On a farmhouse dining table, there sits a bowl of delicious and aromatic Farmhouse Large Bowl Tofu. This bowl of tofu exudes a rich soy fragrance, making one’s mouth water. The tofu pieces are neatly arranged in the bowl, appearing white, tender, and smooth like silk. Each bite of tofu carries a slight elasticity, melting in the mouth, delivering a satisfying and comforting texture. In addition to the tofu’s own delicacy, the Farmhouse Large Bowl Tofu is accompanied by various fresh vegetables and seasonings, adding diverse colors and flavors. As each spoonful of steaming hot tofu enters the mouth, the soy aroma blends harmoniously with the spiciness of chili peppers, providing a pure and delightful gustatory experience.
Ingredients for Farmhouse Large Bowl Tofu：
| Firm tofu | 200g |
| Pork | 50g |
| Ginger | 5g |
| Thread Pepper | 6g |
| Oyster sauce | 5g |
| Salt | 2g |
| Chicken powder | 1g |
| Light soy sauce | 10g |
| Dark soy sauce | 3g |
| Sugar | 1g |
| Starch | 3g |
| Pepper powder | 1g |
| Small chili pepper | 5g |
Step:
1.First, we prepare a block of firm tofu, ensuring it is fresh with a smooth surface and no cracks. Cut the tofu into evenly thick slices. Pay attention to the cutting technique, trying to maintain the shape of each slice as much as possible, making them roughly equal in size. Next, soak the sliced tofu in warm water for a moment. This helps to remove any peculiar smell or impurities from the tofu and also makes it firmer, preventing it from falling apart easily. Before handling the tofu further, gently pat away any excess water using kitchen paper towels or a clean cloth. This step allows the tofu to absorb more seasonings and broth during the cooking process, enhancing its taste and texture.
2.Firstly, thinly slice the pork. Try to maintain even thickness and uniformity in the slices, ensuring that the pork absorbs flavors more easily when cooked. Next, mince the sliced pork into ground meat. You can use a chef’s knife to chop the meat until it reaches your desired level of fineness.
3.Ginger is a commonly used seasoning and medicinal herb with abundant nutritional and medicinal value. Using ginger not only enhances the taste of dishes but also provides health benefits and therapeutic effects. Start by smashing the ginger. To do this, place the ginger pieces on a hard surface and gently pound them with the back of a knife until they crack into small pieces. This process aims to release the aromatic compounds and active ingredients in ginger, increasing its flavoring and medicinal properties. Next, finely chop the smashed ginger into ginger paste. Stack the smashed ginger pieces together and use a knife to cut them into tiny granules.
4.Prepare a few Small Chili Peppers. Wash the Small Chili Peppers, remove the stems, and cut them into rings. When cutting the Small Chili Peppers, try to maintain a round shape and even thickness. This will not only keep the dish visually appealing but also allow the spiciness to distribute evenly. Next, prepare two Thread Peppers. Wash the Thread Peppers, remove the stems, and cut them into small segments, typically around 1-2 centimeters in length. Combining the cut Small Chili Pepper rings and Thread Pepper segments together adds a variety of colors. The red color of the Small Chili Peppers complements the green color of the Thread Peppers, adding brightness and liveliness to the dish.
5.Heat oil in a pan and thoroughly coat the pan with oil. Once the oil starts smoking, pour it out, leaving about a tablespoon of cool oil in the pan. Sprinkle a little salt and carefully place the sliced tofu in the pan, ensuring the tofu is evenly arranged to ensure even heating and minimize breakage. Cook over low heat for about 3 minutes, until one side of the tofu turns golden brown. Flip the tofu and cook the other side until both sides are golden brown. Remove the tofu from the pan and drain excess oil.
6.Heat more oil in the pan. Once the oil is hot, add the minced meat. Stir and break up the minced meat over low heat, allowing the fat to render. Once the minced meat is fragrant, add 5 grams of oyster sauce and stir-fry until the oyster sauce is incorporated. Then add the minced ginger and stir-fry to release its aroma. Add 3 grams of dark soy sauce to give the meat color. Begin seasoning by pouring in a moderate amount of water along the edge of the pan. Add 2 grams of salt, 1 gram of chicken powder, 1 gram of pepper, and a little sugar. Add 10 grams of light soy sauce and stir to dissolve the seasonings. Bring the sauce to a boil.
7.After the sauce comes to a boil, pour it over the cooked tofu and adjust the heat to medium. Continue cooking the tofu for 5 minutes. This allows the tofu to better absorb the flavor of the sauce while ensuring it becomes tender and flavorful. Stir occasionally during the cooking process to prevent the tofu from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Additionally, be mindful of the heat to avoid overcooking or breaking the tofu apart. After cooking the tofu for 5 minutes, add the julienned green and red bell peppers. The vibrant colors of the bell peppers add visual appeal and textural layers to the dish. Cook for an additional 1 minute to slightly soften the bell peppers while maintaining their crispness. Then, drizzle in a small amount of water starch to adjust the thickness of the sauce. Mix a suitable amount of water starch until it is well combined, then pour it into the pan and immediately stir to thicken the sauce. Finally, add a little sesame oil to enhance the color and aroma of the dish. Sesame oil has a unique fragrance that adds richness and flavor to the tofu.
8.During the cooking process, once the dish is well mixed, transfer the finished Country-style Tofu to a serving plate. Mixing the tofu and ingredients ensures that the sauce evenly coats the tofu and garnishes, resulting in a balanced taste. Furthermore, flipping and mixing the tofu and ingredients can enhance the visual appeal of the dish and create a sense of depth. Once the tofu and ingredients are thoroughly mixed, gently transfer them to the plate and arrange them nicely. Finally, enjoy this delicious and visually appealing Country-style Tofu! It pairs well with rice or noodles, providing a satisfying and tasty meal.
Tips:
1.After removing the packaging, rinse the tofu with warm water. This helps remove any excess flavors and impurities.
2.Before cutting the tofu, you can soak it in hot water for a few minutes. This will make the tofu firmer and less likely to break apart.
Country-style Tofu exudes a rich homemade flavor that brings a sense of simplicity and warmth of rural life. The tofu in the bowl is tender and smooth, with a delicate texture that allows you to taste the nourishment of the earth in every bite. The tofu blocks are enveloped in a liquid brimming with soybean fragrance. When you take a bite, the bean juice smoothly flows out, offering a delightful and aromatic taste. The tofu, served in a country-style bowl, showcases its generous nature, almost filling the entire space. Above the tofu, a layer of golden oil droplets covers its surface, emitting a subtle aroma. These oil droplets accompany the tofu during cooking, providing a delicious oiliness and enticing color. In terms of color, flavor, and texture, Country-style Tofu embodies the warmth of home and the natural essence of the countryside. It represents not only a delicious dish but also an emotional attachment to rural life and gratitude towards the land. Every bite of tofu carries the taste of home.