Tofu with Pork Recipe
The wonderful combination of pork and tofu is tender, juicy, and perfect for pairing with rice—delicious and nutritious all in one! It's quick and easy to prepare, allowing you to impress your family with a delightful dish in no time!
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Pork and tofu is a classic Chinese dish that’s incredibly common. It mainly consists of minced or diced pork stir-fried with tofu, flavored with scallions, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and cooking wine. Sometimes, a few vegetables are added for extra flavor.
The dish is incredibly tender and packed with nutrients. You get the savory richness of the pork combined with the delicate texture of the tofu, making it a perfect match for rice.
Different regions have their own variations, offering spicy, mild, or rich sauce options. If you're curious about the specific recipes, come check out mine!
1. Ingredients and Substitutes
Firm Tofu: The main ingredient, providing a soft texture and rich soy protein. Can be substituted with soft tofu or dried tofu.
Pork Belly: Adds aroma and fat from the pork. Can be replaced with lean meat or chicken.
Baby Napa Cabbage: Offers a crisp texture and nutritional value. Can be substituted with other vegetables like bok choy or celery.
Eggs: Used to coat the tofu, enhancing its texture and nutritional value, making it richer and fuller. There’s no specific substitute, but you can omit the egg if desired.
Garlic: Provides a unique aroma and flavor. Can be substituted with onion or ginger.
Dried Chili Peppers: Adds spice. If you prefer no heat, you can skip this ingredient.
Oyster Sauce: Contributes umami and depth of flavor. Can be replaced with doubanjiang (spicy bean paste) or sweet bean sauce.
Dark Soy Sauce: Adds color and a rich flavor. Can be substituted with light soy sauce or other types of soy sauce.
Scallions: Provides a fragrant taste and garnish. Can be replaced with cilantro or green garlic.
Light Soy Sauce: Adds saltiness and umami. Can be substituted with regular soy sauce or chicken bouillon.
2. Secrets to Making Perfect Pork and Tofu
To create the perfect pork and tofu dish, the key lies in selecting fresh, vibrant spices and achieving the right ingredient balance!
First, let’s talk about the flavor-enhancing heroes—fresh chili peppers, garlic, and scallions. Don’t underestimate these supporting ingredients; they are the soul of the dish. Always opt for fresh! Chop the dried chili peppers finely to awaken your taste buds with their bright heat. Mince the garlic finely and slice the scallions into thin rings—each bite will burst with freshness and aroma.
Next, consider your tofu choice. With so many types available, I strongly recommend firm tofu for this recipe. Its sturdy texture holds up well during cooking, adding a rich layer of texture to your dish. If you prefer a creamy blend with the sauce, soft or medium tofu can also work well, as they easily dissolve into the sauce, creating a silky smooth consistency.
Finally, the star of the show—adding minced pork belly is a game-changer! Don’t hesitate to avoid lean pork, as that little bit of fat is essential for the dish’s rich flavor. The marbled pork belly mingles beautifully with the sauce and spices, delivering an irresistible taste that indulges your palate with every bite. I highly recommend using pork belly for the best results.
3. Is Tofu Necessary
Even if you're not a fan of tofu, I still recommend giving it a try in this dish, as I believe it adds a unique twist that makes the meal more interesting. Tofu's role in this recipe goes beyond flavor; it enhances the overall texture of the dish.
Many people may dislike tofu, but I find this often stems from only trying it in simple dishes like salads, where its potential isn't fully realized. In reality, tofu is like a blank canvas, ready to absorb flavors from other ingredients and seasonings according to your taste. In this dish, tofu provides a rich texture that elevates the meal, rather than just contributing flavor.
4. How to Store Pork and Tofu
Refrigeration: Place the pork and tofu in a sealed container; it can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Be sure to let the dish cool completely before placing it in the fridge.
Freezing: For long-term storage, you can put the pork and tofu in a sealed bag or container and freeze it for 1-2 months. Before eating, thaw it in the refrigerator or heat it in the microwave.
Important Notes:
Ensure the container is sealed properly to prevent odors and bacteria growth.
