Chinese Braised Tofu

From Rainbow Plant Life's video Watch the original

This Chinese braised tofu is incredibly savory and flavorful, perfect for winning over tofu skeptics. It's saucy, delightfully chewy, and pairs beautifully with rice and steamed broccoli.

Ingredients

• 1 block extra firm tofu
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1 inch fresh ginger
• 1 red bell pepper
• 3 tablespoons Chinese light soy sauce
• 1 heaping tablespoon Chinese black vinegar
• 2 tablespoons organic brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon Sichuan chili flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon five-spice powder
• 1/8 teaspoon white pepper
• 1 tablespoon chili oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 1/2 cup water
• to taste salt
• to taste olive oil
• to taste toasted sesame oil
• to taste rice vinegar
• to taste sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Prepare the tofu: Slice the block of extra firm tofu in half lengthwise, then slice crosswise about a third to a half inch thick. Press the tofu to draw out excess water.
2. Prep the aromatics: Chop the white and light green parts of the scallions into one inch pieces, finely chop the garlic cloves and fresh ginger.
3. Make the braising sauce: In a bowl, combine the Chinese light soy sauce, Chinese black vinegar, organic brown sugar, Sichuan chili flakes, five-spice powder, and white pepper.
4. Fry the tofu: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium high heat, add a few tablespoons of oil, and fry the tofu until golden brown, about 5 to 8 minutes on each side.
5. Stir-fry the aromatics: In the same skillet, add chili oil, scallions, ginger, and garlic, and stir-fry for a minute or two. Then add the bell peppers and stir-fry for about two minutes.
6. Simmer the sauce: Add the braising sauce to the skillet and let it simmer for about five minutes to thicken.
7. Make the cornstarch slurry: Whisk together 1 1/2 cup of water with a tablespoon of cornstarch, then add it to the skillet with the tofu.
8. Braise the tofu: Gently simmer the tofu in the sauce for about 10 minutes until well coated.
9. Steam the broccoli: Steam broccoli florets in a bamboo steamer lined with parchment paper, adding rice vinegar and toasted sesame oil for flavor.

Converted from YouTube · Rainbow Plant Life ·