Silken tofu, a delicate and versatile ingredient, is often overlooked in Western cuisine. However, it’s a culinary treasure trove, particularly in Asian cooking. Its mild flavor profile allows it to absorb the flavors of other ingredients, making it a perfect canvas for a myriad of dishes. Today, we’re diving into the world of silken tofu, exploring its potential, and crafting a vibrant stir-fry that marries the best of Eastern and Western culinary traditions.
Ingredients:
1 block (14 oz) extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch piece of ginger, grated
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 cup broccoli florets
1/2 cup snow peas
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 green onion, thinly sliced
Silken Tofu With Crunchy Lettuce and Fried Shallots Recipe
Image Source: nyt.com
Preparation:
Total Time: 30 minutes
1. Prep the Tofu:
Press the tofu to remove excess moisture. Cut it into 1-inch cubes.
In a small bowl, combine cornstarch, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Add the tofu cubes and toss to coat.
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
Slice the bell peppers and cut the broccoli into florets.
3. Cook the Tofu:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the coated tofu cubes and cook until golden brown on all sides. Remove from the pan and set aside.
4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
Add the remaining vegetable oil to the pan.
Stir-fry the garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the bell peppers, broccoli, and snow peas. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until crisp-tender.
5. Combine and Sauce:
Return the tofu to the pan.
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
Pour the sauce over the tofu and vegetables. Stir to coat.
Cook for an additional minute until the sauce thickens.
6. Serve:
Garnish with green onions and serve immediately over rice or noodles.
This silken tofu stir-fry is a testament to the power of culinary fusion. It seamlessly blends the bold flavors of Asian cuisine with the fresh, vibrant ingredients of Western cooking. The silky tofu, crisp-tender vegetables, and tangy-sweet sauce create a symphony of taste and texture that is both satisfying and refreshing.
