Chewy and Savory Braised Tofu with Olive Oil
Easy and Delicious Homemade Braised Tofu Recipe
This braised tofu is a rice-stealing dish with its chewy texture and delicious savory sauce! We’re sharing a simple recipe that’s even more flavorful and healthy thanks to the use of olive oil. Perfect as a side dish or a snack, try making this braised tofu right now!
Braised Tofu Ingredients- 1 block (300g) firm tofu
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 yellow bell pepper
- 1/3 red bell pepper
- 1 green bell pepper
- 3 Tbsp cornstarch (for frying)
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp corn syrup (or rice syrup)
- 1 Tbsp mirin (rice wine)
- 1 Tbsp water
- A little sesame oil
- A little sesame seeds
- A pinch of salt (for seasoning tofu)
- A pinch of black pepper (for seasoning tofu)
- Plenty of olive oil (for frying tofu)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, it’s important to remove excess water from the tofu. Layer paper towels on top of the tofu and press down for about 5 minutes. This will drain out the moisture, preventing the tofu from breaking apart during cooking and making it chewier.
Step 2
Once the tofu is drained, cut it into thick cubes, about 2cm thick. Then, sprinkle both sides lightly with salt and pepper for seasoning. This will enhance the tofu’s flavor.
Step 3
Cut the colorful yellow and red bell peppers and the green bell pepper into bite-sized pieces. You can cut them into larger chunks or smaller shapes, whichever you prefer.
Step 4
Thinly slice the garlic. Slicing the garlic this way allows its flavor to infuse beautifully into the oil, adding depth and deliciousness to the dish.
Step 5
Place the seasoned tofu in a plastic bag or a wide bowl and coat it evenly with cornstarch. Coating the tofu thoroughly with starch is key to achieving a crispy exterior and soft interior as it fries in the oil.
Step 6
Heat a pan over medium heat with a generous amount of olive oil. Place the starch-coated tofu pieces without overcrowding the pan, and fry them until golden brown. Flip them over and ensure each side is nicely browned.
Step 7
Transfer the fried tofu to paper towels to absorb any excess oil. This step helps the braising sauce penetrate the tofu better and results in a cleaner, less greasy dish.
Step 8
Let’s make the braising sauce! In a small bowl, whisk together 3 Tbsp soy sauce, 2 Tbsp corn syrup, 1 Tbsp mirin, and 1 Tbsp water. You can substitute corn syrup with rice syrup if preferred.
Step 9
Prepare another pan or wipe out the used one. Heat it over low heat with a little olive oil. Add the sliced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic; gentle sautéing is important.
Step 10
When the garlic is halfway cooked and fragrant, add the drained tofu to the pan and stir-fry it with the garlic. Gently toss the tofu to avoid breaking it, allowing it to absorb the garlic’s aroma.
Step 11
Once the garlic is lightly browned, add a portion of the prepared sauce. Adding the sauce gradually rather than all at once helps prevent the tofu from burning and ensures the sauce coats evenly.
Step 12
Continue to add the sauce bit by bit and simmer over medium-low heat until the tofu is glazed and the sauce has thickened slightly. Gently shake the pan occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom.
Step 13
When the sauce is reduced and coats the tofu beautifully, add the sliced bell peppers. Cook them briefly to retain their crispness; overcooking will make them too soft.
Step 14
Finally, drizzle in a little sesame oil and sprinkle with sesame seeds to complete your delicious braised tofu! Serve it over hot rice and enjoy.
