20 Fried Soft Tofu Recipe Chinese Unleash Your Inner Chef!
Published on: Mar 22, 2024
If you love Chinese food, then you have probably tried various tofu dishes. However, have you ever had fried soft tofu? This delicious and crispy dish is a popular Chinese recipe that is easy to make and bursting with flavor. Perfect as an appetizer or side dish, fried soft tofu is a must-try for anyone who enjoys tofu or is looking to expand their culinary horizons. In this article, we will guide you through a simple and authentic fried soft tofu recipe that will have your taste buds singing. So, put on your apron and let's get cooking!
He Jia Tuan Yuan (Tofu Ball Soup for Lunar Chinese New...
Main Ingredients: Soft Tofu, Ground Pork, Cornstarch, Egg, Chicken
This hearty soup is a traditional dish served during the Lunar Chinese New Year celebration. It features soft and fluffy tofu balls made from ground tofu and vegetables, simmered in a flavorful broth. Perfect for a cold winter day, this dish is a staple in many Chinese households during the holiday season.
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Chicken & Soft Tofu Casserole (鸡粒豆腐煲)
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs, Water, Cornstarch
This casserole dish is a comforting and satisfying meal that combines tender chunks of chicken with soft and silky tofu. The dish is flavored with a combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and Chinese five spice, resulting in a deliciously savory and fragrant dish that is sure to please your taste buds.
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Soft Tofu in Tomato Sauce (茄汁日本豆腐)
Main Ingredients: Soft Tofu, Corn Starch, Oil, Garlic Cloves, Spring
This simple yet flavorful dish features cubes of soft tofu simmered in a tangy tomato sauce. The tofu absorbs the flavors of the sauce, creating a delicious contrast of textures and flavors. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
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Mapo Dofu | Chinese Spicy Pork with Tofu
Main Ingredients: Szechuan Peppercorns, Peanut Oil, Ground Pork, Chili
Mapo Dofu is a classic Sichuan dish that features spicy ground pork and soft tofu. It is known for its fiery and numbing flavors, thanks to the use of Sichuan peppercorns. This dish is a must-try for anyone who loves spicy food and is looking for a new way to enjoy tofu.
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Mapo Tofu
Main Ingredients: Soft Tofu, Peanut Oil, Ground Pork, Garlic, Leeks
Another variation of the famous Sichuan dish, Mapo Tofu is a vegetarian version that uses mushrooms and eggplant in place of the pork. The result is a delicious and hearty dish that is packed with flavor and protein. Serve over steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Stir Fried Pork Over Tofu
Main Ingredients: Soft Tofu, Garlic Cloves, Green Onion, Ground Pork
This dish combines tender slices of pork with soft and creamy tofu, stir-fried in a flavorful sauce. The tofu absorbs all the flavors of the sauce, creating a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a family dinner. Serve with steamed vegetables for a well-balanced meal.
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Beef Tofu Stir Fry
Main Ingredients: Flank Steak, Water, Vegetable Oil, Cornstarch, Baking
This stir-fry dish features tender slices of beef and soft tofu, cooked in a savory and slightly sweet sauce. The combination of textures and flavors makes this dish a crowd-pleaser, and it can be easily customized with your favorite vegetables. Serve over rice for a filling and delicious meal.
This classic Chinese soup features a tangy and spicy broth filled with a variety of ingredients, including tofu, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and pork. The combination of flavors and textures makes this soup a favorite in Chinese cuisine, and it's perfect for a cold winter day or when you're feeling under the weather.
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Hakka Style Chinese Stuffed Tofu
Main Ingredients: Soft Tofu, Ground Pork, Salted Fish, Fresh Ginger
This dish features tofu stuffed with a flavorful mixture of ground pork, mushrooms, and green onions. The tofu is then pan-fried until crispy and served with a savory sauce. This dish is a popular Hakka-style dish and is perfect for anyone looking for a unique and tasty way to enjoy tofu.
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Chinese Vegetable Soup with Tofu – Takeout Style
Main Ingredients: Peanut Oil, Green Onions, Ginger, Water, Mushroom
This soup is a healthier and homemade version of the popular Chinese takeout dish. It features a flavorful broth filled with a variety of vegetables and soft tofu. This soup is perfect for a light and nutritious meal, and it can be easily customized with your favorite vegetables.
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Hot and Sour Soup
Main Ingredients: Chicken Stock, Rice Vinegar, Low Sodium Soy Sauce
This vegetarian version of the classic Chinese soup features tofu, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots in a tangy and spicy broth. It's a perfect option for those looking for a flavorful and healthy soup, and it can be easily made at home with just a few simple ingredients.
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Ginger Garlic Shrimp and Tofu
Main Ingredients: Shrimps, Eggs, Corn Starch, Garlic, Ginger, Soft Tofu
This dish is a delicious combination of succulent shrimp and soft tofu, stir-fried in a flavorful sauce made with ginger and garlic. The result is a dish that's bursting with flavor and packed with protein. Serve over steamed rice for a satisfying and well-balanced meal.
