Easy Braised Tofu recipe

Tofu, as a traditional and widely consumed soy product in China, is documented in various ancient texts. Braised tofu, specifically, is a classic and renowned dish known for its crispy exterior, tender texture, and satisfying flavor. It's nutritious, delicious, and popular for its ability to tantalize the taste buds.

Braised tofu is a classic Chinese dish known for its delicious taste and nutritional richness. Making braised tofu requires specific ingredients and cooking techniques. Below, I will provide a detailed food tutorial for everyone.

1.What is Braised Tofu?

Braised tofu is a classic and distinctive dish known for its savory flavor. It is highly popular in Sichuan Province and has gained international acclaim for its unique texture and taste. There are various methods to prepare braised tofu, each offering a different flavor experience.

Tofu, as a traditional and widely consumed soy-based food in China, is documented in ancient texts. Its development and origins can be traced back to the Han Dynasty. During the Han Dynasty, laborers in the Huai River basin used stone mills. Farmers soaked rice and beans in water, then placed them in mills equipped with funnels to grind into a paste, which they spread in pans to make pancakes. These pancakes, along with homemade soy milk, were daily staples for rural families along both banks of the Huai River.

2.How to Choose Tofu?

In fact, there are no strict limitations on tofu selection for braised tofu. However, for beginners, it is recommended to choose firm tofu. Firm tofu has a denser texture compared to soft tofu, making it less likely to crumble and able to maintain its shape during cooking. This allows it to better absorb and retain seasonings, enhancing the smooth and flavorful texture of braised tofu.

3.Techniques for Quickly Cutting Tofu?

①Use a Specialized Knife:A dedicated tofu knife is typically thin, reducing the risk of blade sticking, and facilitates precise cutting without crumbling. This makes cutting tofu quickly and efficiently.

②Freeze the tofu:By freezing the tofu until it becomes slightly firm, it can be easier to cut into even slices or cubes.

③Angle the knife slightly:When cutting tofu, tilting the knife blade slightly can make it easier to slice without irregular pieces or crumbling.

④Slice thinly:Cutting tofu into thin slices allows for faster and smoother cutting. Thin slices are less likely to crumble, ensuring the knife doesn't stick or get caught during cutting.

4.Why is Thickening Sauce Important in Braised Tofu?

In the process of making braised tofu, thickening the sauce is an important step. It allows the tofu to absorb the sauce, enhancing the dish's richness and texture. Different starches used for thickening have their characteristics; commonly used are cornstarch and potato starch. If these are not available, a mixture of water and regular starch can also serve the purpose of thickening the sauce effectively.

5.There are several ways to fry braised tofu?

①Using a Skillet or Frying Pan:Heat enough oil in a flat-bottomed skillet or frying pan to cover half the thickness of the tofu cubes.

②You can also use an air fryer by evenly coating the tofu with a layer of oil before placing it in the air fryer for frying. This method makes frying tofu chunks easier.

Braised tofu is primarily made with tofu as the main ingredient, cooked using braising techniques to enhance its flavor and create a delicious texture. There are various regional versions of braised tofu throughout China, but they generally maintain the characteristics of tender tofu and rich gravy. The method typically involves the following steps: