Panfried Tofu with Oriental Garlic Sauce

Panfried Tofu with Oriental Garlic Sauce Recipe from China

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 2

Introduction

Panfried Tofu with Oriental Garlic Sauce is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the delicate texture of tofu with a savory and aromatic garlic sauce. This recipe is perfect for those looking for a healthy and satisfying meal that is easy to prepare.

History

Tofu, also known as bean curd, has been a staple in Asian cuisine for centuries. It is made by coagulating soy milk and then pressing the curds into blocks. Tofu is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from stir-fries to soups to desserts. The combination of tofu with a garlic sauce is a popular dish in many Asian countries, known for its bold flavors and comforting qualities.

Ingredients

1 (16 oz (454 g)) block of extra-firm or firm tofu, rinsed
4 tsp of cornstarch
1 cup of water
2 to 3 tbsp of soy sauce
1 tbsp of cider vinegar
1 tbsp of Scotch
2 tsp of granulated sugar
0.13 tsp of salt
2.5 tbsp of vegetable oil
3 large cloves of garlic, minced
1 (1 inch) cube of peeled fresh ginger root, minced
1 tsp of Oriental sesame oil
1 minced scallion
1 cup of cooked rice as an accompaniment, if desired

How to prepare

Cut the tofu into 4 slices crosswise and allow them to drain between two layers of paper towels for 20 minutes.
While the tofu is draining, dissolve the cornstarch in 0.25 cup of water in a small bowl. Stir in the remaining 0.75 cup water, soy sauce to taste, vinegar, Scotch, sugar, and salt.
Heat 1.5 tbsp of vegetable oil in a heavy saucepan over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking. Stir-fry the garlic until it turns pale golden, being careful not to let it burn. Add the gingerroot and stir-fry for 30 seconds. Stir in the soy sauce mixture, bring it to a boil while stirring. Simmer the sauce for 2 minutes, then stir in the sesame oil and keep it warm.
In a nonstick skillet, heat the remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil over high heat until hot but not smoking. Brown the tofu on all sides, turning it with tongs. Transfer the browned tofu to paper towels to drain. Divide the tofu between 2 plates and spoon the sauce over it. Sprinkle scallions over each serving and serve the tofu with rice.
Serves 2.

Variations

Add vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to the garlic sauce for added texture and flavor.
Substitute the tofu with chicken, shrimp, or beef for a different protein option.
Adjust the amount of soy sauce and vinegar to suit your taste preferences.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to drain the tofu well before cooking to remove excess moisture and allow it to brown properly.

- Stir-fry the garlic and ginger quickly to prevent burning and to release their flavors.

- Brown the tofu on all sides to create a crispy exterior and a tender interior.

- Serve the tofu with rice to soak up the delicious sauce and complete the meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Panfried Tofu with Oriental Garlic Sauce with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete and nutritious meal.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying the garlic and ginger quickly over high heat helps to release their flavors without burning them.

- Browning the tofu on all sides in a hot skillet creates a crispy exterior and a tender interior.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use tamari or coconut aminos as a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce.

- Substitute rice vinegar or white wine vinegar for cider vinegar.

- Use maple syrup or honey instead of granulated sugar.

Make Ahead Tips

The garlic sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the sauce before serving with the tofu.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Panfried Tofu with Oriental Garlic Sauce with additional sliced scallions or sesame seeds for a pop of color and texture.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a light and refreshing white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, to complement the flavors of the garlic sauce.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the tofu and sauce in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

290

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 23g

- Dietary Fiber: 2g

- Sugars: 4g

Fats

- Total Fat: 18g

- Saturated Fat: 2g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 16g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 4%

- Iron: 15%

- Calcium: 20%

Alergens

Contains soy

Summary

This dish is a good source of protein and iron, while also providing essential vitamins and minerals. It is low in saturated fat and calories, making it a healthy option for a balanced diet.

Summary

Panfried Tofu with Oriental Garlic Sauce is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to prepare and full of flavor. With a crispy exterior and a tender interior, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Serve it with rice and steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Panfried Tofu with Oriental Garlic Sauce. It was many years ago, during a trip to China with my husband. We were wandering through the bustling streets of Beijing, taking in the sights and sounds of this vibrant city.

As we passed by a small food stall, the aroma of sizzling tofu and garlic wafted through the air, beckoning us closer. Intrigued, we decided to stop and watch as the skillful vendor whipped up a batch of this mouthwatering dish.

I was mesmerized by the way he deftly sliced the tofu into perfect little squares, then tossed them into a hot pan with a generous amount of garlic and soy sauce. The sizzle of the tofu hitting the pan, the aroma of garlic filling the air - it was a sensory experience like no other.

I was determined to learn how to make this dish myself, so I approached the vendor and asked him for the recipe. He smiled warmly and began to explain the process to me in broken English, gesturing with his hands and using simple words to convey the steps.

I scribbled down the instructions on a scrap of paper, determined to recreate this delicious dish in my own kitchen. When we returned home from our trip, I wasted no time in gathering the ingredients and getting to work.

The first step was to press the tofu to remove excess moisture, a crucial step in ensuring that it would crisp up nicely when panfried. I wrapped the tofu in a clean dishcloth and placed a heavy skillet on top, allowing the weight to slowly press out the water.

Next, I minced a generous amount of garlic and chopped some green onions to add a fresh, savory flavor to the dish. I heated up a pan with a drizzle of oil and carefully added the tofu, listening to the satisfying sizzle as it hit the hot surface.

As the tofu cooked, I added the garlic and green onions, watching as they caramelized and infused the tofu with their aromatic goodness. I drizzled in some soy sauce and a touch of honey for sweetness, then tossed everything together until it was well coated and fragrant.

The finished dish was a masterpiece of flavors and textures - crispy tofu, savory garlic, and a touch of sweetness from the honey. I served it over a bed of steamed rice, garnished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a drizzle of chili oil for heat.

My husband took one bite and his eyes lit up with delight. "This is even better than the dish we had in Beijing!" he exclaimed, reaching for seconds.

I beamed with pride, knowing that I had successfully recreated a taste of our travels in my own kitchen. From that day on, Panfried Tofu with Oriental Garlic Sauce became a staple in our household, a dish that never failed to bring back memories of our trip to China.

Over the years, I have shared this recipe with friends and family, passing down the knowledge and skill that I acquired from that kind street vendor in Beijing. Each time I make it, I am transported back to that moment of wonder and discovery, grateful for the experiences that have shaped my love of cooking and adventure.

And so, as I stand in my kitchen today, preparing another batch of Panfried Tofu with Oriental Garlic Sauce, I am filled with a sense of joy and gratitude for the journey that brought me to this moment. I may not be in Beijing anymore, but with each bite of this delicious dish, I am reminded of the flavors and memories that will always hold a special place in my heart.