What’s healthier—or tastier—than takeout or delivery? Pair these two dishes for my veggie-rich spin on Chinese food.

Shiitake Tofu Stir-Fry

2 Tbs. dry sherry

2 Tbs. reduced-sodium soy sauce

2 tsp. maple syrup

½ tsp. grated ginger

1 tsp. cornstarch

1 tsp. mild red chile flakes (optional, see Quick Tip)

1 Tbs. + 2 Tbs. grapeseed oil

8 oz. high-protein (or extra-firm) tofu, cut into triangles

½ lb. shiitake caps, quartered

½ tsp. toasted sesame oil

1 scallion, sliced

  1. In a small bowl, mix together the sherry, soy sauce, maple syrup, ginger, cornstarch, and chile flakes with ¼ cup of water.

  2. In a large non-stick pan, heat 1 Tbs. of the grapeseed oil over medium heat until shimmering hot. Sauté the tofu until browned, 3-5 minutes. Remove from the pan.

  3. Increase the heat to high and add the remaining 2 Tbs. of grapeseed oil. Stir-fry the mushrooms until browned, 4-5 minutes.

  4. Add the soy sauce mixture to the pan and cook until the sauce thickens, 1-2 minutes.

  5. Remove from the heat and stir in the tofu and sesame oil. Top with the scallions.

Serves 2. Time: 20 minutes.

Per serving (2½ cups):

Calories: 410

Total fat: 28 g

Sat fat: 3.5 g

Carbs: 22 g

Fiber: 5 g

Total sugar: 7 g

Added sugar: 4 g

Protein: 23 g

Sodium: 650 mg

Broccoli with Garlic Sauce

1 Tbs. balsamic vinegar

2 tsp. reduced-sodium soy sauce

3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

1 tsp. molasses

¼ tsp. cornstarch

1 tsp. grapeseed oil

4 cups broccoli florets

½ red bell pepper, sliced

  1. In a small bowl, mix together the vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, molasses, and cornstarch with ¼ cup of water.

  2. In a large non-stick pan, bring the oil and 1/3 cup of water to a simmer over medium heat. Add the broccoli and peppers. Stir-fry until the water has evaporated and the vegetables start to brown in spots, 2-3 minutes. Remove from the pan.

  3. Add the vinegar mixture to the pan. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture is a syrup, 1-2 minutes. Spoon over the vegetables.

Serves 2. Time: 10 minutes.

Per serving (2 cups):

Calories: 100

Total fat: 3 g

Sat fat: 0 g

Carbs: 15 g

Fiber: 4 g

Total sugar: 7 g

Added sugar: 2 g

Protein: 5 g

Sodium: 240 mg

Got a question or suggestion? Write to Kate at healthycook@cspinet.org.

Photo: Kate Sherwood & Jennifer Urban/CSPI.