On a gloomy afternoon, a steaming pot of braised beef with tofu is the perfect companion. When the rich aroma fills the space, it seems to dissipate some of the coldness brought by the rainy weather. The colors of this dish resemble the warm autumn sun – golden tofu intermingling with deep red beef, complemented by the delicate purple of the garnish, like a vivid oil painting. With each bite, the richness of the beef and the tenderness of the tofu blend together in the mouth, evoking memories of warmth and sweetness from ordinary days.
Ingredients for Beef Braised Tofu：
| Beef | 500g |
| Tofu | 300g |
| Onion | 100g |
| Soy sauce | 50g |
| Rice wine | 100g |
| Sake | 100g |
| Sugar | 20g |
| Broth | 200g |
| Chopped green onion | 5g |
Step:
1.First, wash the tofu thoroughly. Next, place a frying pan on the stove and heat oil over low heat. Put the tofu pieces into the pan and gently fry them until the surface slightly solidifies. Remove the fried tofu pieces and set them aside. This is how you can make delicious braised beef with tofu.
2.Pour an appropriate amount of oil into the pan and heat it to a moderate temperature. Then, add the beef slices to the pan and stir-fry over medium heat until fully cooked. Remove the cooked beef slices and set them aside for the next step. Pay attention to the cooking time and frequency of stirring while frying the beef slices to avoid overcooking or undercooking them, which could affect the texture. Also, when removing the beef slices, place them on a clean plate to prevent bringing any oil or impurities into the dish.
3.Wash the onion and cut it into appropriately sized chunks. Next, heat a suitable amount of oil in the frying pan. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion to the pan and stir-fry over medium-low heat. During the stir-frying process, maintain a moderate heat to prevent the onion from being overcooked or undercooked. When the texture of the onion becomes soft and sticky, remove it from the pan and place it in a plate for later use.
4.Pour the previously fried tofu, stir-fried beef slices, and onion chunks into the rice cooker. Next, add a suitable amount of soy sauce to enhance color and saltiness. Then, add some rice wine and sake to elevate the aroma. Add a little white sugar to balance the taste. Finally, pour in the prepared broth. Use chopsticks to gently stir and allow all the ingredients to fully blend with the broth. Close the lid of the rice cooker and set it to stew mode for one hour. During this hour, you can choose to patiently wait or do other tasks while the rice cooker simmers and cooks a delicious pot of braised beef with tofu.
5.After one hour of stewing, the braised beef with tofu in the rice cooker is ready. Next, it’s time to serve the prepared dish, sprinkle some chopped green onions on top, and enjoy. Gently scoop out the braised beef with tofu from the rice cooker using chopsticks and place it on a plate. During the scooping process, be careful to maintain the overall shape and integrity of the dish, avoiding any damage to the texture and appearance of the ingredients. Evenly sprinkle the previously prepared chopped green onions over the braised beef with tofu. As the final garnish, the green onions can add color and aroma to the dish.
Tips:
1.It is recommended to use high-quality beef for a more tender and delicious result.
2.Adding appropriate amounts of ginger slices, green onions, and other spices enhances the flavor of the stewed dish.
On a cold winter night, treating yourself to a steaming bowl of braised beef with tofu is like knitting a warm sweater for yourself. Every element in this dish is perfectly balanced: the rich beef jumps on the taste buds, conveying the warmth of winter; the tender tofu, like delicate snow, harmonizes with the intense flavors of the beef; and the aroma of the garnish, like the chilly wind outside, brings freshness and tranquility to the winter scene. With each bite, it feels as if the entire warmth of the winter season is encapsulated inside, bringing a deep sense of satisfaction and happiness.