Chinese Sautéed Firm Tofu

Chinese Sautéed Firm Tofu Recipe - Vegetarian Food from China

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

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Chinese Sautéed Firm Tofu is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for vegetarians and tofu lovers alike. This recipe combines the firm texture of tofu with a flavorful mix of vegetables and seasonings to create a dish that is both satisfying and nutritious.

History

Tofu has been a staple in Chinese cuisine for centuries, with records of its consumption dating back to the Han dynasty. Sautéed tofu dishes have long been popular in Chinese cooking, as they provide a versatile and protein-rich base for a variety of flavors and ingredients.

Ingredients

24 oz (680 g) of firm tofu
2 tbsp of oil
0.5 tsp of salt
1 small onion, thinly sliced
6 medium mushrooms, sliced
1 small carrot, cut into matchsticks
2 medium green bell peppers, thinly sliced
1 tbsp of sake or white wine
1.5 tbsp of soy sauce
1 tsp of grated ginger
1 tbsp of sugar
1 tbsp of water
1 tsp of cornstarch dissolved in 3 tbsp of water

How to prepare

Cut the tofu into pieces that resemble French-fried potatoes.
Heat a wok and coat it with oil, then sprinkle on the salt.
Add the onion and stir-fry for about 30 seconds over high heat.
Reduce the heat to medium-low.
Add the mushrooms and stir-fry for about 30 seconds over high heat.
Reduce the heat to medium-low.
Add the carrot, green pepper, and tofu in that order, sautéing each for about 1 minute.
Reduce the heat to low and add the sake, soy sauce, ginger, sugar, and water.
Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes.
Stir in the dissolved cornstarch and simmer for another 30 seconds.

Variations

Add diced bell peppers or snow peas for extra crunch and color.
Substitute the white wine with rice vinegar for a tangy twist.
Use different vegetables such as broccoli, bok choy, or snap peas for variety.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use firm tofu for this recipe, as it will hold its shape better during cooking.

- Cut the tofu into evenly sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

- Stir-fry the vegetables quickly over high heat to retain their crispness and vibrant colors.

- Adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences, adding more soy sauce for saltiness or sugar for sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Chinese Sautéed Firm Tofu over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying: This recipe uses the stir-fry technique to quickly cook the tofu and vegetables over high heat, preserving their texture and nutrients.

Ingredient Substitutions

Firm tofu can be substituted with extra-firm tofu for a denser texture.

- Soy sauce can be replaced with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the tofu and vegetables ahead of time and store them in separate containers in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, simply stir-fry the ingredients together and add the seasonings.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Chinese Sautéed Firm Tofu in a decorative bowl or on a platter garnished with fresh herbs or edible flowers for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a side of steamed jasmine rice and a light cucumber salad for a balanced and satisfying meal. Green tea or a crisp white wine would complement the flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the dish in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

280

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 18g

- Dietary Fiber: 4g

- Sugars: 6g

Fats

- Total Fat: 14g

- Saturated Fat: 2g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 24g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 50% DV

- Vitamin C: 120% DV

- Calcium: 20% DV

- Iron: 15% DV

Alergens

Contains soy

Summary

This Chinese Sautéed Firm Tofu recipe is a good source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is low in saturated fat and calories, making it a healthy and satisfying meal option.

Summary

Chinese Sautéed Firm Tofu is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is easy to prepare and perfect for a quick weeknight meal. With a mix of vegetables, seasonings, and protein-rich tofu, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a moth to a flame. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Lily in her cozy little kitchen. The aroma of garlic and ginger filled the air as she skillfully chopped and stirred, creating a dish that looked and smelled absolutely divine.

"Wow, what are you making?" I asked, my mouth watering at the sight of the sizzling tofu in the pan.

"It's Chinese Sautéed Firm Tofu," Lily replied with a smile. "It's one of my favorite dishes to make, and it's surprisingly easy too. Would you like the recipe?"

I eagerly nodded, and with a twinkle in her eye, Lily began to explain the steps to me. She taught me how to press the tofu to remove excess water, how to carefully slice it into cubes, and how to sauté it with a delicious mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of chili paste for some heat.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, I couldn't help but marvel at how a few simple ingredients could come together to create such a flavorful and satisfying dish. From that moment on, I knew that Chinese Sautéed Firm Tofu would become a staple in my cooking repertoire.

Over the years, I honed my skills and experimented with different variations of the recipe. I added colorful bell peppers and crunchy water chestnuts for texture, and I even tried marinating the tofu in a mix of soy sauce and rice vinegar for an extra burst of flavor.

But no matter how I tweaked the recipe, the essence of Lily's original creation remained the same – a harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors that never failed to tantalize my taste buds.

As I continued to make Chinese Sautéed Firm Tofu for family and friends, I became known as the "Tofu Queen" in my circle. I delighted in sharing the recipe with anyone who showed an interest, and I reveled in the joy of watching their faces light up as they took their first bite.

One day, while attending a cooking class at a local community center, I met a kind elderly woman named Mrs. Wong. She had a wealth of knowledge about Chinese cuisine and graciously offered to teach me some of her favorite recipes.

I eagerly accepted her offer, and together we embarked on a culinary journey that opened my eyes to a whole new world of flavors and techniques. Mrs. Wong introduced me to the art of stir-frying and steaming, and she shared with me the secrets of creating perfectly balanced dishes that showcased the freshness and quality of the ingredients.

One day, as we were flipping through a tattered old cookbook, Mrs. Wong pointed to a recipe for Chinese Sautéed Firm Tofu and smiled knowingly.

"Ah, this is one of my favorites," she said. "It's a classic dish that never goes out of style. Let me show you how to make it the traditional way."

Under Mrs. Wong's expert guidance, I learned how to infuse the tofu with the flavors of garlic, ginger, and scallions, and how to achieve the perfect balance of textures by adding crispy bean sprouts and tender snow peas.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, Mrs. Wong watched me with a twinkle in her eye, her face glowing with pride.

"You have learned well, my dear," she said. "I can see the passion and dedication in your cooking. Keep experimenting, keep exploring, and never stop learning. That is the secret to becoming a true master in the kitchen."

And so, armed with the wisdom and guidance of Lily and Mrs. Wong, I continued to perfect my recipe for Chinese Sautéed Firm Tofu. Each time I made it, I felt a sense of pride and satisfaction, knowing that I was carrying on a culinary tradition that had been passed down through generations.

To this day, whenever I make Chinese Sautéed Firm Tofu, I am transported back to those warm summer days in Lily's kitchen, and I am filled with gratitude for the wonderful people who have taught me so much about the art of cooking. And as I sit down to enjoy a delicious meal with my loved ones, I am reminded that food has the power to bring us together, to nourish our bodies and our souls, and to create lasting memories that we will cherish forever.