15 Sweet Eggplant Tofu Recipe Chinese They're Simply Irresistible!
Published on: Mar 25, 2024
Chinese cuisine is known for its bold flavors and use of fresh, seasonal ingredients. One dish that embodies these characteristics is the sweet eggplant tofu recipe. This mouth-watering dish combines the creaminess of tofu with the sweetness of eggplant, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Not only is it a popular vegetarian option, but it is also loved by meat-eaters for its rich and satisfying taste. In this article, we will delve into the traditional Chinese recipe for sweet eggplant tofu and learn how to recreate this delectable dish in the comfort of our own homes.
This classic Chinese dish is a comforting and nourishing start to any meal. Made with savory chicken broth and delicate egg ribbons, it's a simple yet flavorful soup that is sure to please. You can customize it by adding vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or bok choy, or even some shredded chicken for extra protein. Serve it hot and steaming with some green onions on top for a pop of color.
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Sichuan-Style Eggplant with Tofu
Main Ingredients: Asian Eggplant, Black Bean Garlic Sauce, Chinese Rice
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Fried Egg Tofu and Eggplants
Main Ingredients: Tofu, Chinese Eggplants, Ground Pork, Garlic, Green
This dish is a crowd-pleaser that is easy to make and full of flavor. The crispy fried egg tofu is paired with soft and tender eggplants, creating a perfect balance of textures. Tossed in a sweet and tangy sauce made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey, this dish is a must-try for any Chinese food lover. Serve it as a main dish or as a side dish to your favorite protein.
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Vegetarian Pad See Ew with Tofu and Chinese Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Rice Stick Noodles, Vegetable Oil, Garlic Cloves, Firm
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Sweet & Sticky Chinese BBQ Pork (Char Siu)
Main Ingredients: Molasses, Tofu, Hoisin Sauce, Garlic, Ginger, Chinese
This popular Chinese dish is a must-try for any meat lover. The marinated pork is roasted to perfection and glazed with a sweet and sticky sauce made with honey, soy sauce, and hoisin sauce. The result is tender and flavorful pieces of pork that are great on their own or served over a bed of steamed rice. This dish is perfect for a weekend meal or special occasion.
Chinese Tofu Veggie Chow Mein {Gluten-Free, Vegan}
Main Ingredients: Water, Gluten Free Brown Rice Spaghetti, Canola Oil
This gluten-free and vegan version of the classic chow mein is packed with veggies and protein from tofu. The cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers add crunch and color, while the tofu adds savory flavor. Toss everything in a delicious sauce made with soy sauce, sesame oil, and brown sugar, and serve it over cooked noodles. This dish is full of nutrients and flavor, making it a perfect weeknight meal.
Main Ingredients: Honey, Soy Sauce, Hoisin Sauce, Sesame Oil, Garlic
This iconic Chinese dish is a must-have for any Chinese food lover. The marinated pork is roasted to perfection and glazed with a sweet and savory sauce made with hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and honey. Serve it over steamed rice or enjoy it on its own. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or when you're craving some authentic Chinese flavors.
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Chinese Eggplant with Spicy Garlic Sauce
Main Ingredients: Cooking Oil, Eggplant, Garlic, Red Chile Pepper, Fresh
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Szechuan Eggplant with Silken Tofu
Main Ingredients: Chinese Eggplants, Salt, Cornstarch, Cooking Oil
This spicy and flavorful dish is perfect for those who love Szechuan cuisine. The soft and silky tofu is paired with spicy eggplant and tossed in a savory sauce made with chili paste, soy sauce, and black bean sauce. The result is a delicious and satisfying dish that is great served over steamed rice. Add some extra veggies like broccoli or bell peppers for more color and nutrition.
