Easy Braised Tofu Recipe | Cook Click N Devour!!! (2024)

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Braised tofu is a delicious Chinese side dish with sweet and spicy flavors. This restaurant style tofu side dish is vegan and very easy to make at home.

If you have firm tofu handy, this tofu dish gets ready in minutes. A perfect side dish with sesame noodles, fried rice, noodles, pho and also a wonderful snack!

Easy Braised Tofu Recipe | Cook Click N Devour!!! (1)

I am big fan of Asian dishes and anything with sweet and spicy sauce , I am game. I have had this braised tofu dish many times in our local Chinese restaurant.

Perfectly done tofu with slightly crispy edges and melt in mouth texture, braised in super flavorful sauce along with onions, what’ not to love 🙂

I also like to throw in lots of sesame seeds for that crunch and flavor.

You can alter this recipe to totally suit your taste buds. We like it slightly dry so I have used less sauce here. You can easily increase the amount of sauce and make super saucy braised tofu too.

As I have mentioned in this tofu stir fry recipe, when I first tasted tofu it did not go very well. Apparently I had tasted it from a wrong place.

But when I had perfectly done tofu, it all changed. Quickly I also started to experiment with tofu recipes and this braised tofu recipe is our top favorite at home.

This is also a popular Korean tofu recipe. It is basically a side dish where pan fried crispy tofu slabs are braised quickly in a sweet and spicy sauce along with some onions.

It tastes so good when served hot along with Asian mains like fried rice, noodles or on its own as snack with a side of hot sauce.

This Braised Tofu Is

Quick, easy and simple to make

made with no special ingredients

Vegan

Flavorful & delicious

Perfect side dish for Asian recipes.

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Ingredients For Braised Tofu

Tofu– There are many varieties of tofu available in stores. For this recipe you can use firm tofu or silken tofu. I have made braised tofu with both the varieties and prefer firm tofu here. You can press the tofu if you prefer but for this recipe I don’t do that step.

Rinse the tofu block very well and cut into thick slabs. Rinse again and wipe excess water using a clean kitchen towel. Set aside for few minutes.

Ingredients For The Sauce– The sauce we use for braising tofu is a super simple one. Instead of mixing the ingredients for the sauce separately, I prefer to add the ingredients one by one in hot oil. This method increases the flavor and taste of the sauce.

The sauce for this tofu recipe is a mix of dark and light soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar chili flakes.

Other Ingredients– The other ingredients we need here are the regulars in Asian cuisine. Toasted sesame oil, minced ginger garlic, scallion greens or green onions and sesame seeds.

Optional Ingredients- Along with tofu you can add few other ingredients like cubed onion, cubed bell peppers, mushrooms, bamboo shoots. Saute these after ginger garlic and proceed with the recipe.

Step By Step Method

Preparing tofu

If your tofu block is refrigerated thaw it for few minutes. Rinse the block of tofu in cold running water thoroughly. Wipe off with a clean kitchen towel. Cut into 1/4 inch thick slabs or cubes.

Heat a flat cast iron pan or wok with 2 tablespoons oil. Place the tofu cubes and set the flame to medium high. Gently fry the tofu cubes from all sides until golden brown and crispy.

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Remove to a paper towel and set aside until use.

How to make braised tofu

Now let’s prepare the sauce for braising the tofu.

Heat 2 tablespoons toasted oil in a wok. I used the same oil and pan used for frying tofu.

Add minced ginger garlic and sesame seeds. Saute in high heat for a minute.

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Add chili flake, cubed onions and saute for 2 minutes. Add 3/4 cup water and let it sizzle.

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Now add soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar and salt to taste. Let the sauce bubble and thicken for 2 minutes.

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Add the pan fried tofu cubes and braise quickly for 2 minutes.

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Add scallion greens and mix. Serve braised tofu warm.

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Recipe Notes & Tips

To make the recipe with more sauce– Just increase water by another 1/4 cup and stir in 2 teaspoons of corn flour slurry (2 teaspoons corn four mixed in 1 tablespoon cold water) and let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes.

