In recent years, more and more people have been turning to plant-based diets for health, ethical, and environmental reasons. And one of the most versatile and delicious ingredients in this diet is tofu. But for those who are new to cooking with tofu, it can be intimidating to know where to start. That's why we've put together this article to share our favorite Chinese takeout tofu recipe that is easy, delicious, and will leave you wanting more.
Satisfy your cravings for Chinese takeout with this delicious and easy recipe for Chinese egg drop soup. Made with a flavorful broth, silky eggs and green onions, this soup is the perfect way to start off any meal or enjoy as a light and healthy lunch. The best part? It can be ready in just 15 minutes!
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Sweet & Sticky Chinese BBQ Pork (Char Siu)
Main Ingredients: Molasses, Tofu, Hoisin Sauce, Garlic, Ginger, Chinese
Char siu, or Chinese BBQ pork, is a classic dish that is popular in both China and in Chinese restaurants around the world. This recipe uses a sweet and sticky marinade made with honey, hoisin sauce, and Chinese five spice powder to create tender and flavorful pieces of pork that are perfect for serving over rice or noodles.
Hot pot, also known as Chinese fondue, is a popular communal meal in China that involves cooking a variety of meats, vegetables, and noodles in a flavorful broth at the center of the table. This recipe includes instructions for making a homemade broth that is seasoned with Chinese herbs and spices, as well as a variety of dipping sauces to enhance the flavors of the cooked ingredients.
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Mapo Tofu (Chinese Takeout)
Main Ingredients: Medium Tofu, Ground Pork, Sugar, Ginger Paste, Sake
If you're a fan of spicy food, then you have to try this recipe for mapo tofu, a popular Chinese dish made with soft tofu, minced pork, and a spicy sauce made with Sichuan peppercorns, chili bean paste, and doubanjiang. Serve it over rice for a filling and flavorful meal that will warm you up from the inside out.
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Chinese Tofu Veggie Chow Mein {Gluten-Free, Vegan}
Main Ingredients: Water, Gluten Free Brown Rice Spaghetti, Canola Oil
For a healthier take on Chinese takeout, try this recipe for Chinese tofu veggie chow mein. Made with a variety of colorful vegetables, crispy tofu, and gluten-free rice noodles, this dish is both tasty and good for you. The savory sauce made with soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil adds the perfect amount of flavor to this easy and satisfying meal.
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Chinese Takeout-Style Tofu and Broccoli
Main Ingredients: Extra Firm Tofu, Reduced Sodium Tamari Sauce, Sriracha
Another delicious and healthy Chinese takeout-inspired dish is this recipe for tofu and broccoli. The tofu is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger before being stir-fried with broccoli and a flavorful sauce made with oyster sauce and rice vinegar. Serve it over rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
If you're looking for a lighter option for your next Chinese-inspired meal, try this recipe for Chinese chicken salad. Made with shredded chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a tangy dressing made with rice vinegar, soy sauce, and peanut butter, this salad is full of flavor and texture. It's the perfect dish for a summer cookout or a quick and easy lunch.
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Chinese Vegetable Soup with Tofu – Takeout Style
Main Ingredients: Peanut Oil, Green Onions, Ginger, Water, Mushroom
This Chinese vegetable soup is the perfect way to warm up on a chilly day. Made with a variety of vegetables, tofu, and a flavorful broth made with chicken stock, ginger, and star anise, this soup is a healthier take on traditional Chinese soups found in takeout restaurants. Serve it with some wonton strips for a delicious and comforting meal.
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Char Siu or Chinese BBQ Roast Pork
Main Ingredients: Honey, Soy Sauce, Hoisin Sauce, Sesame Oil, Garlic
This recipe for char siu, or Chinese BBQ roast pork, is a simple and delicious way to make your own Chinese-style pork at home. The marinade made with hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and Chinese five spice powder gives the pork a sweet and savory flavor that is irresistible. Serve it with some steamed rice and veggies for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Congee (chinese Rice Porridge)
Main Ingredients: Rice, Fresh Ginger, Garlic, Water, Dried Shiitake
Congee, also known as rice porridge, is a popular Chinese breakfast dish that is also enjoyed as a comforting meal when you're feeling under the weather. This recipe uses jasmine rice, chicken broth, and ginger to create a simple and flavorful porridge that can be topped with a variety of toppings, such as scallions, toasted peanuts, and sesame oil.
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Vegetarian Chinese Potsticker Appetizers
Main Ingredients: Rice, Tofu, Onion, Garlic Cloves, Ginger, Shredded
These vegetarian Chinese potstickers are a tasty and easy appetizer that is perfect for parties or as a snack. The filling is made with a combination of tofu, shiitake mushrooms, and cabbage, and seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious and satisfying treat.
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Char Siu Pork-Chinese BBQ Pork
Main Ingredients: Pork Butt, Ginger, Garlic Cloves, Light Soy Sauce
This recipe for char siu pork is another way to make delicious and flavorful Chinese BBQ pork at home. The marinade is made with hoisin sauce, Chinese five spice powder, and honey, and the pork is slow-roasted until tender and caramelized. Serve it over rice or in a sandwich for a mouthwatering meal.
