Savory Pan-Fried Tofu and Vegetable Braise: The Ultimate Rice Companion
Savory Pan-Fried Tofu and Vegetable Braise: The Ultimate Rice Companion
Crispy and Delicious! Pan-Fried Tofu and Vegetable Braise for a Perfect Side Dish
Enjoy the nutty flavor of pan-fried tofu topped with crisp vegetables. The savory sauce soaks beautifully into the tofu, making it incredibly delicious. It’s a must-have side dish that pairs perfectly with rice!
Main Ingredients- 1 block firm tofu
- 1/2 king oyster mushroom
- 1 slice carrot
- 1/4 onion
- 1/4 green onion
Seasoning Sauce- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
- 4 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 Tbsp ginger juice (or a pinch of ginger powder)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
- 4 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 Tbsp ginger juice (or a pinch of ginger powder)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, cut the tofu into thick, bite-sized pieces. Cutting them about 1.5-2 cm thick will prevent them from breaking apart too easily while frying.
Step 2
Arrange the cut tofu pieces in a single layer in a non-stick pan, making sure they don’t overlap. Turn the heat to medium-low and gently cook to remove excess moisture from the surface. This step helps the tofu become firmer.
Step 3
Once the surface moisture has evaporated, add a generous amount of cooking oil and increase the heat to medium. Fry the tofu until golden brown on both sides. To enhance the nutty flavor and achieve a firmer texture, feel free to add more oil as needed. Try to sear one side well before flipping.
Step 4
Using a spatula, check the tofu for a nice golden color and continue to fry the other side until equally golden. At this stage, you can drizzle a little more cooking oil between the tofu pieces and gently swirl the pan to ensure the oil seeps into the tofu, making it crispier and more flavorful. Once the tofu is well-fried, turn off the heat.
Step 5
Thinly slice the king oyster mushroom and carrot. You can also julienne the carrot if you prefer.
Step 6
Push the fried tofu to one side of the pan and place the sliced mushrooms and carrots at the bottom. These vegetables will absorb the sauce and help the flavors meld together.
Step 7
Thinly slice the onion into strips and cut the green onion into similar lengths. Arrange these vegetables attractively on top of the tofu. They add color and a refreshing crunch.
Step 8
Now, sprinkle the seasoning ingredients evenly over the vegetables: 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 1 Tbsp chili powder, and 4 Tbsp soy sauce. Turn the heat back on to medium and stir-fry to combine the ingredients with the sauce.
Step 9
Spread the vegetables on top of the tofu a bit. Drizzle a little cooking oil around the edges of the pan. Gently lift the edges of the pan with your spatula to allow the sauce to coat the vegetables and tofu. Be careful not to burn the ingredients.
Step 10
Next, add 1/2 Tbsp ginger juice and stir gently to avoid breaking the tofu. Ginger juice helps to remove any unwanted odors and adds a pleasant aroma.
Step 11
Finally, turn off the heat and drizzle 1 Tbsp of sesame oil for a rich, nutty fragrance. The key here is not to overcook the vegetables, so they remain crisp and slightly chewy.
Step 12
Arrange the finished tofu and vegetable braise beautifully on a serving plate. The tofu, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, boasts a delicious, almost fried-bean-curd-like flavor.
Step 13
Top with the generous portion of cooked vegetables. The crisp vegetables and savory sauce pair wonderfully with rice. Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for both flavor and visual appeal. Your delicious pan-fried tofu and vegetable braise, a perfect rice accompaniment, is now ready!
