Stir-Fried Loofah & Tofu Recipe｜Quick, Healthy & Fresh-Tasting Chinese Veggie Dish

tofu

🥗Healthier: tempeh

💰Cheaper: edamame

Tempeh offers a firmer texture, while edamame is often less expensive.

soy sauce

🥗Healthier: tamari

💰Cheaper: coconut aminos

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

Scrape off a thin layer of the skin from the loofah to improve texture.

Rinse the loofah clean with water.

Cut off both ends of the loofah.

Slice the loofah into small sections, then into long, thin strips.

Place the sliced loofah in a large bowl.

Cut the dried tofu into small, long pieces.

Add a pinch of salt and a little bit of white vinegar to the tofu.

Pour in warm water at about 45° C (113° F) over the tofu.

Soak the tofu until it feels soft to the touch without any hard center.

Chop green onions into small pieces and smash a few cloves of garlic, then chop them finely.

Dice some red chili peppers and set them aside.

In a pot, bring a large bowl of water to a boil.

Once boiling, add the soaked tofu and a pinch of salt to the water.

Blanch the tofu for a few seconds, then quickly drain it.

Pour a little bit of oil into a pan and add the loofah, stir-frying on high heat for about 3 minutes until about 70 to 80% done.

Remove the loofah from the pan and set it aside to drain.

Heat a little oil in the same pan, then add the loofah back in and stir fry for 30 seconds to dry out the moisture.

Remove the loofah and set it aside again.

In the same pan, add more oil and sauté the garlic and green onions on low heat until fragrant.

Add a spoonful of yellow bean paste and continue to stir fry.

Add about half a small bowl of water and bring it to a boil.

Season the mixture with salt, sugar, and cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.

Cook until the sauce is reduced and thickened.

Add the loofah and tofu back into the pan and stir fry on high heat to coat everything evenly with the sauce.

Cook until the loofah becomes tender and transparent and the tofu absorbs all the flavors.

Sprinkle the red chili on top as a garnish before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary