The Classic Tofu Pouch is a dish of rich traditional significance. It features tofu as the main ingredient, skillfully prepared and seasoned to create a crispy exterior and tender, flavorful taste. With a long history dating back to ancient official cuisine, this dish carries abundant cultural connotations and regional characteristics. The preparation of the Classic Tofu Pouch requires exquisite cooking techniques and unique seasoning methods. Typically, tofu is sliced thinly, filled with minced meat or other fillings, and then fried or steamed to achieve a golden appearance with a crispy texture. This dish is not only delicious but also high in protein and nutritional elements, providing excellent nourishment for the body.
Ingredients for Classic Tofu Pouch:
| Firm tofu | 500g |
| Freshwater shrimp | 200g |
| Pea | 50g |
| Ham sausage | 20g |
| Green pepper | 10g |
| Red pepper | 10g |
| Ginger | 5g |
| Oyster sauce | 5g |
| Light soy sauce | 5g |
| Salt | 2g |
| Sugar | 1g |
| Dark soy sauce | 2g |
| Starch | 3g |
| Coriander | 5g |
| Pepper powder | 1g |
| Sesame oil | 3g |
Step:
1.First, we need to prepare the following ingredients: 500g of firm tofu, 200g of large freshwater shrimp half a ham, 50g of peas, half a green pepper, half a red bell pepper, and a small piece of ginger. For the tofu, we need to cut it into uniform rectangular pieces. For the shrimp, remove the head and tail, peel off the shells, devein them using a toothpick, wash them in clean water, and then cut them into small sections. Cut the ham into thick slices and then into small cubes. Combine the peas with the ham. Remove the seeds from the bell peppers and dice them into small pieces to add color to the dish. Slice the ginger thinly and then cut it into small cubes. With these steps, we can prepare all the necessary ingredients.
2.Next, we need to deep-fry the tofu. Heat an adequate amount of cooking oil in a pan until it reaches about 50% hot. Slide the cut tofu pieces one by one into the pan. We then fry them over low heat for 2 minutes, constantly shaking the pan to prevent the tofu from sticking to the bottom. Gently push the tofu around to ensure even heating. After 2 minutes, you’ll notice that the tofu has turned golden on the surface. At this point, pour out the excess oil. This frying process will make the tofu more crispy and delicious, enhancing its texture.
3.After the tofu is fried, keep some oil in the pan and heat it up. Add minced ginger and stir-fry until fragrant. Then add 5g of oyster sauce to enhance the flavor. Pour in the fried tofu and peas, and stir-fry evenly. Next, add the diced shrimp to the pan. Stir-fry the shrimp until they are just cooked through, keeping them tender. Now, it’s time to season the dish. Drizzle 5g of light soy sauce along the edge of the pan, followed by 2g of salt and a little sugar for flavor enhancement. Add 1g of pepper powder, quickly stir-fry everything together to fully coat the ingredients. Finally, transfer the cooked tofu, shrimp, and peas to a serving bowl for later use.
4.Next, we need to process the fried tofu. Cut open one side of each tofu piece, making sure to only cut one side and leaving the golden shell intact. Then, hollow out the tofu, creating a space while keeping the golden shell. Next, carefully fill each hollowed tofu shell with the cooked shrimp, peas, and other ingredients until they are filled to the top. This way, each tofu shell is filled with a rich assortment of ingredients, looking absolutely tempting. Finally, arrange the filled tofu shells on a serving plate for later use. At this point, each tofu shell resembles a little treasure box, waiting for people to explore its delicious contents.
5.Lastly, we need to steam the prepared tofu shells. Add an adequate amount of water to a pot and place a steaming rack inside. Cover the pot with a lid and bring the water to a boil over high heat. Then, carefully place the tofu shells onto the steaming rack and steam them for 8 minutes. After 8 minutes, we can ensure that the tofu shells are fully cooked and thoroughly infused with flavors. Remove the tofu shells from the pot and set them aside. Through this steaming process, the tofu shells become tender and delicate, while the ingredients inside become more flavorful.
6.Once the tofu shells are steamed, heat up some oil in the pot again. When the oil is hot, stir-fry the prepared green and red bell peppers for a few seconds. This will keep the peppers crisp and add a touch of color to the dish. Then, pour in a small amount of water along the edge of the pot and add 2g of dark soy sauce for color enhancement. Next, drizzle in a little water starch solution to thicken the sauce. Bring the sauce to a boil over high heat and reduce it to a thick consistency. During this process, stir gently to prevent the sauce from burning. Finally, add a small amount of sesame oil to enhance the color and mix well before removing from heat. At this point, the sauce for the dish has become thick and flavorful, while the bell peppers have absorbed the seasonings.
7.Evenly pour the sauce over the tofu pouches, ensuring that each piece is coated with the rich sauce. This not only enhances the texture of the tofu but also adds more flavor to the dish. After pouring the sauce, garnish with a little chopped cilantro to make the presentation more appealing. These exquisite tofu pouches are both visually pleasing and mouthwatering.
Tips:
1.It is important to control the heat during the cooking process to ensure the desired texture and taste of the dish. Avoid excessive or insufficient heat, as it can impact the final outcome.
2.When frying the tofu pouches, it is crucial to maintain the right oil temperature. It should neither be too high nor too low to achieve the desired crispiness without affecting the overall taste.
The Classic Tofu Pouch is a classic dish in traditional Chinese cuisine. It carries distinct regional characteristics and a rich historical background. Made primarily with tofu and minced meat, this dish undergoes careful preparation and seasoning to create a crispy exterior and tender, flavorful texture. The cooking process involves multiple steps such as ingredient selection, cutting, seasoning, and frying, requiring exquisite culinary techniques and unique seasoning methods. The Classic Tofu Pouch is not only a delicious dish but also a representation and showcase of Chinese culinary culture and regional specialties. It allows people to experience the charm of Chinese traditional culture while savoring its delightful flavors.