Delicious and Nutritious Tofu Steak
How to Make Tofu Steak that Even Picky Eaters Will Love
If your child is currently limiting their diet to foods like vegetables and tofu, or is reluctant to eat vegetables, this tofu steak recipe is a lifesaver! It’s a fantastic way to get them to enjoy their food, and it also makes a great appetizer or side dish for adults. These tender yet slightly crisp on the outside tofu steaks are a delightful addition to any meal, turning mealtime into a fun and tasty experience. Surprise your little ones with this wholesome and delicious creation!
Ingredients (Makes approx. 16 pieces)- 1 block Firm Tofu (approx. 300-350g)
- 1/4 head Broccoli (approx. 50g)
- 5-6 Vienna Sausages (or to taste)
- 1/4 Onion (small)
- 1/4 Carrot (small)
- 1 Egg
- 1 cup Flour (all-purpose or cake flour, approx. 80-100g)
- 1/2 tsp Salt (or to taste)
- Pinch of Black Pepper (optional)
- Cooking Oil (for frying)
- Tonkatsu sauce or Ketchup (for serving)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Before you begin, soak the firm tofu in cold water for about 20 minutes. This helps to remove excess water and firm up the tofu, making it easier to shape into steaks.
Step 2
After 20 minutes, drain the water from the tofu and set it aside. It will be ready to be mashed or minced.
Step 3
Wash the broccoli thoroughly under running water, paying attention to both the florets and the stem. Thorough washing ensures a clean final product.
Step 4
Separate the broccoli florets from the stem. These will be prepared differently in the next steps.
Step 5
Carefully trim off any tough outer leaves or damaged parts from the broccoli florets. Use only the clean, edible parts.
Step 6
Peel the broccoli stem and then slice it into long, thin strips. These will add a nice texture to the tofu steaks.
Step 7
Place the sliced broccoli stems in a bowl with water and 1-2 tablespoons of vinegar. Let them soak for about 5 minutes for extra cleaning and sanitization.
Step 8
Cut the broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces. Avoid cutting them too small, as they might turn mushy when cooked.
Step 9
Add the cut broccoli florets to the same vinegar water mixture. Let them soak for about 5 minutes as well. This helps maintain their crispness and thoroughly cleans them.
Step 10
The broccoli florets may float, so place a small plate on top to keep them submerged in the vinegar water. Let them soak for about 20 minutes in total for effective cleaning.
Step 11
Peel the onion and finely mince it. This adds sweetness to the steaks and contributes to a smoother texture. Mincing it very finely will help it blend well and prevent large pieces that might be off-putting to children.
Step 12
Finely mince the carrot as well. Carrots add a touch of sweetness and color, making them a great addition for kids. If you’re cooking with children, this is a great opportunity for them to practice their mincing skills with a safe utensil.
Step 13
Slice the Vienna sausages into small, bite-sized pieces, or make small slits if you prefer. Chopping small items like sausages is a fun task for kids.
Step 14
Finely mince the sliced Vienna sausages. You can substitute these with Spam or other types of ham for a different flavor profile. The saltiness of the sausage will enhance the overall taste.
Step 15
Drain the broccoli stems and florets from the vinegar water and place them in a colander. They are now thoroughly washed and sanitized.
Step 16
Rinse the broccoli under running water one more time to ensure no vinegar residue remains.
Step 17
Finely chop the rinsed broccoli stems. Since the stems are firmer, it’s safer for adults to mince them, or to let children mince the softer florets to avoid any accidents.
Step 18
Finely chop the broccoli florets. These will add a tender texture that’s easy for children to eat. This is a great ingredient for kids to mince themselves.
Step 19
It’s crucial to remove as much water as possible from the tofu. Wrap the tofu in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze firmly, or press it down with a spatula on a sieve. Removing excess moisture prevents the steak mixture from becoming too wet and helps it hold its shape.
Step 20
The process of squeezing water out of the tofu is often a favorite activity for children. Let them participate in this step by pressing down on the tofu with their hands for a fun and engaging experience.
Step 21
Now, combine all the prepared ingredients in a large, wide bowl. Add the mashed tofu, minced onion, minced carrot, minced sausage, minced broccoli stems, and minced broccoli florets.
Step 22
Using your hands or a spatula, vigorously mix and knead the ingredients together until well combined. This ensures the flavors meld and the texture is consistent. Kneading the mixture helps create a chewier, more tender steak.
Step 23
The mixture should be cohesive enough to form into patties. If you’re cooking with kids, you can let them take a portion of the mixture and enjoy the sensation of mixing it with their hands.
Step 24
Add about 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the mixture for seasoning. Adjust the salt according to your preference and the saltiness of other ingredients. You can also add a pinch of black pepper.
Step 25
Crack one egg into the mixture. The egg acts as a binder, helping the ingredients stick together and making the steaks more tender.
Step 26
Next, add 1 cup of flour evenly over the mixture. The flour helps to bind the ingredients and gives the steaks structure so they don’t fall apart during cooking. You can also use seasoned flour or breadcrumbs for a different texture.
Step 27
With the flour and egg added, the mixture’s texture will become softer and stickier. Children often find this texture fascinating, so make this part interactive. Mix thoroughly until everything is well incorporated.
Step 28
Now, shape the mixture into round balls. Roll them gently between your palms.
Step 29
Flatten the round balls into steak shapes. You can make them thick like traditional steaks or thinner.
Step 30
Feel free to customize the size. Make them small for kids or larger for adults. Each person can even create their own custom-sized steak.
Step 31
If you’re not cooking them immediately, place the shaped tofu steaks on plastic wrap. This will help maintain their shape when you store them.
Step 32
Wrap each steak securely with the plastic wrap. Double-wrapping can help keep them fresh during freezing.
Step 33
This is how you can neatly store the remaining tofu steaks for later. It’s convenient for quick snacks or meals when needed.
Step 34
Freeze the wrapped tofu steaks. This way, you can easily take them out one by one whenever you want a delicious tofu steak. They’re perfect for busy days or unexpected cravings.
Step 35
To cook, heat a lightly oiled pan over medium-low heat. Avoid using too much oil, as it can make the steaks greasy.
Step 36
Place the tofu steaks in the heated pan and cook until golden brown on both sides. Since there’s no meat or ingredients that require long cooking times, medium-low heat is best to ensure they cook through without burning. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until nicely browned.
Step 37
Arrange the cooked tofu steaks on a plate and serve with your favorite sauce, such as tonkatsu sauce or ketchup. Enjoy them warm for the best flavor!
