19 Chinese Restaurant Tofu Recipe Deliciousness Awaits You!
Published on: Mar 23, 2024
Tofu, also known as bean curd, is a staple ingredient in Chinese cuisine. It is made by coagulating soy milk and pressing the curds into blocks, which are then cut into various shapes and used in a variety of dishes. Its versatility and mild flavor make it a popular protein source for vegetarians and vegans, as well as for those looking for a healthier alternative to meat. In this article, we will share a delicious and authentic Chinese restaurant tofu recipe that you can easily make at home.
This classic Chinese soup is the perfect starter for any meal. Made with a savory chicken broth, scrambled eggs, and a hint of soy sauce, it's a simple yet delicious way to kick off your beer can chicken feast.
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Sweet & Sticky Chinese BBQ Pork (Char Siu)
Main Ingredients: Molasses, Tofu, Hoisin Sauce, Garlic, Ginger, Chinese
No need to go out for Chinese takeout when you can make your own char siu at home. The combination of honey, hoisin sauce, and five-spice powder creates a sweet and sticky glaze that is irresistible on top of a juicy beer can chicken.
For a fun and interactive meal, gather your friends and family for a Chinese hot pot night. This communal dish involves cooking various meats, vegetables, and dumplings in a simmering broth right at the table. Add a beer can chicken to the mix for a delicious and unexpected twist.
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Chinese Tofu Veggie Chow Mein {Gluten-Free, Vegan}
Main Ingredients: Water, Gluten Free Brown Rice Spaghetti, Canola Oil
For those following a gluten-free or vegan lifestyle, this Chinese tofu and veggie chow mein is the perfect choice. Packed with crispy tofu, colorful veggies, and a flavorful sauce, it's a delicious and healthy addition to any beer can chicken meal.
Switch up your usual side dishes with a refreshing Chinese chicken salad. Made with shredded chicken, crunchy veggies, and a tangy ginger dressing, it's the perfect complement to a savory beer can chicken.
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Char Siu or Chinese BBQ Roast Pork
Main Ingredients: Honey, Soy Sauce, Hoisin Sauce, Sesame Oil, Garlic
If you're craving a taste of Chinese BBQ but don't have a grill, this oven-roasted char siu recipe is the solution. The marinade creates a rich and flavorful glaze that is sure to impress alongside your beer can chicken.
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Chinese Salt and Pepper Tofu Restaurant Style
Main Ingredients: Oil, Leeks, Celery Rib, Green Pepper, Minced Garlic
For a vegetarian twist on a classic Chinese dish, try this restaurant-style salt and pepper tofu. The crispy exterior and soft interior of the tofu pairs perfectly with the fragrant salt and pepper seasoning and is the perfect accompaniment to a juicy beer can chicken.
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Congee (chinese Rice Porridge)
Main Ingredients: Rice, Fresh Ginger, Garlic, Water, Dried Shiitake
Warm up on a chilly night with a comforting bowl of Chinese congee. This rice porridge is flavored with ginger, scallions, and chicken broth and is the perfect base for a succulent beer can chicken.
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Vegetarian Chinese Potsticker Appetizers
Main Ingredients: Rice, Tofu, Onion, Garlic Cloves, Ginger, Shredded
Looking for a tasty appetizer to serve alongside your beer can chicken? These vegetarian Chinese potstickers are a crowd-pleaser. Filled with tofu, mushrooms, and cabbage, they are sure to satisfy both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike.
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Char Siu Pork-Chinese BBQ Pork
Main Ingredients: Pork Butt, Ginger, Garlic Cloves, Light Soy Sauce
This mouthwatering char siu pork recipe is perfect for those who love a little heat. The spicy marinade adds a kick of flavor to the tender pork, making it a delicious addition to your beer can chicken meal.
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Vegetable Lo Mein – Chinese Vegetable and Tofu Lo Mein
Main Ingredients: Lo Mein Noodles, Firm Tofu, Assorted Vegetables, Spring
Upgrade your usual lo mein with this Chinese vegetable and tofu version. Packed with colorful veggies, cubes of tofu, and a savory sauce, it's a delicious and filling side dish to pair with your beer can chicken.
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Chinese Restaurant-Style Hot and Sour Soup
Main Ingredients: Chicken Broth, Cooked Shredded Chicken, Bean Curd
Warm up on a cold day with a bowl of hot and sour soup. This Chinese restaurant-style version is loaded with chicken, mushrooms, and tofu, and has just the right amount of spice to balance out a rich and savory beer can chicken.
If you're looking for a light and refreshing side dish for your beer can chicken, this Chinese tofu salad is the way to go. The combination of crispy tofu, crunchy veggies, and a tangy dressing creates a perfect balance of flavors.
No Chinese meal is complete without a side of dumplings. These homemade potstickers are filled with a delicious pork and vegetable mixture and are sure to be a hit alongside your beer can chicken.
This Chinese parsley soup is a light and flavorful option to serve alongside a rich beer can chicken. The combination of parsley, ginger, and chicken broth creates a comforting and savory broth that is perfect for dipping your chicken in.
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Chinese Roast Duck
Main Ingredients: Tofu, Garlic, Shaoxing Rice Wine, Honey
If you're feeling adventurous, try adding a Chinese roast duck to your beer can chicken meal. The crispy skin and tender meat is a delicious pairing with the juicy chicken and is sure to impress your guests.
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Chinese Mongolian Hot Pot
Main Ingredients: Lamb, Cellophane Noodles, Bok Choy, Tofu, Chicken
Similar to Chinese hot pot, Mongolian hot pot involves cooking various meats and veggies in a simmering broth. The addition of spices and herbs gives this dish a unique flavor that is perfect for enjoying with a flavorful beer can chicken.
Take your fried rice game to the next level with this Chinese vegetable version. Loaded with colorful veggies and fluffy rice, it's a great side dish to serve alongside your beer can chicken.
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Nutritarian Chinese Lettuce Wraps
Main Ingredients: Tofu, Celery, Green Onion, Shredded Carrots, Mushrooms
Switch up your usual lettuce wraps with this nutritarian Chinese version. Made with tofu, mushrooms, and water chestnuts, it's a healthy and delicious option to pair with your beer can chicken.
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Southern Chinese Sour & Hot Soup
Main Ingredients: Dried Shiitake Mushrooms, Lily Flowers, Stock
This Southern Chinese sour and hot soup is a traditional dish that is perfect for cleansing your palate between bites of beer can chicken. The combination of spices and vinegar gives it a unique flavor that is sure to impress.
The Key to Perfect Tofu: Pressing and Marinating
Pressing the Tofu
Before using tofu in any dish, it is important to press out the excess water. This step is crucial as it allows the tofu to absorb the flavors of the marinade and prevent it from being too soggy in texture. To press the tofu, wrap it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and place a weight on top, such as a heavy skillet or cans. Leave it to press for at least 15 minutes, or up to an hour for firmer tofu.
Marinating the Tofu
Marinating the tofu is the key to infusing it with delicious flavors. For this Chinese restaurant tofu recipe, we recommend using a simple marinade made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. You can also add some honey or brown sugar for a touch of sweetness. Let the tofu marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.
Stir-Frying the Tofu
Once the tofu is pressed and marinated, it is ready to be stir-fried. Heat a wok or large pan over high heat and add vegetable oil to coat the bottom. Add the marinated tofu and stir-fry for a few minutes until it starts to turn golden brown and crisp on the edges. You can also add some diced vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and onions for a more colorful and nutritious dish.
Serving Suggestions
This Chinese restaurant tofu recipe can be served in a variety of ways. You can enjoy it as a side dish, a main course, or add it to your favorite Chinese dishes such as mapo tofu, kung pao tofu, or tofu and vegetable stir-fry. It is also a great protein option for vegetarian or vegan versions of popular Chinese takeout dishes.
Now that you have the key tips for perfect tofu and a delicious marinade, it's time to try this Chinese restaurant tofu recipe at home. Impress your family and friends with this authentic and flavorful dish that is sure to become a staple in your Chinese cooking repertoire.
