17 Chinese Hairydeep Fried Tofu Recipe Unleash Your Inner Chef!
Published on: Mar 23, 2024
Hairy deep-fried tofu, also known as Ma Po Tofu, is a classic Chinese dish that is loved by both vegans and non-vegans alike. Made with soft tofu, this dish is coated in a crispy and spicy outer layer, making it the perfect combination of textures and flavors. Not only is it delicious, but it is also a healthy and easy-to-make dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish. In this article, we will explore the traditional Chinese recipe for hairy deep-fried tofu and how you can recreate this mouth-watering dish at home.
Looking for a light and flavorful soup to pair with your Beer Can Chicken? Look no further than this classic Chinese Egg Drop Soup. Made with a chicken broth base and flavored with soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger, this soup is the perfect way to start off your meal.
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Stir Fried Tofu
Main Ingredients: Pastry Flour, Dried Mushrooms, Napa Cabbage, Bamboo
For a protein-packed side dish, try this stir fried tofu. Seasoned with garlic, soy sauce, and chili flakes, this dish is bursting with flavor and pairs perfectly with any beer can chicken recipe.
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Fried Tofu With Pickled Chiles
Main Ingredients: Tofu, Peanut Oil, Ginger, Garlic Cloves, Scallions
If you're looking to add a little heat to your meal, try this fried tofu dish with pickled chiles. The tangy and spicy flavors of the pickled chiles complement the crispy fried tofu, making for a delicious and unique side dish.
Looking for a way to use up leftover rice? Whip up this Chinese vegetable fried rice that is packed with peas, carrots, and corn, and topped with scrambled eggs and green onions. It's a one-pan dish that is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
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Chinese Stir-fried Tofu and Chicken Giblets
Main Ingredients: Chicken Gizzards, Chicken Liver, Blood, Bean Curd
If you're feeling adventurous in the kitchen, try this Chinese stir-fried tofu and chicken giblets dish. The combination of tender chicken giblets and savory tofu creates a unique and delicious flavor profile that will keep you coming back for more.
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Chinese Tofu Fried Rice (豆腐炒饭)
Main Ingredients: Rice, Tofu, Vegetables, Garlic Cloves, Red Onion
Put a twist on traditional fried rice with this Chinese tofu fried rice recipe. Made with shiitake mushrooms, carrots, and peas, this dish is packed with veggies and protein and makes for a satisfying meal.
For a lighter option, try this Chinese chicken salad as a side dish for your beer can chicken. Made with Napa cabbage, carrots, and crispy wonton strips, this salad is dressed with a tangy soy ginger dressing that pairs perfectly with the flavors of the chicken.
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Braised Prawn Balls And Fried Tofu Over A Bed Of...
Main Ingredients: Tofu, Eggs, Prawns, Shaoxing Rice Wine, Oyster Sauce
Looking for a show-stopping dish to serve alongside your Beer Can Chicken? This braised prawn balls and fried tofu over a bed of vermicelli noodles is sure to impress your guests. The succulent prawn balls and crispy tofu are served over a bed of vermicelli noodles and topped with a rich and flavorful sauce.
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Char Siu Pork-Chinese BBQ Pork
Main Ingredients: Pork Butt, Ginger, Garlic Cloves, Light Soy Sauce
No Chinese feast is complete without some Char Siu Pork. This Chinese BBQ pork is marinated in a hoisin sauce and five-spice powder before being grilled to perfection. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a delicious and flavorful meal.
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Stir-Fried Tofu with Scallions, Garlic, Ginger, and...
Main Ingredients: Tofu, Peanut Oil, Minced Garlic, Ginger Root
This stir-fried tofu dish is a simple and easy side dish to pair with your beer can chicken. The tofu is seasoned with scallions, garlic, ginger, and a touch of sesame oil for a burst of flavor in every bite.
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Vegetable Lo Mein – Chinese Vegetable and Tofu Lo Mein
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For a satisfying and flavorful noodle dish, try this vegetable lo mein. Packed with broccoli, carrots, mushrooms, and tofu, this dish is sure to be a hit with vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
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Chinese Fried Crispy Tofu
Main Ingredients: Bean Curd, Seasoning, Tomato Sauce, Sichuan Pepper
If you're a fan of crispy tofu, you have to try this Chinese fried crispy tofu recipe. The tofu is coated in a cornstarch and flour mixture and fried to perfection. Serve it as a side dish or add it to your beer can chicken for an extra crunch.
Warm up on a cold day with this Chinese hot pot recipe. Made with a spicy broth and an array of meats and vegetables, this dish is perfect for sharing with friends and family. And what better way to enjoy it than alongside some tasty beer can chicken?
