The Low Carb Jumpstart

Crispy tofu sticks with green bean fries and chipotle mayo

Carbs: 13g

Original recipe from Diet Doctor. Shared with permission. It's vegan. It's keto. It's fast. What more could you want? Spice? Oh, we've got that too. Crispy tofu is pan-fried to perfection and served with green bean fries and chipotle mayo to make it picante. Got vegan guests? They'll be impressed!

PREP TIME

15 mins

COOK TIME

15 mins

COURSE

Dinner

Ingredients

<strong>Crispy Tofu Sticks</strong>

  • 14 oz
    firm tofu
     
  • 1 tbsp
    coconut oil
     
  • salt to taste (adjust depending on which other flavorings you are adding)
     
  • 1 tbsp
    tamari soy sauce
     
  • 1 tsp
    desired seasoning such as chili powder or taco seasoning (optional)
     

<strong>Green bean fries</strong>

  • 6 oz
    fresh green beans or wax beans
     
  • 2 tbsp
    light olive oil or coconut oil (flavorless)
     
  • salt to taste
     

<strong>Chipotle mayo</strong>

  • 1/4 cup  
  • 1 tsp
    tomato paste
     
  • 1/2 tsp
    chipotle powder
     
  • salt and ground black pepper to taste
     

Instructions

Crispy Tofu Sticks

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

  2. Slice the tofu into sticks, about 0.5" (1 cm). Distribute the tofu on a clean, absorbent kitchen towel or paper towels. Pat dry to remove excess moisture; this step is key for crispiness.

  3. Add the coconut oil to an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Alternatively, use a regular frying pan and prepare a baking tray with parchment paper.

  4. When the oil is hot, add the tofu and salt. Fry for a couple of minutes or until the tofu is lightly golden. Add the tamari soy sauce and seasonings of your choice. Stir the tofu, mixing well.

  5. Transfer the skillet with the tofu to the oven, or transfer the tofu to the parchment-lined baking tray and then put it in the oven. Bake for 15 minutes or until the tofu is crispy.

Green bean fries

  1. Wash and trim the green beans. Pat them dry with a paper towel (to avoid oil splatters).

  2. Heat a large skillet with oil over medium-high heat.

  3. Add the green beans to the pan and fry for about 5 minutes. They should retain their fresh, natural crunch!

  4. Place the green beans on a plate with a paper towel to absorb any excess oil. Season with salt before serving.

Chipotle mayo

  1. Mix the mayonnaise, tomato paste, and chipotle powder in a small bowl. Add additional seasoning to taste — more chipotle means a spicier sauce.

  2. Serve right away or let sit in the fridge for 30 minutes or more to allow the flavors to develop.