15 Japanese Beancurd Recipe You Won't Believe The Taste!
Published on: Mar 25, 2024
Aside from being a popular and versatile ingredient in Japanese cuisine, beancurd, also known as tofu, is also a powerhouse of nutrition. Made from soybeans, this protein-rich food has become a staple in vegetarian and vegan diets all over the world. In this article, we will explore a traditional Japanese beancurd recipe that is not only easy to make but also packed with flavor and health benefits. So, whether you're a tofu lover or looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, this recipe is worth trying out.
Main Ingredients: Beancurd, Mushrooms, Minced Pork, Shelled Prawns
This delicious dish combines the heartiness of minced pork and the earthiness of mushrooms with the soft texture of beancurd. A staple in many Chinese households, this dish is easy to make and packed with flavor. You can use any type of mushrooms you prefer, from button to shiitake, and add some soy sauce and oyster sauce for an extra umami kick.
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FRIED BEANCURD WITH SWEET CHILLI PEANUT SAUCE
Main Ingredients: Beancurd, Oil, Peanut Sauce, Red Chillies, Garlic
If you're a fan of sweet and spicy flavors, this dish is perfect for you. The crispy fried beancurd is drizzled with a homemade sweet chilli peanut sauce that will have your taste buds dancing. You can adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less chilli flakes, and don't forget to sprinkle some crushed peanuts on top for extra crunch.
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EZCR #6 - FRIED FIRM BEANCURD WITH SALTED FISH
Main Ingredients: Beancurd, Meat, Garlic, Red Chilli, Spring Onion
Salted fish, also known as ikan kurau in Malay, is a popular ingredient in many Southeast Asian dishes. In this recipe, it is paired with fried firm beancurd for a savory and fragrant dish. The key to this dish is to use high-quality salted fish and to soak it in water beforehand to reduce the saltiness.
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Steamed Prawns with Garlic and fermented Beancurd
Main Ingredients: Prawns, Beancurd, Minced Garlic, Spring Onion
This dish is a classic in Chinese cuisine and a must-try for seafood lovers. The fermented beancurd adds a unique tangy flavor to the succulent prawns, while the garlic adds a kick of heat. For a more intense flavor, marinate the prawns in the fermented beancurd sauce for at least an hour before steaming.
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Braised Pork Ribs with Chestnut & Dried Beancurd
Main Ingredients: Beancurd, Pork Ribs, Garlic, Ginger, Shallots
This hearty dish is perfect for a cold day, with tender pork ribs and creamy chestnuts cooked in a flavorful sauce. The dried beancurd adds a nice chewy texture to the dish, and you can use any type of chestnuts, fresh or canned, depending on their availability.
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Ah Ma's Sweet Potato Leaves in Fermented Beancurd
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potato Leaves, Chopped Garlic, Dried Shrimp
This simple yet delicious dish is a favorite among many Chinese families. The fermented beancurd enhances the natural sweetness of the sweet potato leaves and adds a savory depth of flavor. For a vegetarian option, you can substitute the fermented beancurd with vegetarian oyster sauce.
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Ngor Hiang Beancurd Skin Roll (五香卷)
Main Ingredients: Beancurd, Water Chestnuts, Chopped Carrots, Oyster
This Hokkien dish is a popular appetizer in Singapore and Malaysia, and it's not hard to see why. The beancurd skin is stuffed with a flavorful mixture of minced pork, prawns, and mushrooms, and deep-fried to crispy perfection. For a healthier option, you can also bake the rolls in the oven instead of deep-frying them.
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EASY HAKKA FRIED PORK BELLY WITH RED FERMENTED...
Main Ingredients: Pork Belly, Beancurd, Chinese Cooking Wine, Sugar
This Hakka dish is a crowd-pleaser, with tender pork belly and a tangy sauce made from red fermented beancurd. The pork belly is first boiled and then fried to achieve a crispy exterior while retaining its juicy interior. You can also use chicken or tofu as a substitute for the pork belly.
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Thai Praram Tofu (Swimming Rama)
Main Ingredients: Bean Curd, Broccoli Florets, Steamed Rice, Unsweetened
This Thai dish features fried tofu swimming in a creamy peanut sauce, making it a perfect comfort food. The sauce is made with coconut milk, which adds a rich and creamy texture, and you can use either smooth or chunky peanut butter depending on your preference. Serve it over steamed rice for a complete meal.
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PHAD THAI
Main Ingredients: Dried Shrimp, Thai Noodles, Vegetable Oil, Cilantro
This famous Thai street food dish is a staple in many Thai restaurants worldwide. The combination of rice noodles, tofu, shrimp, and bean sprouts tossed in a savory and tangy sauce is simply irresistible. For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the shrimp with fried beancurd or tofu.
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Chinese Fried Crispy Tofu
Main Ingredients: Bean Curd, Seasoning, Tomato Sauce, Sichuan Pepper
If you're looking for a quick and easy vegetarian dish, this Chinese-style fried crispy tofu is the perfect choice. The tofu is coated in a cornstarch and flour mixture and deep-fried until golden brown. You can serve it with a sweet and sour sauce or a spicy chili sauce for dipping.
