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Top 7 Easy Recipes With Tofu

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Originating from Sichuan province, Ma Po Tofu is a beloved dish known for its bold flavors and numbing spice from Sichuan peppercorns. Traditionally, it was created by a widow who served it in her small restaurant, and it has since become a staple of Chinese cuisine. Today, variations abound worldwide, with many adapting the recipe to suit local tastes while maintaining its signature heat and richness.

Ingredients

  • โ—tofu
  • โ—ground pork
  • โ—Sichuan peppercorns
  • โ—doubanjiang
  • โ—soy sauce
  • โ—ginger
  • โ—garlic
  • โ—green onions
  • โ—chicken broth
  • โ—cornstarch
  • โ—sesame oil
  • โ—vegetable oil
  • โ—sugar
  • โ—rice wine
  • โ—black bean paste
  • โ—coriander

Instructions

  1. 1Drain and press tofu to remove excess moisture for 15 minutes.
  2. 2Cut tofu into cubes and set aside.
  3. 3Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  4. 4Add ground pork and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. 5Stir in ginger and garlic, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  6. 6Add doubanjiang and black bean paste, stirring to combine for 2 minutes.
  7. 7Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
  8. 8Gently add tofu cubes, ensuring they are coated in the sauce.
  9. 9Simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  10. 10Mix cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry.
  11. 11Stir the slurry into the skillet and cook until sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.
  12. 12Drizzle with sesame oil and stir in green onions before serving.
  13. 13Serve hot, garnished with coriander.

Ingredient Alternatives

ground pork

Healthier: ground turkey

Cheaper: tofu

Ground turkey is leaner and lower in calories.

Sichuan peppercorns

Healthier: black pepper

Cheaper: white pepper

Black pepper is more accessible and offers a different flavor profile.

doubanjiang

Healthier: homemade chili paste

Cheaper: sriracha

Sriracha is widely available and provides a similar heat.

chicken broth

Healthier: vegetable broth

Cheaper: water with seasoning

Vegetable broth offers a lighter option while maintaining flavor.

Techniques

simmeringstir-frying

Equipment

skilletcutting boardknifespatulameasuring cups
๐ŸŒถ๏ธ๐ŸŒถ๏ธ๐ŸŒถ๏ธHotsoy

Also Known As

Mapo Doufu้บปๅฉ†่ฑ†่…

Originating from Sichuan province in China, Mapo Tofu is a beloved dish known for its bold flavors and numbing spiciness from Sichuan peppercorns. Traditionally, it features soft tofu and minced meat in a spicy sauce, often enjoyed with rice. Today, it has gained international popularity, inspiring various adaptations and vegetarian versions, making it a staple in Chinese cuisine around the world.

Ingredients

  • โ—tofu
  • โ—ground pork
  • โ—doubanjiang
  • โ—soy sauce
  • โ—ginger
  • โ—garlic
  • โ—scallions
  • โ—Sichuan peppercorns
  • โ—vegetable oil
  • โ—chicken broth
  • โ—cornstarch
  • โ—water
  • โ—sesame oil

Instructions

  1. 1Heat vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. 2Add ground pork and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. 3Stir in minced garlic, ginger, and scallions; sautรฉ for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. 4Add doubanjiang and soy sauce; mix well and cook for another minute.
  5. 5Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
  6. 6Gently add cubed tofu, stirring carefully to avoid breaking it.
  7. 7Simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  8. 8Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry; add to the wok.
  9. 9Stir gently until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
  10. 10Add Sichuan peppercorns and sesame oil; mix to combine.
  11. 11Serve hot, garnished with additional scallions if desired.

Ingredient Alternatives

ground pork

Healthier: ground turkey

Cheaper: ground beef

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground beef is often less expensive.

doubanjiang

Healthier: chili paste

Cheaper: sriracha

Chili paste can replicate the heat with less complexity.

Sichuan peppercorns

Cheaper: black pepper

Black pepper provides spice but lacks the unique numbing effect.

chicken broth

Healthier: vegetable broth

Cheaper: water with seasoning

Vegetable broth is lower in calories, while water is a budget-friendly option.

Techniques

sautรฉingmixingthickening

Equipment

wokspatulameasuring cupsknifecutting board
๐ŸŒถ๏ธ๐ŸŒถ๏ธ๐ŸŒถ๏ธHotsoy

Also Known As

Mapo Doufu้บปๅฉ†่ฑ†่…

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
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
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

Ingredients

  • โ—1 block (14 oz) firm tofu
  • โ—2 tbsp soy sauce
  • โ—1 tbsp olive oil
  • โ—1 tsp garlic powder
  • โ—1 tsp onion powder
  • โ—1/2 tsp salt
  • โ—1/2 tsp black pepper
  • โ—1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • โ—1 tbsp cornstarch (optional)

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat your oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC).
  2. 2Drain the tofu and press it between paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  3. 3Cut the tofu into cubes or slices, depending on your preference.
  4. 4In a bowl, mix together the soy sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
  5. 5Add the tofu to the bowl and gently toss to coat the pieces evenly with the marinade.
  6. 6If using cornstarch, sprinkle it over the tofu and toss again to coat. This will help create a crispy texture.
  7. 7Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the tofu in a single layer.
  8. 8Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
  9. 9Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Equipment

baking sheetparchment papermixing bowlknifecutting board

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