Crispy Broccoli Tofu Salad with Oyster Sauce
Crispy Broccoli Tofu Salad with Oyster Sauce
Simple Yet Delicious and Nutritious! Broccoli Tofu Salad Recipe – Mastering Blanching Time and the Secret of Oyster Sauce
The perfect harmony of broccoli, blanched to a delightful crisp, and soft tofu! This Broccoli Tofu Salad, enhanced with a touch of oyster sauce for extra umami, is a true rice companion. Complete your healthy table with this simple yet nutrient-packed side dish.
Main Ingredients- 2 heads of broccoli
- 1 block of tofu (approx. 300g)
- 1/4 carrot (optional)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare and wash broccoli: Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets. For a thorough clean, soak them in water with a tablespoon of vinegar for about 5 minutes. Vinegar helps remove residual pesticides and hidden insects. Rinse well under running water afterwards.
Step 2
Rinse the broccoli thoroughly under running water. It’s important to wash them meticulously as tiny insects or debris can hide within the dense florets. Soaking in vinegar water further ensures cleanliness.
Step 3
After washing, place the broccoli in a colander to drain excess water. Leaving water on the broccoli can dilute the seasoning and affect its texture when blanched.
Step 4
Blanching broccoli: Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the prepared broccoli florets and blanch for exactly 3 minutes. Over-blanching will make broccoli mushy and lose its crispness, while under-blanching can result in a raw texture and a slightly unpleasant smell. Timing is key!
Step 5
Immediately drain the blanched broccoli and rinse them quickly under cold running water. This helps maintain their vibrant green color and crisp texture. Drain them thoroughly in a colander afterward.
Step 6
Squeeze excess water from tofu: This step is crucial for a non-watery salad. For best results, wrap the tofu in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and place a heavy object on top. Let it drain in the refrigerator for a while to press out as much water as possible.
Step 7
If you’re short on time, wrap the tofu tightly in paper towels or a cloth and firmly squeeze out as much water as you can by hand. Removing the moisture is essential for a firm texture.
Step 8
Place the squeezed tofu in a bowl. You can crumble it with your hands or cut it into smaller pieces as desired.
Step 9
Add optional ingredients for color: If desired, finely julienne the carrot and add it to the bowl. The vibrant orange of the carrot will beautifully complement the green broccoli and white tofu, making the dish visually appealing.
Step 10
Break the blanched broccoli into smaller, bite-sized pieces by hand or with a knife. This makes it easier to mix with the tofu and more convenient to eat.
Step 11
Add the broccoli florets to the bowl containing the tofu and carrot (if using).
Step 12
Season and mix: Add 2 tsp salt, 2 Tbsp sesame oil, 1 Tbsp oyster sauce, and 1 Tbsp sesame seeds to the bowl. Gently toss everything together with your hands, being careful not to mash the tofu too much. The oyster sauce adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
Step 13
Your delicious Broccoli Tofu Salad is ready! A healthy, visually appealing, and flavorful side dish is complete.
Step 14
Special Tip: Adding about 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce significantly enhances the flavor compared to using just salt. It adds a richer, more sophisticated taste. Don’t miss out on trying this secret ingredient for a truly delicious Broccoli Tofu Salad!
