Delicious Braised Tofu: A Golden Recipe for a Perfect Side Dish
Delicious Braised Tofu: A Golden Recipe for a Perfect Side Dish
Master the Art of Braised Tofu with This Fundamental and Flavorful Recipe
Introducing braised tofu, the ultimate side dish that the whole family can enjoy. From a mild soy sauce base to a spicy kick from chili powder, this versatile dish is perfect for any season and will surely make your dining table more satisfying. Get ready to make the most delicious braised tofu that’s a true ‘rice thief’!
Braised Tofu Ingredients- 1 block firm tofu (approx. 300g)
- 2 Tbsp green onions, thinly sliced
- A small amount of onion, thinly sliced (about 1/4 onion)
- 2 Tbsp chili powder
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp water
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp mirin (rice wine)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- A little cooking oil (for pan-frying tofu)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, carefully press out any excess water from the tofu using paper towels. This step is crucial to ensure the tofu holds its shape and doesn’t crumble while cooking, making it perfect for braising. Cut the tofu into approximately 1.5cm thick slices. This thickness provides a pleasant chewiness and further helps prevent it from breaking apart. If desired, you can lightly sprinkle salt on the tofu for added flavor.
Step 2
Now, let’s prepare the delicious braising sauce! In a bowl, combine the chili powder, soy sauce, water, sugar, minced garlic, and mirin. Mix them well. Mirin is excellent for eliminating any unwanted odors from the tofu and enhancing its overall flavor. This simple combination of ingredients will create a wonderfully tasty braised tofu.
Step 3
Lightly grease a pan with cooking oil and arrange the prepared tofu slices in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap. Pan-fry the tofu over medium heat until each side is golden brown and firm. Once the tofu is nicely browned, add the thinly sliced onions around the tofu and cook briefly to add their flavor.
Step 4
Now, pour the prepared braising sauce evenly over the pan-fried tofu and onions. Reduce the heat to low to prevent the sauce from burning. Cover the pan (or leave it uncovered, depending on your preference) and let the sauce simmer until it’s absorbed into the tofu. While it’s simmering, you can spoon some of the sauce over the tofu to ensure it’s evenly coated and flavorful. The thinly sliced green onions can be added just before turning off the heat or used as a garnish upon serving for a fresh touch.
