Chinese Bean Sauce with Tofu

Chinese Bean Sauce with Tofu Recipe - Vegetarian Food from China

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Chinese Bean Sauce with Tofu is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the earthy taste of mushrooms, the creaminess of tofu, and the bold flavors of ginger, garlic, and red peppers. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal that is both satisfying and nutritious.

History

This recipe has its roots in traditional Chinese cuisine, where bean sauce is a common ingredient used to add depth and umami flavor to dishes. Tofu, a staple in Chinese cooking, is a versatile ingredient that absorbs the flavors of the sauce and other ingredients in this dish.

Ingredients

2 tbsp of oil
1 tsp of grated ginger
1 tsp of minced garlic
2 small minced red peppers
5 mushrooms, thinly sliced
3 green onions, sliced
16 oz (454 g) of cubed tofu
2 tbsp of red miso, mixed with 0.5 cup of water
1 tbsp of soy sauce
1 tbsp of honey
1 tbsp of tahini
0.5 tsp of vinegar
1 tsp of cornstarch dissolved in 2 tbsp of water

How to prepare

Heat oil in a wok.
Add ginger, garlic, and red peppers.
Sauté for 3 minutes.
Add mushrooms and onion whites.
Sauté for 3 minutes.
Add onion greens and tofu and sauté for 1 minute.
Combine miso, soy sauce, honey, tahini, and vinegar.
Mix well.
Stir into the sauté mixture and simmer for 1 minute.
Stir in dissolved cornstarch and simmer for 30 seconds or until thick.
Serve over rice.

Variations

Add your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snow peas, to the dish for added color and flavor.
Substitute the tofu with chicken, shrimp, or beef for a different protein option.
Use different types of mushrooms, such as shiitake or oyster mushrooms, for a unique twist on the dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use firm tofu for this recipe to ensure that it holds its shape during cooking.

- Adjust the amount of red peppers to suit your spice preference.

- Be sure to stir the cornstarch mixture well before adding it to the dish to prevent lumps from forming.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is best served over steamed white or brown rice. You can also serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete and balanced meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for this dish include sautéing, simmering, and thickening with cornstarch. These techniques help to develop the flavors of the dish and create a rich and savory sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have tahini on hand, you can substitute it with peanut butter or almond butter for a similar nutty flavor. You can also use white miso paste instead of bean sauce for a different umami taste.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sauce and tofu mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the mixture in a wok and serve over rice.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or a drizzle of chili oil for a pop of color and flavor. Serve the dish in a decorative bowl or plate for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a light and crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. You can also serve it with a refreshing green tea or a cold glass of beer for a casual meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave the dish until heated through or reheat in a wok on the stovetop.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this Chinese Bean Sauce with Tofu dish contains approximately 250 calories. This makes it a relatively low-calorie option that is perfect for a light and healthy meal.

Carbohydrates

This dish is a good source of carbohydrates, with approximately 25 grams per serving. Carbohydrates provide energy for the body and are essential for overall health.

Fats

With only 10 grams of fat per serving, this dish is a relatively low-fat option. The fats in this dish come from the oil used for cooking and the natural fats present in the tofu.

Proteins

Tofu is a great source of plant-based protein, with approximately 15 grams per serving in this dish. Protein is essential for muscle growth and repair, as well as overall health and well-being.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the red peppers, vitamin K from the green onions, and iron from the tofu. These nutrients are important for immune function, blood clotting, and overall health.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and sesame, which are common allergens. Be sure to check for any allergies before serving this dish to guests.

Summary

Overall, this Chinese Bean Sauce with Tofu dish is a nutritious and balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a great option for those looking for a healthy and flavorful meal.

Summary

Chinese Bean Sauce with Tofu is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. With its bold flavors and healthy ingredients, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately hooked. It was a chilly evening in Beijing, and I had just finished a long day of exploring the bustling city. As I wandered down a narrow alleyway, the tantalizing aroma of sizzling garlic and ginger wafted through the air, leading me to a small, unassuming food stall.

I approached the stall, where an elderly woman was skillfully tossing cubes of tofu in a bubbling wok. She caught my eye and smiled warmly, gesturing for me to take a seat at the rickety wooden table nearby. Intrigued, I obliged, watching intently as she added a generous dollop of thick, dark bean sauce to the tofu, along with a handful of vibrant green onions and fiery red chili peppers.

As I took my first bite of the dish, my taste buds exploded with the complex flavors of umami, spice, and sweetness. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I knew in that moment that I had to learn how to make it myself.

I struck up a conversation with the woman, who introduced herself as Mrs. Li. She explained that the dish was a traditional Chinese bean sauce with tofu, a recipe that had been passed down through generations in her family. Mrs. Li graciously agreed to teach me her secret recipe, inviting me to her home the following day to learn the art of cooking.

The next morning, I arrived at Mrs. Li's humble abode, a cozy little cottage nestled in a picturesque courtyard. She greeted me with a warm smile and handed me an apron, instructing me to roll up my sleeves and get ready to cook.

We started by preparing the tofu, delicately pressing it to remove excess moisture before cutting it into bite-sized cubes. Mrs. Li then showed me how to create the rich bean sauce, a harmonious blend of fermented soybeans, garlic, ginger, and a touch of sugar for balance.

As the sauce simmered on the stove, Mrs. Li shared stories of her childhood in the countryside, where she learned the art of cooking from her grandmother. She spoke of the importance of using fresh, seasonal ingredients and cooking with love and intention, a philosophy that resonated deeply with me.

Once the sauce had thickened to perfection, Mrs. Li added the tofu to the wok, coating each piece in the savory mixture. The aroma that filled the kitchen was intoxicating, a tantalizing blend of garlic, soy, and earthy beans.

As we sat down to enjoy our creation, Mrs. Li poured us each a cup of fragrant jasmine tea, the perfect accompaniment to the bold flavors of the dish. With each bite, I savored the memories of that chilly evening in Beijing, the welcoming smile of Mrs. Li, and the timeless tradition of sharing a meal with loved ones.

As I bid farewell to Mrs. Li that day, I knew that her recipe for Chinese bean sauce with tofu would hold a special place in my heart. It was more than just a dish – it was a connection to the past, a celebration of culture and tradition, and a reminder of the joy that comes from sharing food with those we love.

And so, armed with Mrs. Li's recipe and a newfound passion for Chinese cuisine, I returned to my own kitchen, eager to recreate the magic of that unforgettable meal. With each stir of the wok and each taste of the finished dish, I felt a sense of gratitude for the culinary journey that had brought me to this moment – a journey that began with a single, irresistible recipe and a kind-hearted woman who shared her love of cooking with me.