Taiwanese Braised Tofu
A comforting and flavorful homestyle Taiwanese dish where firm tofu is pan-fried until golden and then braised in a savory, slightly sweet sauce infused with aromatics like garlic and ginger. It's a simple yet satisfying dish often served with rice.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 block (14 oz) Firm or medium-firm tofu(pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 2 tablespoons Oil(for frying)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tablespoon Ginger(freshly grated)
- 2 stalks Green onions(white and green parts separated, thinly sliced)
- 4 tablespoons Soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Tomato paste
- 0.5 cup Water
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch(mixed with 2 tablespoons water to make a slurry)
- 1 teaspoon Sesame oil(optional, for finishing)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Pat the tofu cubes very dry with paper towels. Heat oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu in a single layer and pan-fry until golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 10-15 minutes. Remove tofu and set aside.
- 2
In the same skillet (add a little more oil if needed), sauté minced garlic, grated ginger, and the white parts of the green onions until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- 3
Stir in soy sauce, brown sugar, and tomato paste. Cook for about 30 seconds until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is well combined.
- 4
Pour in the water and bring the sauce to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
- 5
Return the fried tofu to the skillet. Gently toss to coat the tofu with the sauce. Cover and simmer on low heat for 5-10 minutes, allowing the tofu to absorb the flavors.
- 6
Stir in the green parts of the green onions and optional sesame oil. Serve hot, preferably over steamed rice.
💡 Tip: Ensure the tofu is well-pressed and dried for optimal crispiness when pan-frying.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using medium-firm or firm tofu is recommended for this recipe.
- ✓Don't overcrowd the pan when frying tofu; cook in batches if necessary.
- ✓Adjust the sweetness and saltiness of the sauce to your preference.
🔄 Variations
- Add other braising ingredients like shiitake mushrooms, daikon radish, or hard-boiled eggs.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- A splash of Shaoxing wine can be added with the aromatics for extra depth.