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Vegetable Lo Mein – Chinese Vegetable and Tofu Lo Mein
Main Ingredients: Lo Mein Noodles, Firm Tofu, Assorted Vegetables, Spring
If you're in the mood for a delicious and satisfying noodle dish, try this recipe for vegetable lo mein. Made with a variety of colorful vegetables, tofu, and chow mein noodles, this dish is seasoned with a flavorful sauce made with oyster sauce, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. It's a perfect meal for vegetarians or anyone looking for a healthier Chinese-inspired dish.
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Chinese Takeout-Style Tofu and Broccoli (recipe from...
Main Ingredients: Extra Firm Tofu, Reduced Sodium Tamari Sauce, Sriracha
This recipe for Chinese takeout-style tofu and broccoli is a healthier and more budget-friendly alternative to ordering out. The tofu is marinated in a flavorful mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger before being stir-fried with broccoli and a delicious sauce made with oyster sauce and rice vinegar. Serve it over rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
This Chinese tofu salad is a light and refreshing dish that is perfect for warm weather. The tofu is marinated in a mixture of rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil before being tossed with a variety of colorful vegetables and topped with a tangy dressing. It's a great option for a healthy and flavorful lunch.
Dumplings, or potstickers, are a popular Chinese dish that can be filled with a variety of meats and vegetables. This recipe uses a combination of pork, cabbage, and green onions for a flavorful filling. The dumplings are pan-fried until crispy and served with a dipping sauce made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
If you're looking for a unique and delicious soup to try, give this Chinese parsley soup a go. Made with a variety of vegetables, chicken broth, and Chinese parsley, also known as cilantro, this soup is full of flavor and nutrients. It's a great way to use up leftover Chinese parsley and make a tasty and healthy meal.
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Chinese Roast Duck
Main Ingredients: Tofu, Garlic, Shaoxing Rice Wine, Honey
This Chinese roast duck recipe is a showstopper dish that is perfect for special occasions. The duck is marinated in a mixture of honey, soy sauce, and hoisin sauce before being roasted until crispy and golden brown. Serve it with some steamed buns and hoisin sauce for a delicious and authentic Chinese meal.
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Chinese Mongolian Hot Pot
Main Ingredients: Lamb, Cellophane Noodles, Bok Choy, Tofu, Chicken
This Chinese Mongolian hot pot is a fun and interactive meal that is perfect for sharing with friends and family. Each person gets to cook their own meats, vegetables, and noodles in a flavorful broth that is seasoned with Chinese herbs and spices. Serve it with a variety of dipping sauces for a truly delicious and memorable dining experience.
Last but not least, no list of Chinese recipes would be complete without a classic dish like vegetable fried rice. This recipe uses a variety of colorful vegetables, eggs, and rice for a filling and flavorful meal. The key to making delicious fried rice is to use cold rice, so plan ahead and make the rice the night before for the best results.
Why Tofu is a Must-Try Ingredient for Chinese Takeout Recipes
There are countless reasons why tofu is the star ingredient in this Chinese takeout tofu recipe. Firstly, tofu is an incredibly versatile ingredient that can take on different flavors and textures depending on how it is cooked. This makes it perfect for recreating the classic Chinese takeout dishes that we all know and love. Secondly, tofu is a great source of plant-based protein, making it a healthier option than meat for those looking to reduce their meat consumption. Additionally, tofu is affordable and easy to find in most grocery stores, making it a convenient ingredient for everyday cooking.
How to Make the Perfect Chinese Takeout Tofu at Home
Now that we know the benefits of using tofu in our Chinese takeout dishes, let's dive into our Chinese takeout tofu recipe. To get that crispy and flavorful tofu that you get from your favorite Chinese restaurant, it's important to follow a few key steps. Firstly, you'll want to press your tofu to remove any excess water. This allows the tofu to absorb more flavor and have a firmer texture. Next, marinate the tofu in a mixture of soy sauce, Chinese five-spice powder, and a touch of honey for sweetness. This will infuse the tofu with delicious flavors and give it a beautiful caramelized exterior when cooked.
How to Incorporate Tofu into Your Favorite Chinese Takeout Dishes
Now that you have your perfectly marinated and pressed tofu, let's explore some of the ways you can incorporate it into your favorite Chinese takeout dishes. You can use tofu as a substitute for meat in dishes like General Tso's tofu, Kung Pao tofu, and Szechuan tofu. Simply cook the tofu in your desired sauce and serve it over rice or noodles for a delicious and healthy meal. You can also use tofu as a protein in stir-fries, soups, and even dumplings. The possibilities are endless when it comes to using tofu in your Chinese takeout recipes.
In conclusion, tofu is a must-try ingredient for anyone looking to recreate their favorite Chinese takeout dishes at home. It's versatile, healthy, and affordable, making it a great addition to any plant-based diet. So why not give our Chinese takeout tofu recipe a try and see for yourself how delicious and easy it is to cook with tofu? We promise you won't be disappointed.
