Chinese Tofu Recipes

I absolutely love this recipe because it transforms simple tofu into a savory masterpiece with aromatic garlic and ginger that hits just right. Plus, the crunchy bell peppers and the glossy, umami-rich sauce make every bite a total delight, perfect for satisfying my comfort food cravings while keeping things plant-friendly!

I think my Chinese tofu recipe is a truly delightful way to enjoy nutrition that comes from plants. The base of this dish is firm tofu that has been enriched by the aromas of ginger and garlic and a truly harmonious soy and oyster sauce blend.

In color and crunch, this dish is really ratcheted up by the addition of red bell pepper and scallions. And let’s not forget to drizzle a hint of sesame oil over the top.

That may be the best way to flavor this dish, which I’ve come to truly adore.

Ingredients

Tofu:
Contains a large amount of protein, a small amount of fat, and all the necessary amino acids.

Garlic:
Provides a robust flavor, promotes heart health, and fortifies the immune system.

Ginger:
Provides a flavorful zest; serves as a digestive aid and an anti-inflammatory agent.

Soy Sauce:
Delivers a salty, umami flavor; calorie-light but sodium-heavy.

Rice Vinegar:
It contributes sharpness and sweetness; promotes digestion; and boosts taste.

Red Bell Pepper:
High in vitamin C and antioxidants; provides a sweet, crunchy texture.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 block of firm tofu (14 oz/400g)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
• 1/2 cup scallions, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 tablespoon chili paste (optional)
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Take a block of tofu and slice it into small cubes, render them to bite size. Drain the moisture excess. This can be done by folding paper towels over the tofu cubes and placing weights on top for ten to fifteen minutes.

2. In a large skillet or wok, over medium-high heat, warm 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Place the tofu cubes in the skillet and fry, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown on all sides, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove the tofu from the skillet and set it aside.

3. In the same frying pan, place the rest of the tablespoon of vegetable oil. Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until they are nicely fragrant.

4. In the skillet, add the sliced red bell pepper and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until just tender.

5. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and black pepper.

6. Put the tofu back into the skillet and pour the sauce mixture over the tofu and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly.

7. Add the mixture of cornstarch and water to the skillet and stir continuously until the sauce thickens and turns glossy, which should take about 1 to 2 minutes.

8. Add the minced scallions and chili paste (if using) to the mixture, and blend well to ensure that the ingredients are evenly dispersed throughout the dish.

9. To prepare the dish for serving, take the tofu and vegetable mixture and place it in a serving dish. Then, for garnish, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds atop the mixture.

10. Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Knife
2. Cutting board
3. Paper towels
4. Weights or a heavy object (e.g., a small pan or can)
5. Large skillet or wok
6. Wooden spoon or spatula
7. Small bowl
8. Measuring spoons
9. Serving dish

FAQ

• Q: Can I use a different type of tofu?Q: Can I use extra firm tofu for a chewier texture? What about silken tofu?

  A: Yes, you can use extra firm tofu for a chewier texture, but avoid using silken tofu as it is too soft for this recipe.

• Q: Is there a substitute for oyster sauce to make it vegetarian?A: Vegetarian mushroom sauce can be used in place of oyster sauce to achieve a similar umami flavor.
• Q: Can this recipe be made gluten-free?Yes. To adapt the recipe for gluten sensitivity, use tamari in place of soy sauce and ensure your oyster sauce is gluten-free.
• Q: How can I make the dish less spicy?A: Omit the chili paste or reduce the amount for a milder dish.
• Q: What can I serve with this dish?A: This dish of tofu goes well with rice or quinoa, and a side of stir-fried vegetables makes the meal complete.
• Q: Can I prepare this recipe in advance?You can advance the sauce and the chopping of the ingredients, but for the best texture, cook the tofu just before you’re ready to serve.

Substitutions and Variations

Firm tofu: Replace with extra-firm tofu or tempeh for a different texture.
Oyster sauce: For a vegetarian option, use hoisin sauce or mushroom stir-fry sauce.
Rice vinegar: Use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar for a touch of different tanginess.
Peanut oil works well in place of sesame oil, but if you’re using something else, this is a flavor that you’re going to want to replace with something else. Omit if necessary, but know that you’re going to miss out on a big flavor.
Red bell pepper: Substitute yellow or green bell pepper, or even zucchini, for a different color and taste.

Pro Tips

1. Pressing Tofu Properly Ensure you press the tofu adequately before cooking to remove as much moisture as possible. This helps achieve a crispier texture when frying. If you have time, press it for longer than 15 minutes for even better results.

2. Even Frying When frying the tofu, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry in batches if necessary. This allows the tofu to cook evenly and become perfectly golden and crispy on all sides.

3. Fresh Aromatics Use freshly minced garlic and ginger instead of pre-minced or paste versions for better flavor. The freshness of these aromatics can significantly enhance the dish’s depth of flavor.

4. Evenly Coat Tofu After adding the sauce mixture to the tofu and vegetables, stir gently but thoroughly to ensure every piece of tofu is evenly coated with the sauce for maximum flavor.

5. Sauce Consistency Be cautious when adding the cornstarch mixture. Stir continuously to prevent lumps and ensure the sauce thickens smoothly. Adjust the thickness by adding a bit more water or cornstarch mixture as needed, depending on your preferred sauce consistency.