20 Chinese Style Tofu Recipe Try These Culinary Delights!
Published on: Mar 24, 2024
Tofu is a staple ingredient in Chinese cuisine, known for its versatility and ability to absorb flavors. With its delicate texture and high protein content, it has become a popular choice for vegetarians and health-conscious individuals. In this article, we will share a delicious Chinese-style tofu recipe that is easy to make and full of flavor. Whether you are new to cooking with tofu or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So, let's get started and add a touch of Chinese flair to your next meal with this mouth-watering tofu dish.
This classic Chinese soup is a delicious and simple way to start off any meal. Made with a flavorful broth, eggs, and green onions, it's a favorite in many Chinese restaurants and households. The key to a great egg drop soup is to slowly pour the beaten eggs into the hot broth while stirring, creating the characteristic "ribbons" of egg. Add some soy sauce and sesame oil for extra flavor and you have a comforting and tasty soup that's perfect for any occasion.
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Sweet & Sticky Chinese BBQ Pork (Char Siu)
Main Ingredients: Molasses, Tofu, Hoisin Sauce, Garlic, Ginger, Chinese
This iconic Chinese dish is a must-try for any BBQ lover. Marinated in honey, hoisin sauce, and Chinese five-spice powder, the pork is then grilled until it's tender, juicy, and caramelized on the outside. Whether served as an appetizer or as a main dish with rice and vegetables, this dish is sure to impress.
Hot pot is a beloved Chinese meal that's perfect for sharing with friends and family. A large pot of simmering broth is placed in the center of the table, along with a variety of raw meats, seafood, and vegetables. Each person then cooks their own food in the broth, creating a fun and interactive dining experience. Don't forget the dipping sauces, such as soy sauce and sesame paste, for added flavor.
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Chinese Tofu Veggie Chow Mein {Gluten-Free, Vegan}
Main Ingredients: Water, Gluten Free Brown Rice Spaghetti, Canola Oil
This chow mein dish is a great option for those who follow a gluten-free or vegan diet. Tofu and a mix of colorful vegetables are stir-fried with rice noodles and a savory sauce. The result is a dish that's packed with flavor and nutrients, and can be easily customized with your favorite veggies.
This refreshing and light salad is a popular dish in Chinese-American cuisine. Shredded chicken, cabbage, and carrots are tossed with a tangy dressing made with soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. It's a perfect dish for a hot summer day or as a side dish for a Chinese-inspired meal.
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Char Siu or Chinese BBQ Roast Pork
Main Ingredients: Honey, Soy Sauce, Hoisin Sauce, Sesame Oil, Garlic
Char siu is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or used in many other Chinese dishes. The pork is marinated in a sauce made with hoisin sauce, honey, and Chinese five-spice powder, then roasted until it's tender and caramelized. Serve it with rice or use it as a filling for bao buns or wonton wrappers.
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Congee (chinese Rice Porridge)
Main Ingredients: Rice, Fresh Ginger, Garlic, Water, Dried Shiitake
Congee is a comforting and nourishing dish that's popular in many Asian countries. In China, it's often enjoyed for breakfast or as a light meal. Made with rice and water, it can be flavored with a variety of toppings such as scallions, soy sauce, or pickled vegetables. It's a great option for those who are feeling under the weather or in need of a simple yet satisfying meal.
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Vegetarian Chinese Potsticker Appetizers
Main Ingredients: Rice, Tofu, Onion, Garlic Cloves, Ginger, Shredded
Potstickers, also known as gyoza in Japan, are a popular Chinese dumpling that can be filled with a variety of ingredients. This vegetarian version is filled with a mix of cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, and tofu, and can be steamed or pan-fried for a crispy and flavorful appetizer. Serve them with a spicy dipping sauce for an extra kick.
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Char Siu Pork-Chinese BBQ Pork
Main Ingredients: Pork Butt, Ginger, Garlic Cloves, Light Soy Sauce
This version of char siu is made with pork tenderloin, making it a healthier option without sacrificing any flavor. The tenderloin is marinated in a sauce made with hoisin sauce, honey, and Chinese five-spice powder, then roasted to perfection. Serve it with some steamed vegetables and rice for a complete and delicious meal.
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Vegetable Lo Mein – Chinese Vegetable and Tofu Lo Mein
Main Ingredients: Lo Mein Noodles, Firm Tofu, Assorted Vegetables, Spring
Lo mein is a popular Chinese noodle dish that can be customized with your favorite ingredients. This vegetarian version is packed with colorful vegetables and tofu, making it a nutritious and filling meal. The noodles are tossed in a flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, sesame oil, and hoisin sauce for a dish that's sure to please.
This light and refreshing salad is perfect for a hot day or as a side dish for a Chinese-inspired meal. Cubed tofu is mixed with a variety of vegetables and a zesty dressing made with soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Add some crushed peanuts for extra crunch and flavor.
This soup is a popular dish in the Guangdong province of China, known for its flavorful and light cuisine. Made with Chinese parsley, ground pork, and vermicelli noodles, it's a simple yet delicious soup that's perfect for a cold day. The flavors of the parsley and pork blend together beautifully, creating a tasty and comforting broth.
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Chinese Roast Duck
Main Ingredients: Tofu, Garlic, Shaoxing Rice Wine, Honey
This dish is a favorite in many Chinese restaurants and can also be made at home with a little effort. The duck is marinated in a flavorful mix of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and five-spice powder, then roasted until it's crispy and tender. Serve it with some rice and vegetables for a complete and delicious meal.
This classic Chinese dish is a great way to use up leftover rice and vegetables. Eggs, peas, carrots, and green onions are stir-fried with the rice and a flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, sesame oil, and oyster sauce. Customize it with your favorite veggies or add some shrimp or chicken for a heartier meal.
Dumplings, also known as potstickers, are a staple in Chinese cuisine and can be found in many different variations. These dumplings are filled with a mix of pork, cabbage, and green onions, and can be steamed, pan-fried, or boiled. Serve them with a dipping sauce made with soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Chinese Mongolian Hot Pot
Main Ingredients: Lamb, Cellophane Noodles, Bok Choy, Tofu, Chicken
This hot pot variation is flavored with Mongolian-style ingredients, such as lamb, cumin, and chili, for a spicy and flavorful meal. The broth is simmered with these ingredients and then used to cook a variety of meats, seafood, and vegetables. The result is a delicious and exciting meal that's perfect for sharing.
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Nutritarian Chinese Lettuce Wraps
Main Ingredients: Tofu, Celery, Green Onion, Shredded Carrots, Mushrooms
Lettuce wraps are a popular appetizer in many Chinese restaurants and can also be made at home with a healthier twist. Instead of using traditional meats, these lettuce wraps use tofu, mushrooms, and water chestnuts for a nutritious and flavorful filling. Serve them with a peanut sauce for an extra kick.
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Sweet and Sticky Chinese BBQ Pork (aka Char Siu)
Main Ingredients: Molasses, Tofu, Hoisin Sauce, Garlic, Ginger, Chinese
This version of char siu uses a different cut of pork, the pork shoulder, for a richer and more flavorful dish. The pork is marinated in a sauce made with hoisin sauce, honey, and five-spice powder, then slow-cooked until it's tender and caramelized. Serve it with some rice and vegetables for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Chinese Tomato Tofu Stir Fry
Main Ingredients: Medium Tomatoes, Tofu, Cooking Oil, Salt, Sugar
This stir fry dish is packed with flavorful ingredients like tofu, tomatoes, and garlic for a tasty and satisfying meal. The tofu is stir fried until it's crispy, then mixed with the tomatoes and garlic, and served over rice. It's a great option for a quick and easy meal that's also vegetarian-friendly.
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Chinese Pizza with Ginger Garlic Tofu
Main Ingredients: Hoisin Sauce, Red Pepper, Green Onion, Chopped
This unique and delicious dish is a fusion of Chinese and Italian cuisines. The pizza crust is topped with a mix of tofu, ginger, garlic, and green onions, making it a flavorful and protein-packed meal. Add some vegetables or your favorite toppings for a personalized and tasty pizza experience.
Ingredients:
Firm tofu
Tofu is the star of this recipe, and you will need a block of firm tofu. Be sure to drain and press the tofu before cooking to remove any excess water and to ensure a firmer texture.
Soy sauce
Soy sauce is a staple in Chinese cuisine and adds a savory umami flavor to the dish. Use low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier option.
Rice vinegar
Rice vinegar is a mild and slightly sweet vinegar that adds a tangy taste to the dish. You can substitute with apple cider vinegar if needed.
Sesame oil
Sesame oil is a key ingredient in Chinese cooking, adding a nutty and rich flavor to the dish. A little goes a long way, so use it sparingly.
Cornstarch
Cornstarch is used to thicken the sauce and give it a glossy texture. You can substitute with potato starch or arrowroot powder.
Garlic and ginger
Garlic and ginger add a fragrant and spicy kick to the dish. Use freshly minced or grated for the best flavor.
Vegetables
To add some color and nutrients, you can add your choice of vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, or snow peas.
Oil
For stir-frying, you will need a high smoke point oil such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil.
Instructions:
1. Cut the firm tofu into cubes and drain and press using a tofu press or by placing it between paper towels and a heavy object for 15-20 minutes.
2. In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, mix 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of grated ginger.
4. In a large pan or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat.
5. Add the garlic and ginger to the pan and stir-fry for 1 minute.
6. Add your choice of vegetables to the pan and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
7. Move the vegetables to one side of the pan and add the tofu cubes to the other side.
8. Cook the tofu for 3-4 minutes, flipping occasionally, until golden brown.
9. Pour the sauce mixture over the tofu and vegetables and stir to coat everything evenly.
10. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and the vegetables are fully cooked.
11. Serve hot over rice or noodles and enjoy your delicious Chinese-style tofu dish.
Final Thoughts:
This Chinese-style tofu recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal or for impressing guests at a dinner party. The combination of savory soy sauce, tangy rice vinegar, and nutty sesame oil creates a well-balanced and flavorful dish. Experiment with different vegetables and add some chili flakes for a spicy kick. With this recipe, you can elevate your tofu game and bring a taste of China to your dinner table.
