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How To Cook & Eat Tofu | 6 Easy Japanese Recipes l Silken Tofu & Fried Tofu

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Yuka in Tokyo
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Recipes in this Video

5 recipes
veganplant-basedgluten-free

Silken tofu, originating from East Asia, is a staple in many Asian cuisines, celebrated for its delicate texture and versatility. It is often used in both savory and sweet dishes, symbolizing comfort and nourishment. In modern cooking, silken tofu has gained popularity worldwide, embraced for its health benefits and ability to absorb flavors.

Ingredients

  • โ—silken tofu
  • โ—soy sauce
  • โ—sesame oil
  • โ—green onions
  • โ—ginger
  • โ—garlic
  • โ—red pepper flakes
  • โ—cilantro
  • โ—lime juice
  • โ—sugar
  • โ—water
  • โ—salt
  • โ—pepper
  • โ—vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. 1Drain the silken tofu and gently pat dry with paper towels.
  2. 2Cut the tofu into cubes and set aside.
  3. 3In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, lime juice, sugar, and water.
  4. 4Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  5. 5Add minced garlic and ginger to the skillet and sautรฉ until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
  6. 6Add the tofu cubes to the skillet and gently toss to coat with the garlic and ginger.
  7. 7Pour the soy sauce mixture over the tofu and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
  8. 8Sprinkle red pepper flakes over the tofu for heat, adjusting to taste.
  9. 9Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro.
  10. 10Serve warm, drizzled with additional sesame oil if desired.
soy
veganvegetariandairy-freeegg-freesoy-free

Ingredients

  • โ—1 block (14 oz) firm tofu
  • โ—1/4 cup cornstarch
  • โ—1/2 tsp salt
  • โ—1/2 tsp black pepper
  • โ—1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • โ—1/2 tsp paprika
  • โ—1/4 cup vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

  1. 1Press the tofu for 15-20 minutes to remove excess moisture.
  2. 2Cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes.
  3. 3In a bowl, mix cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
  4. 4Coat each tofu cube in the cornstarch mixture, ensuring they are evenly covered.
  5. 5Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
  6. 6Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated tofu cubes to the pan.
  7. 7Fry the tofu for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
  8. 8Remove the fried tofu from the pan and place on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
  9. 9Serve hot with your choice of dipping sauce.

Equipment

cutting boardknifemixing bowlfrying panpaper towels

Originating from East Asia, tofu has been a staple protein source for centuries, particularly in Chinese and Japanese cuisines. It embodies the principles of balance and harmony in cooking, often paired with vibrant vegetables and sauces. Today, tofu is celebrated globally for its versatility and is embraced in various culinary traditions, from stir-fries to salads, making it a favorite among vegetarians and health-conscious eaters.

Ingredients

  • โ—tofu
  • โ—vegetable oil
  • โ—garlic
  • โ—ginger
  • โ—bell peppers
  • โ—broccoli
  • โ—carrots
  • โ—soy sauce
  • โ—sesame oil
  • โ—green onions
  • โ—cornstarch
  • โ—red pepper flakes
  • โ—salt
  • โ—black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1Press tofu to remove excess moisture for 15 minutes.
  2. 2Cut tofu into cubes or slices.
  3. 3Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  4. 4Add tofu and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway.
  5. 5Remove tofu from skillet and set aside.
  6. 6In the same skillet, add garlic and ginger; sautรฉ for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  7. 7Add bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots; stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until tender-crisp.
  8. 8Return tofu to the skillet; pour in soy sauce and sesame oil.
  9. 9Sprinkle cornstarch over the mixture and stir to combine.
  10. 10Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens.
  11. 11Season with red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to taste.
  12. 12Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Ingredient Alternatives

tofu

Healthier: tempeh

Cheaper: seitan

Tempeh offers a nuttier flavor and is richer in protein.

soy sauce

Healthier: tamari

Cheaper: coconut aminos

Tamari is gluten-free, while coconut aminos is lower in sodium.

vegetable oil

Healthier: avocado oil

Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil has a higher smoke point and healthy fats.

cornstarch

Healthier: arrowroot powder

Cheaper: potato starch

Arrowroot is gluten-free and works similarly for thickening.

