Braised Tofu Recipe

Braised Tofu Recipe

Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make vegetarian dish? Look no further than this flavorful Braised Tofu Recipe. With its savory soy sauce and golden brown crispy tofu, this recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave you craving for more.

Key Takeaways:

  • Create a satisfying vegetarian tofu dish with this Braised Tofu Recipe.
  • Learn how to cook tofu to a crispy golden brown before simmering it in a flavorful soy-based sauce.
  • Customize the recipe by adding vegetables and aromatic ingredients.
  • Serve this hearty Braised Tofu with rice, noodles, or your favorite grains.
  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator and enjoy the dish both hot and cold.

How to Make Braised Tofu

To make this Braised Tofu Recipe, follow these easy steps:

  1. Start by pressing the firm tofu to remove excess water. This step is crucial to ensure that the tofu absorbs the flavors of the dish.
  2. Slice the tofu into square pieces of your desired size.
  3. Place a frying pan over medium heat and add a small amount of oil. Pan-fry the tofu slices until they turn golden brown and develop a crispy texture.
  4. In a separate bowl, prepare the savory sauce. Mix together soy sauce, sugar, Shaoxing wine, vegetarian “oyster” sauce, and cornstarch. Adjust the quantities to suit your taste preferences.
  5. Sauté scallions, garlic, bell pepper, and dried chili in sesame oil until they become fragrant.
  6. Add the prepared sauce and water to the pan, stirring well to combine all the ingredients.
  7. Gently place the pan-fried tofu back into the sauce.
  8. Allow the tofu to simmer in the sauce for a few minutes to absorb all the savory flavors.

Once the tofu has soaked up the delicious sauce, it is ready to be enjoyed as a flavorful vegetarian tofu dish. The savory tofu recipe pairs well with steamed rice or noodles.

Ingredients for Braised Tofu Quantity
Firm tofu 1 block
Soy sauce 3 tablespoons
Sugar 1 tablespoon
Shaoxing wine 1 tablespoon
Vegetarian “oyster” sauce 1 tablespoon
Cornstarch 1 tablespoon
Scallions 2 stalks, chopped
Garlic 3 cloves, minced
Bell pepper 1, sliced
Dried chili 1-2, crushed (optional)
Sesame oil 2 tablespoons
Water ½ cup

Experiment with additional ingredients such as your favorite vegetables, ginger, or spices to create your own customized version of this savory tofu recipe.

Ingredients for Braised Tofu

The key ingredients for this delicious Braised Tofu Recipe are:

  • Firm tofu
  • Soy sauce
  • Water
  • Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
  • Sugar
  • Sesame oil
  • Sesame seeds
  • Garlic
  • Scallion
  • Neutral oil for frying
Ingredient Quantity
Firm tofu 1 block
Soy sauce 3 tablespoons
Water 1/2 cup
Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) 1 teaspoon
Sugar 1 teaspoon
Sesame oil 1 tablespoon
Sesame seeds 1 tablespoon
Garlic 2 cloves, minced
Scallion 1 stalk, chopped
Neutral oil for frying

These ingredients work together to create a savory and spicy flavor profile that perfectly complements the tofu. Feel free to add your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, leeks, or ginger to customize this dish to your liking. The result is a delectable marinated tofu stew, reminiscent of authentic Chinese tofu recipes.

Tips for Making Braised Tofu

When making Braised Tofu, there are a few tips and tricks that can help you achieve the perfect dish. Here are some recommendations to enhance your tofu in soy sauce recipe:

  1. Press the tofu: Before cooking, press the tofu to remove excess water. This improves the texture and allows the tofu to better absorb the flavors of the sauce. To do this, wrap the tofu in a towel and place a heavy object on top to squeeze out the liquid.
  2. Choose firm or extra firm tofu: Using firm or extra firm tofu is ideal for easy tofu braising. These types of tofu hold their shape better during cooking and provide a satisfying texture in the final dish.
  3. Experiment with cooking methods: While pan-frying the tofu is traditional, you can also try alternative methods like baking or air-frying. These techniques reduce oil usage and offer a different texture to the dish.
  4. Customize with vegetables and spices: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your braised tofu recipe. Add your favorite vegetables and spices to customize the flavors. Whether it’s bell peppers, mushrooms, or chili flakes, these additions can elevate your dish.

“Pressing the tofu beforehand ensures that it absorbs the flavors better and enhances the overall taste of the dish.” – Chef Alice Kim

By implementing these tips, you can create a fragrant and flavorful braised tofu dish that is slow-cooked to perfection in a rich soy sauce. Now that you have the knowledge to make easy tofu braising, it’s time to put it into practice and enjoy a delicious vegetarian meal.

