Braised Tofu with Ground Pork • Steamy Kitchen Recipes Giveaways (2024)

by Jaden | Asian, Main Course, Pork, Recipes | 27 comments

Ever tried Braised Tofu with minced pork? Golden brown, crispy-edged tofu lounging in a bath of tasty chicken broth, jazzed up with succulent ground pork. And the best part is it’s super easy to cook! Whether you’re a tofu newbie or a seasoned pro, I promise you can do this!

Why This Braised Tofu Is So Good

• Quick and Hearty:This tofu recipe comes together in a snap – we’re talking 15 minutes! Perfect for the next time you want something filling but don’t have much time.
• Packed with Authentic Chinese Flavors:The fresh ingredients and combination of soy sauce, ginger, and oyster sauce gives this dish an authentic Chinese cuisine vibe. It’s like taking a trip to your favorite Chinese restaurants without leaving your kitchen.
• A Delightful Mix of Textures:The beauty of this dish lies in its texture. Fried tofu pieces paired with tender, juicy ground pork create a mouthwatering contrast that’s just divine.
• Rice’s Best Friend:Serve your savory-spicy sauce and crispy tofu with a side of steamed rice, and you’ve got yourself a main course that’s SO delicious, it’s practically a crime.

Ingredients

• Blocks of extra firm tofu
• Salt and pepper
• Cooking oil
• Ground pork, beef, turkey or chicken
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Chicken broth
• Oyster sauce
• Soy sauce
• Water
• Cornstarch
• Green onions

How To Make This Braised Tofu with Ground Pork – Step by Step

• Drain the tofu and place on towels or paper towels. To get rid excess liquid in the tofu, place another paper towel on top of the tofu, then place something flat and heavy (like a cutting board or a cast iron frying pan) on top. You can weigh the cutting board down by putting a couple of cans of soup on top. Let sit for 10 minutes. Cut the tofu into several slices, 3/4″ thick. Season on both sides with a little salt and black pepper.
• Heat a wok or large saute pan over medium-high heat. When hot, swirl in the cooking oil. Very carefully and slowly slide in the tofu slices in a single layer. Fry for 1 minute, then flip each piece of tofu to fry the other side for 1 minute until both sides are browned. Remove the seared tofu to a clean plate.
• To the same wok, add in the ground meat. Saute until browned, about 2-3 minutes. Add in the garlic and the ginger and stir fry for 30 seconds.
• Add in the chicken broth, oyster sauce and soy sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the water and the cornstarch. In the wok, stir in the water and cornstarch mixture and bring everything to a simmer. Add the cooked tofu back in the pot. Lower the heat to medium-low, under a gentle simmer for 5 minutes, until thickened. Mix in green onion. Serve with rice.

What Kind Of Tofu Should I Use?

Tofu USED to be inexpensive years ago, but that was before it was being marketed to the American market. Tofu companies never had to “market” to the Asian crowd. We have always loved it!

In some Asian markets (and all of Asia), you can buy freshly made tofu. Large blocks would be submerged in water, and you scooped out what you wanted.

Did you know that not all tofu tastes the same? There are big differences in taste and texture (I know some of you are saying, “What? Not all tofu is BLAND!?”) My favorite brand that is easily found in most regular grocery stores is Nasoya. Here’s Serious Eat’sTofu Taste Test.

For this recipe, make sure you buy Firm or Extra Firm Tofu. Anything softer will fall apart in the dish.

Braised Tofu – A Super Easy Meal

This Braised Tofu with minced pork is a recipe you can whip up in no time! Just 15 mins, so perfect for a delicious and quick weeknight meal. You can do it all in a wok, which means little clean up too!

Why Cook In A Wok?

A wok has numerous advantages over the frying pan: it distributes heat more evenly, requires less oil, and ensures that food tossed during stir-frying lands back in the pan and not on the stove. Originally, all woks are round bottomed and made of iron, designed to be used with the traditional Chinese wood stove.

Can You Freeze Tofu?

Oncefrozen,it cankeep in the freezer for up to 3 months.Afterthetofuhas been defrosted, drain or squeeze out any excess water.You canalsofreeze cooked tofudishes such as pasta sauces or chili. Again, thetofu willtake on a more porous texture.

Top Tips For This Braised Tofu with Ground Pork

• To get rid excess water in the tofu, place another towel on top of the tofu, then place something flat and heavy (like a cutting board or a cast iron frying pan) on top.
• Use firm or extra firm tofu, anything softer will fall apart.
• Get all your ingredients chopped and ready before you fire up the wok, as things will move fast when you start cooking.
• Serve with a side of fluffy white rice.

FAQ

What are some variations I can make to this dish?This recipe is super versatile. For added flavor, you can add colorful vegetables like bell pepper, baby corn, or bok choi. If you’re catering to different dietary needs, you can use vegetarian oyster sauce or vegan oyster sauce instead of the regular oyster sauce. Also, for a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free soy sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, a dash of Chinese chile oil can add an extra kick to your meal!

How can I ensure my tofu gets that desirable golden-brown crust?Make sure to drain your tofu well to remove as much water as possible. Using a tofu press or paper towels under a heavy object can help. Once drained, cut the tofu into pieces and fry them in hot oil over medium-high heat in a non-stick pan. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan to allow each piece of tofu to get evenly browned. Flipping the tofu gently will ensure an even crust without breaking the pieces.

Did you try this recipe? Please leave a star rating in the recipe card below and leave a review in the comment section! I always appreciate your feedback and I know other readers do, too!

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