Gobbler Your Stir-Fry

Fried tofu topped with a spicy sauce of minced pork is a familiar item on Chinese menus. This version cuts way back on the fat by using extra-lean ground turkey and low-fat tofu. The taste doesn’t suffer at all.

Low-fat tofu is available at many supermarkets, but be sure to pick the firm variety, which is best for frying. Usually when you fry tofu, you dip it in egg and then in cornstarch before frying in hot oil. We simply patted a small amount of cornstarch onto the tofu to coat, then browned it in a hot skillet sprayed with nonfat cooking spray. There is a new Asian seasoned cooking spray on the market that adds some flavor.

ASIAN MINCED TURKEY WITH TOFU

Asian seasoned cooking spray

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons minced ginger root

1 pound extra-lean ground turkey

1 1/2 cups nonfat chicken broth

6 tablespoons soy sauce

3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar

1 1/2 tablespoons hoisin sauce

1 teaspoon hot chile sauce

1/4 cup cornstarch

2 tablespoons water

1 teaspoon sesame oil

2 green onions, sliced

2 (10 1/2-ounce) packages firm low-fat tofu, well-drained

Chopped cilantro

Heat wok or heavy skillet over very high heat until very hot. Spray hot wok with cooking spray. Add garlic and ginger and saute quickly. Add turkey and saute, breaking up meat into small pieces.

When meat is browned, stir in chicken broth, soy sauce, vinegar, hoisin sauce and chile sauce. Bring to boil; reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes to blend flavors.

Blend together 2 tablespoons cornstarch and water until smooth. Stir into simmering turkey mixture. Add sesame oil and heat to boiling. Cook and stir until mixture is thickened and clear. Stir in sliced green onions. Keep warm while preparing tofu.

Cut each package of tofu into 3 lengthwise slices. Pat slices dry with paper towel. Rub each side of each slice of tofu with 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch. Spray hot skillet with cooking spray and cook tofu until browned on one side, about 2 minutes, then turn to brown second side. To serve, spoon hot minced turkey over tofu and sprinkle with chopped cilantro.

Makes 6 servings.

Each serving contains about:

162 calories; 1,657 mg sodium; 34 mg cholesterol; 3 grams fat; 10 grams carbohydrates; 22 grams protein; 0.16 gram fiber.