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Braised Tofu

Braised Tofu

A savory and satisfying tofu dish with a golden, crispy exterior and a rich, flavorful braising sauce.
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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

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.

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Notes

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