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Vegetarian Steamed Buns
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Sugar, Salt, Sesame
These steamed buns, also known as baozi, are a popular street food in China. The soft and fluffy buns are filled with a savory mixture of vegetables and tofu, making them a nutritious and delicious meal. You can also add some bok choy or Chinese cabbage to the filling for extra greens.
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Crispy Roasted Pork Belly (脆皮燒肉)
Main Ingredients: Pork Belly, Oil, Salt, Beancurd, Pepper, Chinese
This Cantonese-style dish is a favorite among meat lovers, with its crispy skin and juicy meat. The key to achieving the perfect crispy skin is to poke holes in the skin before roasting and to dry the skin with a paper towel before applying the seasoning. Serve it with rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.
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Mee Goreng
Main Ingredients: Cooking Oil, Garlic, Potato, Bean Curd, Squid, Yellow
This Malaysian and Indonesian dish is a popular street food, and for a good reason. The combination of chewy yellow noodles, crispy fried beancurd, and a spicy sauce makes for a delicious and filling meal. You can also add some prawns or chicken for extra protein.
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Spicy Tofu Soup
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Stock, Bean Curd, Bean Paste, Fresh Shiitake
This Korean-style soup is perfect for cold days or when you're feeling under the weather. The soft tofu and vegetables are cooked in a spicy broth made with gochujang, a Korean chili paste. You can adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less gochujang, and you can also add some mushrooms or seafood for extra flavor.
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Steamed Vegetable Buns
Main Ingredients: Baby Bok Choy, Fresh Shiitake Mushrooms, Vegetable Oil
Similar to steamed buns, these vegetable buns are filled with a mixture of chopped vegetables and tofu, making them a healthy and delicious option. The buns are steamed until soft and fluffy, and you can add some sesame oil to the filling for extra fragrance.
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Shredded Pork with Bean Curd (香干肉丝)
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Shoulder, Cornstarch, Water, Sugar
This popular Sichuan dish is a flavorful and spicy stir-fry that pairs perfectly with steamed rice. The shredded pork and beancurd are cooked in a sauce made with soy sauce, chilli bean paste, and Sichuan peppercorns for a numbing and tingling sensation.
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SPICY EIGHT TREASURES STIR-FRY
Main Ingredients: Bean Curd, Carrot, Frozen Shelled Edamame, Pork
This colorful dish is a feast for both the eyes and the palate, with eight different types of vegetables and tofu stir-fried in a spicy sauce. The vegetables are usually chosen for their symbolic meanings, and you can use any combination of vegetables you like, such as carrots, mushrooms, and bell peppers.
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Penang Rojak
Main Ingredients: Jicama, Cucumber Peel, Green Mango, Bean Curd
Rojak is a popular Malaysian salad dish that combines a variety of fruits and vegetables with a sweet and spicy sauce. In Penang, the sauce is made with fermented beancurd, giving it a unique and tangy flavor. You can add some fried beancurd or tofu to the salad for extra texture.
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Quick Braised Tau Kwa (Firm Tofu) with Minced Pork
Main Ingredients: Minced Pork, Light Soy Sauce, Sesame Oil, Shaoxing
This quick and easy dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The firm tofu is braised in a flavorful sauce made with soy sauce and Chinese cooking wine, and you can add some vegetables like bok choy or green beans for a complete meal.
The Health Benefits of Beancurd
Rich in Protein
Beancurd is an excellent source of plant-based protein, making it a great option for vegetarians and vegans. Just one cup of beancurd contains around 10 grams of protein, which is equivalent to a serving of chicken. It also contains all the essential amino acids that our bodies need for muscle growth and repair.
Heart-Healthy
Studies have shown that regular consumption of beancurd can lower the risk of heart disease. It contains a type of unsaturated fat called polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Good for Bone Health
Beancurd is a good source of calcium, which is essential for maintaining strong and healthy bones. It also contains magnesium, phosphorus, and vitamin K, all of which play a role in maintaining bone health and preventing conditions like osteoporosis.
Rich in Antioxidants
Beancurd is rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin E and selenium, which help protect our cells from damage caused by free radicals. These antioxidants may also have anti-inflammatory properties, making beancurd beneficial for conditions like arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.
The Recipe: Japanese Beancurd with Sesame Soy Sauce
To make this traditional Japanese beancurd recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
1 block of firm beancurd
2 tablespoons of sesame oil
2 tablespoons of soy sauce
1 tablespoon of brown sugar
1 clove of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon of grated ginger
1 tablespoon of sesame seeds
Instructions:
Start by draining the beancurd and pressing it between paper towels to remove excess water.
Cut the beancurd into cubes and set aside.
In a small bowl, mix together the sesame oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger to make the sauce.
Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add the sesame seeds. Toast them for a few minutes until golden brown, then remove from the heat and set aside.
In the same pan, add the beancurd cubes and cook for about 5 minutes on each side until lightly golden.
Pour the sauce over the beancurd and let it cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats the beancurd.
Garnish with the toasted sesame seeds and serve with your favorite rice or noodle dish.
Enjoy a delicious and healthy meal with this Japanese beancurd recipe!
