Savory Braised Tofu with Ground Beef
Easy and Delicious Braised Tofu with Ground Beef: A Sweet and Savory Recipe Your Kids Will Love
This braised tofu dish features tender tofu and savory ground beef, creating a delightful combination. Made with a mild soy sauce-based seasoning, it’s a wonderfully sweet and savory recipe that even children who can’t eat spicy food will adore. Get ready to make a bowl of rice disappear with this irresistible dish!
Main Ingredients
- Tofu 350g (firm or stewing tofu works well)
- Ground beef 100g
- Onion 1/4 medium
- Green onion a small amount (about 5cm length)
Ground Beef Marinade
- Soy sauce 1 Tbsp
- Sugar 1/2 Tbsp
- Mirin (rice wine) 1 Tbsp
- Minced garlic 2/3 Tbsp
- Sesame oil 2/3 Tbsp
- Black pepper a pinch
Braised Tofu Sauce
- Soy sauce 3 Tbsp
- Sugar 1 Tbsp
- Mirin (rice wine) 1 Tbsp
- Oligosaccharide 1 Tbsp (for glossiness)
- Minced garlic 1 Tbsp
- Water 2/3 rice cup (approx. 120ml)
- Soy sauce 1 Tbsp
- Sugar 1/2 Tbsp
- Mirin (rice wine) 1 Tbsp
- Minced garlic 2/3 Tbsp
- Sesame oil 2/3 Tbsp
- Black pepper a pinch
Braised Tofu Sauce
- Soy sauce 3 Tbsp
- Sugar 1 Tbsp
- Mirin (rice wine) 1 Tbsp
- Oligosaccharide 1 Tbsp (for glossiness)
- Minced garlic 1 Tbsp
- Water 2/3 rice cup (approx. 120ml)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, cut the tofu into bite-sized pieces (about 2x2cm or 3x3cm). Place the cut tofu on paper towels and let it drain for about 30 minutes to remove excess water. Draining well helps prevent oil splattering when frying and makes the tofu firmer, so it won’t break apart. Flipping it halfway through will be even better.
Step 2
Once the tofu is drained, lightly sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper to season. This will infuse a subtle flavor into the tofu, making it more delicious.
Step 3
While the tofu is seasoning, marinate the ground beef. In a bowl, combine the ground beef with the marinade ingredients (1 Tbsp soy sauce, 1/2 Tbsp sugar, 1 Tbsp mirin, 2/3 Tbsp minced garlic, 2/3 Tbsp sesame oil, and a pinch of black pepper). Mix well by gently massaging with your hands. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, enhancing its taste.
Step 4
Thinly slice the onion and chop the green onion into diagonal or circular pieces. Prepare them to add aromatic flavor and color to the dish.
Step 5
Heat about 1 Tbsp of cooking oil in a pan. Add the marinated ground beef and stir-fry until cooked through. Break up any clumps with chopsticks or a spatula as you cook. Once the beef is fully cooked, transfer it to a separate bowl.
Step 6
Wipe the pan clean or use a new pan. Pan-fry the seasoned tofu pieces on both sides until golden brown and slightly firm. Frying the tofu firms up its surface, allowing the braising sauce to be absorbed better and helping it hold its shape, making it more appealing.
Step 7
While the tofu is frying, prepare the braising sauce. In a pot or a deep pan, combine all the sauce ingredients (3 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp sugar, 1 Tbsp mirin, 1 Tbsp oligosaccharide, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, and 2/3 rice cup water). Stir well until the sugar is dissolved.
Step 8
Arrange the golden-brown fried tofu pieces attractively in the pan. Then, evenly spread the cooked ground beef over the tofu. The beef will braise along with the tofu, adding a delicious depth of flavor.
Step 9
Place the sliced onions and chopped green onions on top of the ground beef. The vegetables will release moisture and sweetness, enriching the overall flavor of the braise.
Step 10
Pour the prepared braising sauce evenly over all the ingredients. Ensure there’s enough sauce to generously coat the tofu and beef.
Step 11
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer gently for about 10-15 minutes. Gently shake the pan occasionally to prevent the sauce from burning and to ensure the ingredients are evenly coated. Simmering on low heat allows the flavors of the ingredients and the sauce to meld together for a rich taste.
Step 12
Once the tofu and vegetables have absorbed the sauce well and the liquid has reduced to a nice glaze, turn off the heat. Transfer the finished braised tofu with ground beef to a serving dish. You’ll have a wonderful side dish that the whole family can enjoy!
