Delicious Soybean Paste Braised Tofu Recipe

Soybean paste braised tofu is a familiar vegetarian dish with a rich flavor that can easily conquer any palate. With a simple method and easily found ingredients, you can make this dish yourself to treat your family during daily meals.

Prepare Ingredients

• Preparation time: 20 minutes
• Cooking time: 25 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients for 3-4 servings:

• Fried tofu: 5 pieces
• Soybean paste: 450g
• Minced lemongrass: 1/2 cup
• Green onions: 2 stalks
• Chili: 1 piece
• Garlic: 4 cloves
• Shallot: 1 bulb
• Cooking oil: 2 tablespoons
• Caramel sauce: 1 tablespoon
• Vegetarian fish sauce: 1 tablespoon
• Common seasonings: Salt, sugar, seasoning powder, MSG

Ingredients for Soybean Paste Braised Tofu
Essential ingredients for making delicious soybean paste braised tofu.

How to Make Soybean Paste Braised Tofu

Step 1: Lightly Fry the Tofu

Heat a pan over the stove, add 2 tablespoons of cooking oil and heat it up. When the oil is hot, gently place the pre-fried tofu pieces into the pan, and fry them again for about 3-4 minutes until they are golden on both sides. During frying, remember to turn them over to ensure the tofu becomes crispy and absorbs the flavor better.

Lightly Frying Tofu
Lightly frying tofu enhances the dish’s appeal and prevents it from becoming too soft when braised.

Step 2: Prepare Other Ingredients

Peel and wash the shallots and garlic, then mince them finely. Wash and finely chop the green onions and chili. Keep each type separate for easy use in the following steps.

Preparing Ingredients
Preparing shallots, garlic, and chili to enhance the dish’s flavor.

Step 3: Marinate the Tofu

Cut the tofu into bite-sized pieces (about 4 parts per piece). Place the tofu in a large bowl, add 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of MSG, 1/2 teaspoon of seasoning powder, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of caramel sauce, and 1 tablespoon of vegetarian fish sauce. Mix well and marinate for 15-20 minutes to allow the tofu to absorb the flavors.

Marinating the tofu makes the dish more flavorful and appealing.

Step 4: Make the Soybean Paste Sauce

Sauté the minced shallots, garlic, and lemongrass with 2 tablespoons of cooking oil over medium heat. Then, add the soybean paste to the pan, stir for 2-3 minutes. Add 1/2 cup of water, 1/2 teaspoon of MSG, and 1 teaspoon of sugar to the mixture, stir well, and cook for another 3-4 minutes until it boils, then turn off the heat.

Making Soybean Paste Sauce
Making soybean paste sauce is a crucial step that determines the dish’s flavor.

Step 5: Braise the Tofu with Soybean Paste

Sauté the minced garlic and shallots with cooking oil. Add the marinated tofu to the pan, stir for 1 minute. Add 1/2 cup of water, and stir-fry for another minute. Reduce the heat, add the soybean paste sauce, and braise for 6-7 minutes. Finally, sprinkle green onions and chili on top of the dish, then turn off the heat.

Braising Tofu with Soybean Paste
Braising tofu with soybean paste creates a distinctive, rich flavor.

Finished Product

The completed soybean paste braised tofu dish is visually appealing with a rich flavor that combines a harmonious blend of salty and sweet tastes. The soft and smooth tofu pieces combined with the distinctive aroma of soybean paste will surely make family meals more enticing.

Finished Soybean Paste Braised Tofu
Delicious, appealing, and easy-to-make soybean paste braised tofu.

Conclusion

With this delicious soybean paste braised tofu recipe, you have added another tasty dish to your family’s menu. Try it out today to experience the wonderful flavor it brings! Don’t forget to share your results with us.

Wishing you success and enjoyable meals!