Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 block of tofu, cut into thin slices
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 shallots, minced
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of white pepper
- 1/4 cup of water
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon of water
Special equipment needed:
- None
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and shallots, and sauté until fragrant and golden brown.
3. Add the sliced tofu, soy sauce, sugar, salt, and white pepper. Stir well to combine.
4. Pour in the water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
5. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth. Add it to the pan and stir well to thicken the sauce.
6. Serve hot with steamed rice.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium heat for sautéing and boiling
- Low heat for simmering
Serving size:
- 2-3 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 200 per serving
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Protein: 10g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Vegetable oil can be substituted with any neutral oil.
- Soy sauce can be substituted with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Sugar can be substituted with honey or maple syrup.
- Cornstarch can be substituted with arrowroot powder or potato starch.
Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or carrots for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Use firm or extra-firm tofu for a chewier texture.
- Add chili flakes or hot sauce for a spicier version.
Tips and tricks:
- Pat dry the tofu slices with paper towels before cooking to remove excess moisture and prevent splattering.
- Use a non-stick pan or a well-seasoned cast iron skillet to prevent sticking.
- Adjust the seasoning to your liking by adding more or less soy sauce, sugar, or salt.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the leftovers in a microwave or a pan over low heat until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the Kembang Tahu on a plate with steamed rice and some fresh herbs, such as cilantro or parsley, for garnish.
Garnishes:
- Fresh herbs, such as cilantro or parsley
- Sliced scallions or green onions
- Crushed peanuts or sesame seeds
Pairings:
- Steamed rice
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Pickled vegetables
Suggested side dishes:
- Indonesian-style fried rice (Nasi Goreng)
- Vegetable curry
- Grilled chicken or fish
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add more water to thin it out.
- If the tofu is too soft or mushy, use a firmer tofu or press it before cooking to remove excess moisture.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the tofu thoroughly to prevent any foodborne illness.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.
Food history:
- Kembang Tahu is a traditional Indonesian dish made with tofu and various seasonings. It is often served as a side dish or a snack.
Flavor profiles:
- Savory, umami, garlicky, slightly sweet
Serving suggestions:
- Serve hot with steamed rice and some fresh herbs for garnish.
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Region: Indonesian