Silken Tofu Braised in Orange: Delicious and Easy Home Recipe

Are you looking for a light yet flavorful dish for your family meal? Orange-braised silken tofu is the perfect suggestion! With the harmonious blend of natural orange sweetness, the soft texture of tofu, and a hint of chili heat, this dish is not only easy to make but also sure to impress even the pickiest eaters. Let’s explore the detailed recipe to prepare this delicious dish!

Ingredients Needed for Orange-Braised Silken Tofu

To create an enticing dish of orange-braised silken tofu, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Silken tofu: 3 blocks (prefer soft and smooth, without a sour smell)
• Fresh oranges: 2 (mandarin or navel oranges are suitable)
• Scallions: 2 stalks
• Fresh chili: 1-2 (depending on taste)
• Minced garlic: 2 cloves
• Basic seasonings: Fish sauce (or vegetarian fish sauce), sugar, salt, ground pepper, cooking oil
• Soy sauce: 1 tablespoon (optional)

Silken tofu and orange ingredients To keep the silken tofu intact while braising, you can briefly blanch it in boiling water with a pinch of salt before cooking.

Secret to Making Flavorful Orange Braising Sauce

The orange braising sauce plays a crucial role in creating the dish’s distinctive flavor. Follow these steps to make the perfect orange braising sauce:

1. Extract orange juice: Squeeze the oranges and strain out the seeds to avoid bitterness.
2. Sauté garlic: Heat cooking oil in a pan, sauté minced garlic until lightly golden.
3. Cook the mixture: Add orange juice to the pan, then add fish sauce, sugar, salt, pepper, and soy sauce (if using). Simmer on low heat until the mixture thickens.
4. Season to taste: Taste and adjust the seasoning to balance the sour, sweet, and salty flavors.

“The secret to a delicious orange braising sauce is using quality fresh oranges and adjusting the seasoning ratios to suit each family’s taste.” – Culinary Expert Nguyen Thu Huong

Detailed Instructions for Making Orange-Braised Silken Tofu

Here are the specific steps to make orange-braised silken tofu:

1. Prepare the tofu: Cut the tofu into bite-sized squares, about 3x3cm.
2. Braise the tofu: Arrange the tofu in the pan and evenly pour the prepared orange braising sauce over it.
3. Simmer on low heat: Braise on low heat for about 10-15 minutes to allow the tofu to absorb the flavors.
4. Add chili (optional): If you like it spicy, add a few slices of fresh chili to the pan.
5. Finish: Sprinkle chopped scallions on top before turning off the heat.

Orange-braised silken tofu dish During braising, gently stir the tofu to avoid breaking it.

Enjoying Orange-Braised Silken Tofu

Orange-braised silken tofu is best enjoyed hot with white rice. The combination of the refreshing sweetness of oranges, the silky texture of tofu, and the aroma of scallions will provide a wonderful culinary experience. Moreover, this dish is nutritious and suitable for everyone, especially vegetarians or those looking to lose weight.

“Orange-braised silken tofu is an ideal choice for summer days due to the refreshing flavor of oranges and the abundant plant-based protein from tofu.” – Nutritionist Le Thi Lan

Creative Variations with Orange-Braised Silken Tofu

You can get creative with orange-braised silken tofu in many ways:

• Vegetarian version: Use vegetarian fish sauce and replace white sugar with palm sugar.
• With minced meat: Add minced meat to braise with the tofu for a richer flavor.
• Add mushrooms: Incorporate straw mushrooms or shiitake mushrooms for added nutrition.

Important Tips for Preparation

• How to prevent tofu from breaking? Blanch the tofu in boiling water with salt before braising.
• Can you substitute oranges with other fruits? You can use mandarins or kumquats, but the flavor will be slightly different.
• Is this dish healthy? Tofu is rich in plant-based protein and low in calories, while oranges provide ample vitamin C.
• Storage method: Let it cool, then store in an airtight container and use within 1-2 days.

Conclusion

With the detailed and easy-to-follow recipe above, you’re ready to prepare delicious and nutritious orange-braised silken tofu at home. This dish is not only light but also perfect for the whole family, including vegetarians. Don’t forget to share your results with Sổ Tay Món Ăn!

Wishing you success and enjoyable meals!