This Braised Tender Tofu is not only delicious but also nutritionally rich. Tofu is packed with high-quality protein and various vitamins, which contribute to better overall health. It is also a vegetarian delicacy that caters to different dietary requirements. When you grab a piece of tender tofu and put it into your mouth, a gentle bite is enough to make the tofu dissolve. At this point, the sauce flows like silk, perfectly complementing the silky texture of the tofu. With every bite, the sauce’s complex flavors, blended with various spices, create a truly delightful experience that leaves you craving for more.
Ingredients for braised tender tofu
| Silken tofu | 220g |
| Ginger | 5g |
| Pork | 50g |
| Scallion | 6g |
| Small chili pepper | 5g |
| Edible oil | 250g |
| Sesame oil | 3g |
| Salt | 4g |
Steps:
1.Prepare the ingredients: Slice the small chili peppers into rings. Cut the scallions into small pieces, mince the pork, and chop the ginger into fine pieces. Also, prepare the tender tofu.
2.Begin by cutting the tender tofu into square-shaped pieces as shown in the picture. Once done, proceed with the cooking process.
3.Heat a clean pan with cooking oil until it reaches around 70% heat. Reduce the heat and carefully add the tofu pieces one by one. Increase the heat to high and fry the tofu in the pan until it turns golden brown, gently shaking the pan to prevent sticking. During frying, avoid stirring the tofu too much as it is delicate and may break apart easily.
4.Once all the tofu is fried, turn off the heat and remove the tofu from the pan to drain excess oil. Then, cut the tofu into small pieces.
5.In a clean pan, add a small amount of oil and heat it up. Add the minced pork and stir-fry until fragrant. Once fragrant, add the minced ginger, followed by a bowl of purified water. Increase the heat and bring it to a boil. After boiling, let it simmer for a while to allow the meat’s flavors to develop.
6.Cut the tofu into similar-sized pieces and place them in the pan, giving it a gentle stir. Add a tablespoon of salt, cover the pan with a lid, and simmer on low heat for one minute. This dish primarily aims to highlight the natural soybean flavor of the tofu, resulting in a particularly delicious taste. After one minute of simmering, remove the lid.
7.Add the sliced small chili pepper rings for garnishing, sprinkle some chopped scallions, and drizzle a little sesame oil. Now, you can turn off the heat. Make sure there is some sauce remaining as tofu without sauce may taste a bit dry. Transfer the dish to a slightly deeper plate. A delicious homemade dish is now ready.
Tips:
1.Choose fresh and high-quality tender tofu: When making your selection, choose tender tofu that has a smooth texture and lacks any strong, pungent odors. This will result in a better texture and taste when cooked.
2.Control the cooking temperature: During the simmering process, it’s important to maintain a moderate heat. This allows the tofu to absorb the flavors of the broth while preserving its delicate texture. Avoid using excessively high or low heat.
3.Season with moderation: Add an appropriate amount of yellow bean sauce, soy sauce, or other seasonings based on personal taste preferences. The choice of yellow bean sauce is crucial; consider using authentic doubanjiang or yellow soybean sauce to enhance the overall flavor.