Cooking with Ethan: Stir Fry with Tofu

Ethan Williams, 5, loves tofu.

Today, he'll show you how to make one of his favorite tofu dishes: stir fry with tofu. This one also requires a little assistance from an adult, but kids can help by picking out the vegetables they want in the stir fry ( has a great selection of veggies, including eggplant).

Here's what you'll need:

• 2 Tbsp minced garlic (about 6 cloves)
• 4 Tbsp peanut oil
• 1 medium eggplant, chopped
• 1/2 an onion, chopped
• 2 c. snap peas
• 2 peppers, cleaned and chopped
• 1 package tofu, drained, pressed and cubed
• 1/2 c. soy sauce
• 1/4 c. sugar
• 1 cup water
• Cayenne pepper powder to taste (optional)

Here's how to make it:

In a wok or large pan, warm half the oil on medium high heat. Add and brown the garlic, then add the eggplant and sauté until the eggplant begins to soften. Remove the eggplant and garlic and set aside.

Add the rest of the oil to the pan, then add the onion, peas, peppers and any other vegetables. Sauté just until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the tofu and eggplant, then stir in the sugar, water and soy sauce. Note: If the sauce is too sweet, add more soy sauce. If it is too salty, add more sugar. If you like it spicy, add a few shakes of the cayenne pepper.

Cook until the eggplant is soft. Serve over warm rice.

Do you know a kid who loves to cook, or do you have a suggestion for the next Cooking with Ethan? Email editor Jen Anesi at jen.anesi@patch.com.