Crunchy Carrot Broccoli Tofu Salad
New Year’s Healthy Diet! Crunchy Carrot Broccoli Tofu Salad
Ready to shed some winter weight and embrace a healthier lifestyle this New Year? This nutritious and delicious salad features the fantastic pairing of broccoli and carrots, complemented by soft tofu. It’s a wholesome side dish that’s both flavorful and satisfying, perfect for enjoying like a fresh salad.
Main Ingredients- 1 head broccoli
- 1/3 carrot
- 1 block firm or silken tofu (approx. 300g)
Seasoning- 2 Tbsp ground roasted sesame seeds
- A pinch of salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 2 Tbsp ground roasted sesame seeds
- A pinch of salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the fresh broccoli. Wash it thoroughly under running water, then cut it into bite-sized florets. Aim for pieces that are easy to eat; too large, and they’ll be difficult to cook, too small, and the texture might be lost.
Step 2
Next, prepare the carrot. Peel the carrot and slice it into pieces about 0.5cm thick, similar in size to the broccoli florets. Slicing them too thickly will increase cooking time.
Step 3
The tofu needs a quick preparation step. Drain the water from the tofu package. Then, soak the tofu in cold water for about 5 minutes. This helps remove any beany odors and firms up the tofu, preventing it from breaking apart when mixed.
Step 4
Now, it’s time to blanch the vegetables briefly. Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil, adding 1 teaspoon of salt. Once boiling, add the prepared broccoli and carrots. Blanch them for about 30 seconds to 1 minute – just enough to slightly tenderize them. Be careful not to overcook them! Immediately after blanching, rinse them under cold water 2-3 times to quickly cool them down. Drain them thoroughly in a colander, and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Step 5
Gently mash the drained tofu with your hands. Alternatively, you can wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out excess water before placing it in a bowl. Add the ground roasted sesame seeds to the tofu. Grinding the sesame seeds just before adding them will enhance their nutty aroma.
Step 6
Now, it’s time to add the seasonings to bring everything together. Add salt to your preference, and drizzle in 1 tablespoon of fragrant sesame oil. Prepare all the seasonings to mix well with the ingredients.
Step 7
Finally, add the blanched broccoli and carrots to the bowl with the tofu and seasonings. Use a spatula or your hands to gently mix and mash everything together. Break up any larger clumps of tofu and ensure the vegetables and seasonings are evenly distributed. Mix gently to avoid mushing the vegetables.
Step 8
The finished Crunchy Carrot Broccoli Tofu Salad offers a delightful texture from the crisp vegetables, a nutty flavor from the sesame seeds, and the softness of the tofu. It’s a healthy and light dish that can be enjoyed like a fresh salad, making it a great side dish or a healthy meal option. Enjoy and have a healthy New Year!