And for further inspiration, take a look at this mouth-watering image of slow-cooked tofu in soy sauce:

Serving and Storing Braised Tofu

When it comes to enjoying the delectable flavors of braised tofu, there are various serving options that can enhance your dining experience. This marinated tofu dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice, adding a satisfying and wholesome element to the meal. The rich and savory sauce of the tofu can be poured generously over the rice, allowing each bite to be infused with its delicious flavors.

If you prefer a lighter option, serving braised tofu with noodles or other grains is equally delightful. Noodles provide a wonderful texture alongside the tender tofu, while grains such as quinoa or barley can add a unique twist to the dish. The versatility of braised tofu allows you to explore different combinations and find your favorite pairing.

For those who appreciate variety, consider adding some colorful and crunchy vegetables as a side dish. Steamed broccoli, stir-fried bok choy, or roasted bell peppers can complement the tofu, adding freshness and a vibrant touch to the overall presentation.

Leftover braised tofu can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, allowing the tofu to further absorb the flavors of the soy-based sauce. As it sits in the fridge, the tofu becomes even more flavorful, making it a delightful option for a quick and tasty meal. Simply reheat the tofu before serving, or enjoy it cold for a refreshing twist.

Braised tofu offers a delicious and versatile marinated dish that can be enjoyed both hot and cold, allowing you to savor its exquisite flavors in various ways. Whether you choose to serve it with rice, noodles, or other grains, this tofu in soy sauce recipe is a delightful addition to any vegetarian or plant-based menu.

Serving Suggestions for Braised Tofu

Serving Options Description
Steamed Rice A classic and comforting choice that pairs well with the savory braised tofu.
Noodles Choose your favorite type of noodles to enjoy alongside the tender tofu.
Other Grains Experiment with different grains like quinoa or barley for a unique twist.
Assorted Vegetables Add a side of steamed broccoli, stir-fried bok choy, or roasted bell peppers for color and freshness.

“Braised tofu offers a delicious and versatile marinated dish that can be enjoyed both hot and cold, allowing you to savor its exquisite flavors in various ways.”

Korean Braised Tofu Variation

A variation of Braised Tofu is the Korean Braised Tofu, also known as Dubu Jorim. This version includes the use of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) to add spice, along with other Korean flavors such as sesame oil and sesame seeds. The tofu is pan-fried and then braised in a sauce consisting of soy sauce, water, gochugaru, sugar, sesame oil, sesame seeds, garlic, and scallions. It can be served hot or cold and pairs well with rice or noodles.

[Image description: A mouthwatering dish of Korean braised tofu, showcasing a golden brown tofu submerged in a flavorful sauce, garnished with sesame seeds and scallions.]

Conclusion

Braised Tofu is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that offers a flavorful and satisfying vegetarian meal option. By following the simple steps and using the recommended ingredients, you can create a savory dish with crisp pan-fried tofu simmered in a flavorful soy-based sauce. This Braised Tofu Recipe is perfect for those seeking a delicious and hassle-free tofu dish.

With its rich flavors and tender texture, Braised Tofu can be served with steamed rice, noodles, or other grains for a hearty and fulfilling meal. The versatility of this dish allows you to customize it with your favorite vegetables and spices, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.

Whether you’re a tofu enthusiast or a vegetarian looking for a new and delicious dish, the Braised Tofu Recipe is a must-try. Its easy tofu braising technique and vegetarian-friendly ingredients make it a popular choice for those seeking a flavorful meatless option. Give this recipe a try and savor the delightful flavors of braised tofu at your next meal.

FAQ

What is Braised Tofu?

Braised Tofu is a savory tofu dish that is slow-cooked in a flavorful soy sauce-based sauce.

What are the key ingredients for Braised Tofu?

The key ingredients for Braised Tofu include firm tofu, soy sauce, water, gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), sugar, sesame oil, sesame seeds, garlic, scallion, and neutral oil for frying.

How do I make Braised Tofu?

To make Braised Tofu, start by pressing the firm tofu to remove excess water. Then, slice the tofu into square pieces and pan-fry them until golden brown and crispy. In a separate bowl, mix together a sauce made of soy sauce, sugar, Shaoxing wine, vegetarian “oyster” sauce, and cornstarch. Sauté scallions, garlic, bell pepper, and dried chili in sesame oil before adding the sauce and water to the pan. Finally, add the pan-fried tofu back into the sauce to simmer and absorb all the flavors.

Can I customize the Braised Tofu recipe?

Yes, you can customize the Braised Tofu recipe by adding vegetables such as bell peppers, leeks, ginger, and other preferred spices.

How should I store Braised Tofu?

Leftover Braised Tofu can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. This allows the tofu to further soak up the delicious sauce and enhance its taste.

What is the Korean variation of Braised Tofu?

The Korean variation of Braised Tofu is known as Dubu Jorim. It includes the use of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), sesame oil, and sesame seeds to add a spicy and flavorful twist.

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