Nutritious Pan-Fried Tofu with Tuna and Vegetables
Easy Tofu and Tuna Patties for Lunchboxes: A Simple Recipe
This recipe uses up that one leftover block of tofu in your fridge, along with canned tuna and any leftover vegetables you have on hand, to create delicious pan-fried tofu patties. They’re highly recommended as a lunchbox side dish. The patties are crispy on the outside and moist on the inside, making them a crowd-pleaser.
Main Ingredients
- 1 block Tofu (approx. 300g)
- 3 Tbsp Canned Tuna (drained)
- 1 Egg
- 3 Green Chilies
- A little Carrot (approx. 20g)
- Pinch of Salt (adjust to taste)
- Pinch of Pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp Soy Sauce
- 3 Tbsp Flour or Pancake Mix
- Sesame Oil, for frying
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
To help remove excess water from the tofu, first microwave it for about 3 minutes. This step firms up the tofu, making it easier to handle and drain without it crumbling.
Step 2
After microwaving, drain the tofu in a sieve. You can briefly rinse it with hot water if desired. Then, wrap the tofu in paper towels and press down firmly with your hands to squeeze out as much remaining moisture as possible. Thoroughly draining the tofu is key to preventing the batter from becoming too wet and clumpy.
Step 3
Wash the carrot and green chilies, remove the seeds from the chilies, and finely mince both vegetables. Mincing them finely will ensure they incorporate well into the mixture and provide a pleasant texture when cooked.
Step 4
Place the drained and pressed tofu in a bowl and mash it well with a fork. Add the drained canned tuna, 1 egg, minced green chilies, minced carrot, a pinch of salt, a pinch of pepper, and 1 teaspoon of soy sauce. Mix everything together thoroughly until well combined. Taste the mixture and add more salt if needed.
Step 5
Add 3 tablespoons of flour or pancake mix to the tofu mixture and stir gently until the batter reaches a cohesive consistency. Be careful not to make it too watery; using pancake mix can result in a crispier texture. Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a frying pan over medium-low heat. Spoon portions of the mixture into the pan, shaping them into small square patties. It’s crucial to cook these over low heat to ensure they cook through evenly without burning the outside.
Step 6
Once the patties turn golden brown on one side, carefully flip them over and cook the other side until golden and fragrant. Once both sides are beautifully browned and the patties are cooked through, remove them from the pan. Cut them into desired serving sizes using a spatula or knife. You now have delicious and nutritious pan-fried tofu patties ready to enjoy!