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Golden Bottom Veggie Potstickers
Main Ingredients: Dumpling Wrappers, Eggplant, Green Beans, Crimini
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Congee (chinese Rice Porridge)
Main Ingredients: Rice, Fresh Ginger, Garlic, Water, Dried Shiitake
This comforting and nourishing dish is a staple in Chinese cuisine. Made with rice and chicken broth, it's a simple yet satisfying meal that can be customized with your favorite toppings. You can add shredded chicken, eggs, green onions, or mushrooms for extra protein and flavor. Serve it hot and steaming and enjoy it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
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Vegetarian Chinese Potsticker Appetizers
Main Ingredients: Rice, Tofu, Onion, Garlic Cloves, Ginger, Shredded
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Char Siu Pork-Chinese BBQ Pork
Main Ingredients: Pork Butt, Ginger, Garlic Cloves, Light Soy Sauce
This popular Chinese dish is a must-try for any meat lover. The marinated pork is roasted to perfection and glazed with a sweet and sticky sauce made with honey, soy sauce, and hoisin sauce. Serve it over a bed of steamed rice or enjoy it on its own. This dish is perfect for a weekend meal or a special occasion.
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Vegetable Lo Mein – Chinese Vegetable and Tofu Lo Mein
Main Ingredients: Lo Mein Noodles, Firm Tofu, Assorted Vegetables, Spring
This refreshing and nutritious salad is a great option for a light lunch or side dish. The crispy lettuce is paired with soft and creamy tofu, and tossed in a sweet and tangy dressing made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey. Add some extra veggies like cucumbers, carrots, or bell peppers for more color and flavor.
This light and refreshing soup is a great option for a hot summer day or when you're feeling under the weather. Made with Chinese parsley and chicken broth, it's full of flavor and nutrients. You can add some protein like shredded chicken or tofu for a more filling meal. Serve it hot and steaming and enjoy it with some steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Chinese Roast Duck
Main Ingredients: Tofu, Garlic, Shaoxing Rice Wine, Honey
Ingredients
Tofu
When it comes to making a perfect sweet eggplant tofu dish, using the right kind of tofu is crucial. Firm or extra-firm tofu works best for this recipe as it holds its shape and texture when cooked. Silken tofu can also be used, but it may not hold up as well during the cooking process.
Eggplant
The star of this dish, eggplant, is a versatile vegetable that is used in various Chinese dishes. When choosing eggplants for this recipe, look for small to medium-sized ones that are firm and have a smooth, shiny skin. Avoid using large eggplants as they tend to have more seeds and can be bitter in taste.
Sauce
The key to a flavorful sweet eggplant tofu dish is the sauce. The primary ingredients for the sauce are soy sauce, sesame oil, and brown sugar. These three ingredients, when combined, create a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Other optional ingredients for the sauce include garlic, ginger, and chili paste, which add depth and spiciness to the dish.
Instructions
Preparing the Tofu and Eggplant
To ensure that the tofu is extra firm, wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and place it on a plate. Place a heavy object, such as a cutting board or a pot, on top of the tofu for 10-15 minutes to remove excess water. Meanwhile, cut the eggplant into bite-sized pieces and sprinkle with salt. Let it sit for 10 minutes to remove any bitterness, then rinse and pat dry with a paper towel.
Cooking the Tofu and Eggplant
Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Once the oil is heated, add the tofu and cook for 5-7 minutes until it is browned on all sides. Remove the tofu from the pan and set it aside. In the same pan, add more oil if needed and cook the eggplant for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until it is tender.
Making the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, and any optional ingredients for added flavor. Pour the sauce over the cooked eggplant and let it cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the eggplant.
Combining the Tofu and Eggplant
Add the cooked tofu to the pan with the eggplant and gently mix them together. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the tofu is heated through.
Serving
Garnish the sweet eggplant tofu with some sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added freshness and crunch. Serve it over a bed of rice or alongside your favorite noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.
In conclusion, the sweet eggplant tofu recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that brings together the best of Chinese flavors. With the right ingredients and a few simple steps, this dish can be recreated in your own kitchen, impressing your family and friends with your cooking skills. Try it out today and experience the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors in every bite.
