Go Back
Braised Tofu

Braised Tofu

A savory and satisfying tofu dish with a golden, crispy exterior and a rich, flavorful braising sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Vegan
Servings 4 meal
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • Nonstick pan
  • Mixing Bowl

Ingredients
  

  • 1 14-ounce block extra-firm tofu drained
  • Kosher salt to taste
  • 2-3 Tbsp neutral-flavored oil for frying
  • 1 Tbsp Chinese chile oil or neutral oil (for aromatics)
  • 4 scallions sliced on a bias (reserve dark green tops for garnish)
  • 1 inch piece fresh ginger finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic finely chopped
  • 1 cup red bell peppers thinly sliced
  • 3 Tbsp Chinese light soy sauce or regular soy sauce
  • 2 Tbsp organic brown sugar
  • 1 heaping Tbsp Chinese black vinegar
  • 1/4 to 1/2 tsp Sichuan chile flakes optional
  • 1/2 tsp Chinese five-spice powder
  • 1/8 tsp white pepper optional
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 Tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder
  • 1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil for finishing
  • 1 Tbsp toasted white sesame seeds for garnish
  • Reserved scallion greens for garnish
  • ~3 cups cooked white or brown rice
Dinner in Half an Hour GET YOUR COPY
Desserts cookbook GET YOUR COPY

Instructions
 

  • Press tofu to remove moisture, then slice into even squares about 1/3 to 1/2 inch thick.
  • Heat oil in a nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Cook tofu in a single layer until golden brown, about 5-8 minutes per side. Transfer to a towel-lined plate.
  • Add chile oil, scallion whites, garlic, and ginger to the same pan. Stir-fry until fragrant, then add bell peppers and cook until crisp-tender.
  • Mix soy sauce, brown sugar, black vinegar, Sichuan chile flakes, five-spice powder, and white pepper in a bowl. Pour over the vegetables and bring to a boil.
  • Prepare a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with water. Stir into the pan until the sauce thickens slightly.
  • Return fried tofu to the pan, gently tossing to coat. Simmer for 10 minutes to absorb flavors.
  • Serve over rice, drizzled with toasted sesame oil and garnished with sesame seeds and scallion greens.

Send me this recipe!

Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Keyword Braised, Tofu