Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 block of firm tofu (14 oz)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup light soy sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 2 green onions, sliced
Special equipment needed:
- Non-stick skillet with lid
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes and set aside.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the minced garlic and ginger and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the tofu cubes and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned.
5. In a small bowl, mix together the light soy sauce, water, brown sugar, sesame oil, and white pepper.
6. Pour the sauce over the tofu and stir gently to coat.
7. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low.
8. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until the tofu is tender and the sauce has thickened.
9. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium-high heat for stir-frying
- Low heat for simmering
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Protein: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Firm tofu can be substituted with extra-firm tofu or fried tofu.
- Vegetable oil can be substituted with canola oil or peanut oil.
- Light soy sauce can be substituted with regular soy sauce or tamari.
- Brown sugar can be substituted with honey or maple syrup.
- White pepper can be substituted with black pepper.
Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
- Use dark soy sauce for a richer and darker color.
- Add a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice for a tangy twist.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
Tips and tricks:
- Use a non-stick skillet to prevent the tofu from sticking.
- Pat the tofu dry with paper towels before stir-frying to remove excess moisture.
- Don't stir the tofu too much while cooking to prevent it from breaking apart.
- Adjust the amount of soy sauce and sugar to your taste preference.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the leftover tofu in the microwave or on the stove until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the braised tofu in a shallow bowl or on a plate.
- Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds.
Garnishes:
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Pairings:
- Steamed rice
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Noodles
Suggested side dishes:
- Stir-fried bok choy
- Steamed broccoli
- Fried rice
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thin, simmer for a few more minutes until it thickens.
- If the tofu is too soft, reduce the cooking time or use extra-firm tofu.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the tofu is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to prevent foodborne illness.
Food history:
- Braised tofu is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine, especially in Sichuan and Hunan provinces.
Flavor profiles:
- Salty, savory, and slightly sweet with a hint of sesame flavor.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the braised tofu as a main dish or as a side dish.
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Region: Chinese