Ingredients:
- Firm tofu – 1 block (about 400g)
- Vegetable oil – 2 tbsp (for frying tofu)
- Garlic – 2 cloves (minced)
- Ginger – 1-inch piece (finely sliced)
- Green onion (scallions) – 2 stalks (chopped, for garnish)
- Bell pepper – 1 (sliced, optional)
- Carrot – 1 small (julienned, optional)
- Soy sauce – 3 tbsp
- Dark soy sauce – 1 tbsp
- Oyster sauce – 1 tbsp (or vegetarian oyster sauce)
- Rice vinegar – 1 tbsp
- Sugar – 1 tsp
- Water or vegetable broth – 1/2 cup
- Cornstarch – 1 tsp (optional, to thicken sauce)
- Sesame oil – 1 tsp
- Chili paste or fresh chilies – to taste (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Tofu:
- Drain the tofu and cut it into bite-sized cubes (around 1-inch pieces).
- To remove excess moisture, gently press the tofu between paper towels or a clean kitchen cloth for about 10 minutes. This will help the tofu crisp up when frying.
- Fry the Tofu:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully add the tofu cubes. Fry them for about 3-5 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.
- Once cooked, remove the tofu from the skillet and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and water (or vegetable broth). Stir well to mix. If you’d like a thicker sauce, you can add the cornstarch here and mix until smooth.
- Optionally, add a small amount of chili paste or chopped fresh chilies if you like your dish spicy.
- Cook the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet or wok, add a little more oil if needed. Heat over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic, ginger, and chopped bell peppers (if using). Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Add the julienned carrots (if using) and stir-fry for another 2 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
- Combine the Tofu and Sauce:
- Return the fried tofu cubes to the skillet with the vegetables.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the tofu and vegetables. Stir gently to coat everything in the sauce. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is well combined.
- Add sesame oil for extra flavor, and give it one final stir.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with chopped green onions and a drizzle of sesame oil for added fragrance.
- Serve the dish hot with steamed rice, or alongside other stir-fried dishes for a complete meal.
Tips:
- Tofu texture: You can also use silken tofu for a softer texture, but firm tofu holds up better in stir-fries and absorbs the sauce more effectively.
- Vegetarian/Vegan version: The dish is already vegetarian, but to make it vegan, just ensure you use plant-based oyster sauce.
- Adjust seasoning: Feel free to adjust the soy sauce, vinegar, or sugar to balance the saltiness and sweetness according to your preference.
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