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Crispy Skin Stuffed Tofu
Main Ingredients: Shrimp, Salt, Oil, Sesame Oil, Shaoxing Wine
This dish features crispy tofu skins that are stuffed with a flavorful mixture of pork, mushrooms, and vegetables. The skins are then pan-fried until crispy and served with a savory sauce. This dish is perfect for anyone looking for a unique and delicious way to enjoy tofu.
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Easy Mapo Tofu / Spicy Tofu
Main Ingredients: Soft Tofu, Seasoning, Stock, Salt Water, Shiitake
This quick and easy version of Mapo Tofu features ground pork, tofu, and green onions cooked in a spicy and flavorful sauce. It's a perfect dish for busy weeknights when you want something tasty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
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Easy Steamed Tofu (蒸豆腐)
Main Ingredients: Soft Tofu, Light Soy Sauce, Vegetarian Oyster Sauce
This simple and healthy dish features steamed tofu topped with a savory sauce made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. It's a great option for a light and nutritious meal, and it can be easily customized with your favorite vegetables.
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Four Dumpling Fillings
Main Ingredients: Minced Pork, Salt, Spring Onion, Minced Ginger, Ground
These dumplings are filled with a mixture of soft tofu, shrimp, and vegetables, making them a healthier and lighter option compared to traditional dumplings. Serve them boiled, steamed, or pan-fried for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Vegetarian Mapo Tofu
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Sichuan Peppercorns, Ginger, Garlic
This vegetarian version of Mapo Tofu features mushrooms and tofu cooked in a spicy and flavorful sauce. It's a perfect dish for those looking for a meat-free option that doesn't compromise on taste. Serve over steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Authentic Hot And Sour Soup (酸辣汤)
Main Ingredients: Dried Shitake Mushroom, Black Fungus, Pork, Cornstarch
This classic Chinese soup features a tangy and spicy broth filled with a variety of ingredients, including tofu, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and pork. The combination of flavors and textures makes this soup a favorite in Chinese cuisine, and it's perfect for a cold winter day or when you're feeling under the weather.
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Ma Po Tofu
Main Ingredients: Chicken Stock, Black Bean Sauce, Soy Sauce, Soft Tofu
This dish is a spicy and flavorful Sichuan dish that features soft tofu and ground pork in a fiery sauce. The dish is known for its numbing and tingling sensation, thanks to the use of Sichuan peppercorns. This dish is perfect for anyone who loves spicy food and is looking for a new way to enjoy tofu.
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Chinese Stir Fry Tofu
Main Ingredients: Soft Tofu, Red Bell Pepper, Yellow Bell Pepper, Green
This stir-fry dish features tofu and a variety of vegetables, cooked in a savory and slightly sweet sauce. The result is a delicious and healthy meal that is perfect for a weeknight dinner. Serve over rice for a filling and satisfying meal.
The Benefits of Using Soft Tofu
When it comes to cooking with tofu, there are many different varieties to choose from, such as firm, extra firm, and soft. While each type has its own unique texture and taste, soft tofu is the preferred choice for frying in Chinese cuisine. This is because soft tofu has a delicate and creamy texture that holds its shape well when fried, making it perfect for absorbing the flavors of the dish. It is also low in calories and high in protein, making it a healthy and filling option for vegetarians and vegans.
Choosing the Right Tofu for Frying
When purchasing tofu for this recipe, it is important to choose the right type of tofu. Look for packages labeled "soft tofu" or "silken tofu." These types of tofu have a higher water content, resulting in a softer and creamier texture. Be sure to drain the excess water from the tofu before frying to prevent it from splattering in the hot oil.
Marinating the Tofu
To infuse the tofu with flavor, it is crucial to marinate it before frying. This will also help to remove any excess moisture, ensuring a crispy and golden exterior. In this recipe, we use a combination of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger to create a savory and aromatic marinade. Simply slice the tofu into bite-sized cubes, add it to the marinade, and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. You can also marinate the tofu overnight for a more intense flavor.
The Art of Frying
Now, onto the main event - frying the tofu! It is essential to use the right oil and temperature when frying to achieve the perfect texture. We recommend using vegetable or canola oil and heating it to approximately 375 degrees Fahrenheit. The oil should be hot enough to create a sizzle when the tofu is added, but not so hot that it burns the tofu. Fry the marinated tofu in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Be sure to drain the excess oil on a paper towel before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Once the tofu is fried to perfection, it's time to enjoy! You can serve it as a standalone dish or as a topping for noodle dishes, rice bowls, or salads. For added flavor and texture, top the fried tofu with a sprinkle of sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or chili flakes. You can also serve it with a side of sweet and sour sauce or peanut sauce for dipping.
Now that you know the secrets to making the perfect fried soft tofu, it's time to give it a try! This versatile and delicious dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to impress your taste buds with this traditional Chinese recipe.