Cabbage, Tofu Pouch, and Egg Fried Rice
Cabbage, Tofu Pouch, and Egg Fried Rice
Diet-Friendly Delight: How to Make Cabbage, Tofu Pouch, and Egg Fried Rice
Here’s a satisfying and healthy meal perfect for when you’re watching your diet: Cabbage, Tofu Pouch, and Egg Fried Rice! Instead of traditional rice, we’re using finely minced tofu pouch and a generous amount of shredded cabbage. Stir-fried together, this dish creates a surprisingly rich and fulfilling fried rice experience, even without any rice grains. The chewy yet savory texture of the tofu pouch perfectly fills the void, making you feel as though you’re eating regular rice. If you can’t find tofu pouches, tofu noodles or ‘ssam’ tofu (wrapped tofu) are good alternatives. However, fresh tofu pouches offer a wonderful taste and excellent value for money. I buy large packs online, portion them, and freeze them, which allows me to conveniently use fresh tofu pouches whenever I cook. What truly elevates this fried rice is a tablespoon of dried shrimp, combined with a tablespoon each of oyster sauce and fish sauce. This simple combination achieves the perfect balance of savory and sweet, making the cabbage taste incredibly delicious – you won’t even realize it’s cabbage! Since there’s no rice, it’s a carb-free meal ideal for a diet. To serve, press the fried rice firmly into a bowl, then invert a large plate over the bowl and flip it to create a beautiful mound of fried rice. I added a few fresh basil leaves from my overflowing plant for garnish. Finely chopped green onions, scallions, or chives also make excellent toppings. Before making it, I wondered, ‘Can fried rice without rice be filling?’, ‘Will it be satisfying?’, ‘Won’t it feel like I’m just eating vegetables?’. But after tasting the finished dish, all those doubts vanished! The chewy and savory flavor of the tofu pouch anchors the dish so well that I didn’t miss the rice at all. This is a dish I highly recommend for anyone focusing on health and weight management. The umami from the dried shrimp, in particular, takes this fried rice to another level – it’s truly beyond your imagination! You’ll be delighted. ^^
Ingredients- 400g Cabbage
- 2 sheets Wide Tofu Pouch (approx. 80g)
- 3 Eggs
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 1/2 Green Onion
- 1 Tbsp Dried Shrimp
- 1 Tbsp Oyster Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Fish Sauce (e.g., Kkanari)
- 2 Tbsp Oil
- A little Sesame Oil
- A little Sesame Seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, chop the cabbage into manageable pieces. Place the separated cabbage leaves in a bowl with 2 tablespoons of water and 2 tablespoons of vinegar, and let them soak for 10 minutes to sanitize. This step helps remove impurities and ensures freshness.
Step 2
Finely mince the green onion and garlic. If you have any leftover vegetables in your fridge, feel free to chop and add them as well. I added a crunchy chili pepper I had on hand! You can use any available vegetables.
Step 3
After rinsing the sanitized cabbage, drain it thoroughly. Then, finely mince the cabbage using a knife or a food processor. Mincing it very finely makes it easier for everyone, including children, to enjoy.
Step 4
If your tofu pouches are frozen, thaw them beforehand. Once thawed, rinse them lightly under running water.
Step 5
After rinsing, gently squeeze out any excess water from the tofu pouches. Then, mince them finely, just like you did with the cabbage. The chewy texture of the tofu pouch will add an interesting dimension to the fried rice.
Step 6
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a frying pan over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and green onion, and sauté until fragrant. This creates a flavorful base with ‘green onion oil’.
Step 7
Once the fragrant oil is ready, crack the 3 eggs into the pan.
Step 8
As the eggs begin to cook, gently stir and scramble them with a chopstick or spatula until they form soft curds. Be careful not to overcook them.
Step 9
Now, add the finely minced cabbage to the pan and increase the heat to medium-high. Stir-fry for about 10 minutes, or until the cabbage becomes translucent. It’s important to stir and toss frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Step 10
Once the cabbage is sufficiently cooked, add 1 tablespoon of dried shrimp. If the dried shrimp are large, mince them before adding to better infuse their flavor.
Step 11
Add the minced tofu pouch to the pan and stir well to combine all the ingredients. Continue to cook until the tofu pouch is tender and slightly chewy.
Step 12
Stir in 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce and 1 tablespoon of fish sauce to enhance the savory depth of the fried rice.
Step 13
Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed. Continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 14
Finally, drizzle in a little sesame oil and sprinkle some sesame seeds. Give it a final quick stir. Your delicious Cabbage, Tofu Pouch, and Egg Fried Rice is ready! The nutty aroma of sesame oil will whet your appetite.
Step 15
When serving the fried rice, press it firmly into a serving bowl to create a compact shape. Then, place a large plate on top of the bowl and quickly invert it. This technique helps you create an attractively molded mound of fried rice, reminiscent of restaurant presentation.
Step 16
Voila! Your beautifully presented Cabbage, Tofu Pouch, and Egg Fried Rice is ready. For an extra touch of elegance and flavor, garnish with fresh herbs or chopped green onions as desired.
