Braised tofu, as if the perfect combination of tradition and innovation. It is a dish that appears simple but is rich in flavor. The tofu, crafted with precision, presents an enticing golden color and emits a subtle soybean aroma. The braising sauce complements the tofu’s texture perfectly, preserving its delicate nature while infusing it with a delicious sauce. Every bite allows you to savor the rich umami flavor of the sauce and the smooth texture of the tofu, leaving you enchanted.
Ingredients for Braised tofu：
| Silken tofu | 200g |
| Green pepper | 20g |
| Red pepper | 10g |
| Garlic | 5g |
| Green onion | 5g |
| Starch | 8g |
| Salt | 3g |
| Chicken powder | 1g |
| Sugar | 1g |
| Light soy sauce | 5g |
| Dark soy sauce | 5g |
| Dried chilli | 3g |
| Chili paste | 10g |
| Pepper powder | 1g |
Step:
1.First, we need to prepare a block of silken tofu. Cut the silken tofu into one-centimeter-sized cubes and place them in a plate for later use.Silken tofu is a delicious and soft type of tofu, rich in protein and nutrients, making it ideal for cooking various dishes. When choosing tender tofu, look for smooth and crack-free tofu blocks. Additionally, silken tofu usually has a refreshing soybean aroma.
2.Next, we need to prepare green peppers and red peppers. Take two green peppers, remove the stem, and cut them into chunks. Similarly, we also need one red pepper, remove the stem, and cut it into chunks. Green peppers and red peppers are common vegetables that are rich in vitamin C and fiber. They not only add color to the dish but also contribute to a crispy texture. When selecting green peppers and red peppers, choose ones with smooth skin, vibrant color, and no blemishes. Fresher green and red peppers have a crisp texture and more distinct flavor. Place the cut green pepper and red pepper chunks in a bowl for later use.
3.Now, let’s prepare some seasonings. First, take a few cloves of garlic and slice them thinly to release their aroma and flavor. Then, take the white part of a large spring onion and cut it into horsehoof-shaped slices. Garlic is a commonly used seasoning with a strong spicy and aromatic taste, adding a unique flavor to dishes. The white part of the spring onion offers a refreshing taste and tender texture, bringing layers of flavor to the dish. Additionally, we will need some dried chili peppers (about 3 grams) and chili sauce (about 10 grams). Dried chili peppers enhance the spiciness and aroma of the dish, while chili sauce provides a richer spicy flavor and texture. Place the sliced garlic, horsehoof-shaped spring onion, dried chili peppers, and chili sauce together in the bowl for later use. Now that we have prepared the tender tofu cubes, green pepper chunks, red pepper chunks, and seasonings, we are ready to move on to the next step of cooking.
4.Silken tofu is very soft and fragile. To make it easier for further manipulation, we will deep-fry the tofu. Heat oil in a pan until it reaches about 50% hot. Sprinkle some starch onto the tofu to coat it, then carefully place the tofu into the hot oil one by one and fry until golden. Once fried, remove the tofu from the oil and drain off excess oil.
5.Keep a small amount of oil in the pan and stir-fry the prepared vegetables until fragrant. Afterward, add the green and red pepper chunks and continue stir-frying. Add a small amount of water to the side of the pan. Now, let’s season the dish. Add 2 grams of salt, 1 gram of chicken powder, 1 gram of pepper powder, 1 gram of sugar, 5 grams of light soy sauce, and 2 grams of dark soy sauce. Once the sauce comes to a boil, thicken it slightly with a cornstarch slurry.
6.During the cooking process, we need to reduce and evenly coat the sauce. This will enhance the flavor and ensure even seasoning throughout the dish. Once the sauce has thickened, quickly add the fried tofu cubes to the pan and stir-fry them. Quick stirring will allow the tofu to mix evenly with the sauce, allowing it to absorb the delicious flavors while retaining its tender texture. Lastly, to enhance the aroma and taste of the dish, drizzle a small amount of sesame oil. Sesame oil adds a unique fragrance and flavor, elevating the overall taste of the dish. Now, our dish is ready! Remove it from the pan and plate it. This braised tofu dish is not only colorful and delicately textured but also spicy and aromatic. Enjoy the delightful flavors it brings.
Tips:
1.Before braising, you can heat some oil in the pan and lightly pan-fry the tofu on both sides until slightly golden. This will enhance the aroma and texture of the tofu.
2.The cooking time and heat level are crucial for braised tofu. It should be simmered over medium-low heat to allow the flavors from the sauce to penetrate into the tofu, enhancing its texture and taste. However, be careful not to overcook it, as it may become too soft.
Braised tofu is like a colorful palate of flavors, where various tastes blend together, creating a rich and layered experience for your taste buds. The vibrant red braising sauce acts like delicate brush strokes, making the white tofu even more tantalizing. Each piece of tofu absorbs the essence of the sauce, becoming plump and irresistible. With each bite, the rich umami flavor of the sauce and the silky texture of the tofu spread in your mouth, taking you on a journey into a world full of deliciousness.