Techniques

pressingstir-frying

Equipment

large skilletcutting boardknifespatulatofu press
๐ŸŒถ๏ธ๐ŸŒถ๏ธ๐ŸŒถ๏ธMediumsoy

Also Known As

Stir-Fried TofuVegetable Tofu Stir-Fry

Tofu salad is a refreshing dish that showcases the vibrant flavors and textures of Burmese cuisine. Originating from the diverse culinary practices in Myanmar, it reflects the use of fresh vegetables and protein-rich tofu, often enjoyed as a light meal or side dish. Today, variations of tofu salad can be found in many Asian cuisines, adapting to local ingredients and tastes, making it a popular choice for health-conscious eaters worldwide.

Ingredients

  • โ—tofu
  • โ—mixed greens
  • โ—carrots
  • โ—cucumber
  • โ—bell pepper
  • โ—green onions
  • โ—sesame oil
  • โ—soy sauce
  • โ—lime juice
  • โ—ginger
  • โ—garlic
  • โ—cilantro
  • โ—peanuts
  • โ—chili flakes

Instructions

  1. 1Press tofu to remove excess moisture for 15 minutes.
  2. 2Cut tofu into cubes and set aside.
  3. 3Wash and dry mixed greens thoroughly.
  4. 4Julienne carrots and cucumber.
  5. 5Dice bell pepper and slice green onions.
  6. 6In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, carrots, cucumber, bell pepper, and green onions.
  7. 7In a small bowl, whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, lime juice, ginger, and garlic until well combined.
  8. 8Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
  9. 9Add tofu cubes and cilantro, and mix carefully to avoid breaking tofu.
  10. 10Sprinkle with peanuts and chili flakes before serving.

Ingredient Alternatives

tofu

Healthier: tempeh

Cheaper: cooked chickpeas

Tempeh is higher in protein, while chickpeas are more affordable.

sesame oil

Healthier: olive oil

Cheaper: vegetable oil

Olive oil offers heart-healthy fats, while vegetable oil is cost-effective.

peanuts

Healthier: sunflower seeds

Cheaper: pumpkin seeds

Sunflower seeds provide similar crunch with fewer allergens.

soy sauce

Healthier: tamari

Cheaper: liquid aminos

Tamari is gluten-free, while liquid aminos are often cheaper.

Techniques

choppingmixingpressing

Equipment

cutting boardknifemixing bowlwhisk
๐ŸŒถ๏ธ๐ŸŒถ๏ธ๐ŸŒถ๏ธLowsoynuts

Also Known As

Tofu Salad with VegetablesAsian Tofu Salad
vegetarianveganplant-baseddairy-freeegg-freegluten-freenut-freesoy-free

Ingredients

  • โ—1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, cubed
  • โ—4 cups vegetable broth
  • โ—1 cup water
  • โ—1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • โ—1 cup bok choy, chopped
  • โ—2 green onions, sliced
  • โ—2 cloves garlic, minced
  • โ—1 inch ginger, grated
  • โ—2 tbsp soy sauce
  • โ—1 tbsp sesame oil
  • โ—1/2 tsp black pepper
  • โ—1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. 1In a large pot, heat the sesame oil over medium heat.
  2. 2Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautรฉ for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. 3Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
  4. 4Pour in the vegetable broth and water, and bring to a boil.
  5. 5Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and add the cubed tofu, bok choy, soy sauce, black pepper, and salt.
  6. 6Let the soup simmer for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  7. 7Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  8. 8Stir in the sliced green onions just before serving.
  9. 9Serve hot in bowls, garnished with additional green onions if desired.

Equipment

large potcutting boardknifemeasuring cupsmeasuring spoons

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