixture and stir until the sauce becomes glossy and thickens.  Turn off the heat.

COOKING INSTRUCTIONS
Heat a wok or heavy bottomed skillet to high heat until hot. Once hot, add a tablespoon or two of your preferred oil [this is where you add your meat if you are cooking with something like chicken or pork and you want to cook it completely in this step].  Now, carefully drop in the chopped veggies, stirring continuously.  Once the veggies have cooked for a minute or two, add the tofu and sauce. Turn down the heat to medium and bring your dish it to a simmer. Allow the sauce to simmer until it completely thickens. Once the Drain the tofu and gently add to the pot. Gently stir in the tofu and return the sauce to a light boil.  Once the sauce returns to a boil, remove from the heat and serve.  

(Please note that the star anise are not edible).