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Main Ingredients: Molasses, Tofu, Hoisin Sauce, Garlic, Ginger, Chinese
This sweet and sticky Chinese BBQ pork is sure to be a hit at your dinner table. The pork is marinated in a sweet and savory sauce and then roasted to perfection. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a delicious and flavorful meal.
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Nutritarian Chinese Lettuce Wraps
Main Ingredients: Tofu, Celery, Green Onion, Shredded Carrots, Mushrooms
For a healthy and flavorful meal, try these Nutritarian Chinese lettuce wraps. Made with tofu, water chestnuts, and hoisin sauce, these wraps are packed with protein and flavor. They make a great appetizer to enjoy before your beer can chicken feast.
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Southern Chinese Sour & Hot Soup
Main Ingredients: Dried Shiitake Mushrooms, Lily Flowers, Stock
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Chinese Tomato Tofu Stir Fry
Main Ingredients: Medium Tomatoes, Tofu, Cooking Oil, Salt, Sugar
This Chinese tomato tofu stir fry is a quick and easy dish that is full of flavor. The combination of tomatoes and tofu creates a delicious and unique sauce that pairs perfectly with any beer can chicken recipe.
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Braised Tofu and Eggs | Chinese Food
Main Ingredients: Tofu, Chili Peppers, Shallot, Oyster Sauce, Soy Sauce
This classic Chinese dish is a staple in many households. The braised tofu and eggs are simmered in a soy sauce-based sauce and served over rice. It's a simple and satisfying dish that goes well with any beer can chicken recipe.
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Simple Tofus Chinese Style | healthy Tofu
Main Ingredients: Tofu, Green Pepper, Chili Pepper And Garlic Sauce, Oil
For a healthier option, try this simple tofu dish with Chinese flavors. The tofu is flavored with soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar and topped with green onions. It's a light and flavorful side dish that pairs well with the flavors of beer can chicken.
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Tofu With Minced Pork | Chinese Food
Main Ingredients: Green Peppers, Hot Peppers, Ginger, Soy Sauce, Cooking
This savory and delicious tofu dish is packed with minced pork and shiitake mushrooms. The combination of flavors and textures makes this dish a perfect complement to any beer can chicken recipe.
The History of Hairy Deep-Fried Tofu
The Origins of Ma Po Tofu
The origin of hairy deep-fried tofu can be traced back to the Sichuan province in China, where it is believed to have been created by a woman named Chen Ma Po. Ma Po was a pockmarked old lady who ran a small restaurant and was known for her fiery personality and delicious cooking. Legend has it that she created the dish when she was low on ingredients and decided to use tofu instead of meat. The dish became an instant hit and it is now a staple in Sichuan cuisine.
The Significance of "Hairy" in the Name
The word "hairy" in the name of this dish refers to the texture of the tofu after it has been deep-fried. The outer layer becomes crispy and slightly "hairy" or rough, giving the dish its unique name. This texture also helps to hold the spicy sauce and flavors, making every bite bursting with flavor.
The Key Ingredients
When it comes to making hairy deep-fried tofu, the key is to use fresh and high-quality ingredients. The main ingredients include soft tofu, cornstarch, Sichuan peppercorns, chili bean paste, and green onions. While the traditional recipe calls for pork, you can easily make a vegetarian version by omitting the meat or using a plant-based substitute.
The Health Benefits of Tofu
Tofu, the main ingredient in this dish, is known for its numerous health benefits. It is a good source of protein, calcium, and iron, making it a great option for those following a plant-based diet. It also contains isoflavones, which have been linked to reducing the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer.
The Role of Spices in the Dish
Sichuan peppercorns and chili bean paste are the two main spices used in this dish, giving it its signature spicy and numbing flavor. Sichuan peppercorns are known for their numbing effect on the tongue, while chili bean paste adds a spicy kick to the dish. These spices not only add flavor but also have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
How to Make Hairy Deep-Fried Tofu
Now that you know the history and key ingredients of this dish, it's time to learn how to make it at home. The process involves deep-frying the tofu in cornstarch, making the outer layer crispy, and then tossing it in a spicy sauce. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can easily recreate this dish in your own kitchen.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cut the soft tofu into small cubes and pat them dry with a paper towel.
2. Dredge the tofu cubes in cornstarch, making sure they are evenly coated.
3. Heat oil in a wok or deep-fryer and carefully place the tofu cubes in the hot oil.
4. Fry the tofu for a few minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy.
5. In a separate pan, heat some oil and add Sichuan peppercorns and chili bean paste.
6. Once fragrant, add the fried tofu cubes and some water to the pan.
7. Stir and cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the tofu.
8. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.
Conclusion
In conclusion, hairy deep-fried tofu is a delicious and healthy Chinese dish that can be easily made at home. The combination of crispy tofu and spicy sauce is sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. So next time you're looking for a new and exciting dish to try, don't hesitate to give this traditional Chinese recipe a try.