Adjust the seasoning to your taste– feel free to vary the quantity of sauces to your taste. You can also add 1 tablespoon vegetarian oyster sauce, hot sauce or siracha sauce for more flavor.

Storage– This recipe tastes best when served immedietly. I do not recommend making this ahead.

Serving Suggestions– Braised tofu is a perfect side dish for Asian mains like Chinese fried rice, schezwan noodles etc. You can also serve this snack.

I hope you will try this braised tofu recipe and enjoy as much as we did. Please give a star ratingin the recipe card below. Follow us onPinterest,Instagram,Facebook for more recipes and ideas

Easy Braised Tofu Recipe | Cook Click N Devour!!! (9)

Braised Tofu

Harini

Braised tofu is a delicious Chinese side dish with sweet and spicy flavors. This restaurant style tofu side dish is vegan, gluten free and very easy to make at home. If you have firm tofu handy, this dish gets ready in minutes. A perfect side dish with fried rice, noodles, pho and also a wonderful snack!

4.31 from 13 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 mins

Cook Time 15 mins

Total Time 30 mins

Course Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine Asian, Chinese, Korean

Servings 3

Calories 221 kcal

1 CUP = 250 ml

Ingredients

  • 200 grams tofu sliced into cubes
  • 4 tablespoons toasted sesame oil divided
  • 1 big onion cubed
  • 1 tablespoon minced ginger garlic
  • 1/4 cup sesame seeds
  • 2 teaspoons chili flakes

For the sauce

  • 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
  • 1 tabespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar

Instructions

Preparing tofu

  • If your tofu block is refrigerated thaw it for few minutes. Rinse the block of tofu in cold running water thoroughly. Wipe off with a clean kitchen towel. Cut into 1/4 inch thick slabs or cubes.

  • Heat a flat cast iron pan or wok with 2 tablespoons sesame oil. Place the tofu cubes and set the flame to medium high. Gently fry the tofu cubes from all sides until golden brown and crispy.

  • Remove to a paper towel and set aside until use.

How to make braised tofu

  • Now let’s prepare the sauce for braising the tofu.

  • Heat 2 tablespoons toasted oil in a wok. I used the same oil and pan used for frying tofu.

  • Add minced ginger garlic and sesame seeds. Saute in high heat for a minute.

  • Add chili flakes, cubed onions and saute for 2 minutes. Add 3/4 cup water and let it sizzle.

  • Now add soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar and salt to taste. Let the sauce bubble and thicken for 2 minutes.

  • Add the pan fried tofu cubes and braise quickly for 2 minutes.

  • Add scallion greens and mix. Serve braised tofu warm.

Notes

To make the recipe with more sauce- Just increase water by another 1/4 cup and stir in 2 teaspoons of corn flour slurry (2 teaspoons corn four mixed in 1 tablespoon cold water) and let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes.

Adjust the seasoning to your taste- feel free to vary the quantity of sauces to your taste. You can also add 1 tablespoon vegetarian oyster sauce, hot sauce or siracha sauce for more flavor.

Storage- This recipe tastes best when served immedietly. I do not recommend making this ahead.

Serving Suggestions- Braised tofu is a perfect side dish for Asian mains like Chinese fried rice, schezwan noodles etc. You can also serve this snack

Nutrition

Serving: 3gCalories: 221kcal

Keyword Braised Tofu

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Easy Braised Tofu Recipe | Cook Click N Devour!!! (2024)

FAQs

What does it mean to braise tofu? ›

To”braise” a food means to fry it, then simmer in sauce in a closed container. Today we're skipping the frying aspect – mostly because my beloved store-bought tofu wasn't fried either. Don't worry though, we'll still be simmering our tofu in a mouth-watering marinade that's surprisingly simple!

What is the secret to cooking tofu? ›

Tofu contains a large amount of water when it comes out of the package. In order to bake, fry, or scramble tofu, it's best to press out as much water as possible before cooking.

How to make fried tofu like Chinese restaurants? ›

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. One piece at a time, dip the tofu into the cornstarch to coat both sides, then into the beaten egg. Immediately transfer to the skillet for pan frying. Cook until both sides turn golden brown.

