Simple & Delicious Soy Braised Tofu: A Perfect Rice Accompaniment
Savory and Sweet Soy Braised Tofu
Whip up this delightful soy-braised tofu with common pantry ingredients! The tofu becomes crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, soaking up a perfectly balanced savory and sweet sauce that will have you finishing your rice in no time. It’s a fantastic main side dish that’s both simple and impressive.
Main Ingredients
- Tofu 300g (firm or pan-frying tofu recommended)
- Green Onion 1/4 stalk (sliced diagonally)
- Red Chili Pepper 1/2 piece (sliced diagonally, seeds removed)
- Potato Starch 2 Tbsp (for frying tofu)
Tofu Braising Sauce
- Soy Sauce 3 Tbsp
- Oyster Sauce 1 Tbsp
- Cooking Wine (Mirin) 2 Tbsp
- Ginger Juice 0.5 Tbsp (or a pinch of grated ginger)
- Corn Syrup 2 Tbsp (adjust sweetness to taste)
- Minced Garlic 1 Tbsp
- Soy Sauce 3 Tbsp
- Oyster Sauce 1 Tbsp
- Cooking Wine (Mirin) 2 Tbsp
- Ginger Juice 0.5 Tbsp (or a pinch of grated ginger)
- Corn Syrup 2 Tbsp (adjust sweetness to taste)
- Minced Garlic 1 Tbsp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, cut the tofu into bite-sized pieces, about 1.5-2 cm thick. Gently press the cut tofu with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps prevent oil splattering when frying and makes the tofu crispier.
Step 2
Evenly coat both sides of the dried tofu with potato starch. A thin coating of starch will ensure a crispier exterior after frying and allow the sauce to adhere better.
Step 3
Heat a generous amount of oil in a pan over medium heat. Carefully place the starch-coated tofu pieces in the hot oil and pan-fry them until golden brown and crispy on both sides. Ensure they are well-fried to achieve a satisfying texture.
Step 4
Transfer the well-fried tofu to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Let it cool slightly. This step helps the tofu firm up, preventing it from breaking apart while braising in the sauce.
Step 5
Wash the green onion and red chili pepper, then slice them diagonally. Removing the seeds from the red chili pepper will reduce its heat while adding a beautiful color.
Step 6
In a small bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients: soy sauce, oyster sauce, cooking wine, ginger juice, corn syrup, and minced garlic. Mix well to create the braising sauce. Pour the prepared sauce into the pan, bring it to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to low heat.
Step 7
Once the sauce starts to bubble, carefully add the pre-fried tofu to the pan. Spoon the sauce over the tofu as it simmers to ensure it is evenly coated and flavored.
Step 8
When the tofu has absorbed some of the sauce, add the sliced green onion and red chili pepper. Continue to simmer together. This adds a lovely color and aromatic freshness to the dish.
Step 9
Turn off the heat when the tofu is well-glazed and the ingredients are tender. Serve hot and enjoy with your favorite rice!