How do you make tofu from soy milk? ›

Cook the raw soy milk, then strain out the soybean pulp. Bring the soy milk back up to temperature, then add a coagulant to curdle the soymilk. Transfer the soybean curds into a tofu mold and apply pressure to form your block of tofu. Firm up the tofu in cool water, then it's ready to enjoy!

Is braising the same as slow cooking? ›

Braising, a form of slow cooking, involves cooking meat on a bed of vegetables (a mirepoix) with a small amount of liquid in a covered pan, for a couple hours on a low heat. The vegetables are usually served with the meat and the wonderful cooking juices are used as a tasty sauce.

Is braising just boiling? ›

For braising, on the other hand, the ingredient is first browned in a small amount of oil; then some form of liquid – generally a flavorful broth – is added to cover the food about one-third way up or less. The pot is gently simmered over lower heat, tightly covered, for a fairly long period.

What not to mix with tofu? ›

What to not serve with tofu? According to studies, a high volume consumption of tofu and spinach together can increase your risk of kidney stones. Tofu and spinach contain calcium and oxalic acid respectively and the combined can form kidney stones.

How to cook tofu for beginners? ›

Heat a large oven-safe metal or cast iron skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the oil and the seasoned tofu. Sauté for 5 minutes, shaking/flipping occasionally to cook on all sides, until tofu has a slight crust on each side and has begun to brown.

What should I marinate tofu in? ›

In a mixing bowl or measuring cup with a spout, whisk together the marinade: soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, olive oil, sesame oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, ginger, and Sriracha. Drizzle over the tofu. If any pieces look bare, turn them over in the marinade a few times so all of the sides are coated.

Why does restaurant tofu taste different? ›

This difference in taste is largely due to one key ingredient: salt. In the culinary world, salt is a key flavor enhancer that unlocks and elevates the natural tastes of food. When it comes to tofu, which is naturally quite mild-tasting, salt becomes a critical component in transforming it into something delicious.

Should you marinate tofu before frying? ›

For the tastiest results, marinade the tofu overnight. Roll slices or cubes of marinated tofu in some rice flour, potato starch, corn flour or grated coconut before pan-frying for an extra-crispy crust. Be sure to use a non-stick pan with a generous amount of oil. Deep-frying is also an option.

Can you coat tofu in flour instead of cornstarch? ›

Substitutions: If you prefer not to cook with cornstarch, you can substitute in an equal volume of all-purpose flour or potato starch. Tofu: This recipe can also be made with medium-firm tofu, but you'll need to be a bit more gentle while pressing and coating it.

Why do I react to soy milk but not tofu? ›

On the other hands, patients with secondary soy allergy in adults, who have allergic reactions exclusively to soy milk, but not to tofu, are predominantly sensitized to Gly m 4 (PR-10), possibly due to the cross-reactive pollen allergens.

Why boil tofu in salt water? ›

Many cooking experts champion a quick soak as a way to give the protein more texture and flavor. “Simmering cubed tofu in salted water for 60 seconds pulls out excess moisture and tightens the proteins on its surface,” Lukas Volger told Bon Appétit in 2021.

Is it cheaper to make own tofu? ›

It takes a little time but the results are excellent, and good value for money at under £1.50 for 400g of tofu which is cheaper than the supermarket! Soak 200g soy beans overnight in water.

What does braise mean in cooking? ›

braising, the cooking of meat or vegetables by heating them slowly with oil and moisture in a tightly sealed vessel. Braising differs from stewing, in which the food is immersed in liquid, and from covered roasting, in which no liquid is added. Braising is a combination of covered roasting and steaming. goulash.

What is braised tofu made of? ›

It begins by pan-frying tofu squares until they're golden brown. From there, the crispy tofu is braised in a deeply savory, slightly sweet, and spicy Chinese sauce until every bite is infused with rich flavor. Scoop the spicy braised tofu over rice and greens, then enjoy!

What does braising do in cooking? ›

At the end of the day, braising is just cooking a tougher cut of meat gently in liquid until it is transformed into a tender, succulent, fall-off-the-bone masterpiece.

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