Try to consume the dish within 24 hours after thawing to maintain food quality and safety. Avoid refreezing and thawing multiple times.
5. More Delicious Recipe Recommendations
Fried Pork in Scoop Recipe (Guo Bao Rou)
Here’s a detailed tutorial for the pork and tofu recipe—let’s get cooking together!
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INGREDIENTS
MAIN INGREDIENTS
- 400g firm tofu
- 150g pork belly
ACCESSORIES
- 1 egg
- 250g baby napa cabbage
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 dried chili peppers
- 5g scallions
SEASONINGS
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
- 30ml cooking oil
DIRECTIONS
STEP 1
Prepare the Ingredients:
Wash 400g of tofu and cut it into triangular pieces. Coat the pieces with beaten egg.
STEP 2
Fry the Tofu:
In a pan, heat 30ml of cooking oil and fry the tofu until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
STEP 3
Make the Sauce:
In a bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon of light soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of dark soy sauce.
STEP 4
Cook the Pork:
Wash and slice 150g of pork belly. Place the slices in the pan and cook until some fat is rendered.
STEP 5
Sauté Aromatics:
Add the chopped scallions, minced garlic, and dried chili peppers to the pan and stir-fry until fragrant.
STEP 6
Combine Ingredients:
In a clay pot, layer in the cleaned 250g of baby napa cabbage, the fried tofu, the cooked pork, and minced garlic. Pour in the prepared sauce and 50ml of water.
STEP 7
Simmer:
Cook over medium-low heat for 7-8 minutes, and your delicious pork and tofu dish is ready to enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
1.What Foods Should Be Avoided with Tofu?
Tofu is a nutritious ingredient, but some foods are best avoided when eaten together to prevent digestive issues or nutrient absorption problems. Common combinations to avoid include:
Spinach: Contains oxalic acid, which may bind with calcium in tofu, reducing calcium absorption.
Red Dates: High in tannins, which can affect the digestion of proteins in tofu.
Seafood: Certain seafood (like shrimp and crab) can cause digestive discomfort when eaten with tofu, and some individuals may experience allergic reactions.
Milk: Eating both together may lead to digestive issues due to their high protein content, putting extra strain on the digestive system.
Acidic Foods: Ingredients like vinegar and lemon can denature the proteins in tofu, impacting texture and nutrient absorption.
2.What Ingredients Pair Well with Tofu?
Tofu is a versatile ingredient that pairs well with various foods to enhance flavor and nutrition. Here are some great combinations:
Vegetables:
Leafy Greens: Such as spinach, bok choy, and chard, which add nutrition and enhance texture.
Carrots: Their vibrant color and rich nutrients complement tofu beautifully.
Meat:
Chicken: Pairs well with tofu to boost protein content and provide a tender texture.
Beef: Cooking together results in a rich flavor and nutritious dish.
Legumes:
Black Beans: Enhance protein and fiber content when combined with tofu.
Seasonings:
Soy Sauce: Elevates the overall umami flavor.
Ginger and Garlic: Help eliminate any off-flavors and enhance the dish’s aroma.
Herbs:
Scallions: Chopped for a fresh bite.
Cilantro: Its unique flavor complements tofu well, often used in soups or cold dishes.
Soups:
Miso Soup: A classic dish where tofu is a key ingredient, nutritious and delicious.
Egg Drop Soup: Combines tofu and eggs for balanced nutrition and a silky texture.
3.Why Boil Tofu Before Frying?
Boiling tofu before frying has several benefits:
Removes Bean Taste: Boiling helps eliminate the raw bean flavor, making it taste fresher.
Increases Firmness: Boiled tofu is firmer and less likely to crumble while frying, maintaining its shape.
Enhances Flavor Absorption: Boiling helps tofu better absorb seasonings, enhancing the dish’s flavor.
Reduces Cooking Time: Boiled tofu only needs to be heated when frying, cutting overall cooking time.
Improves Texture: The smooth surface of boiled tofu allows for a golden crust when fried, improving the overall mouthfeel.
4.Can Tofu Be Eaten with Beef?
Yes, tofu and beef can be enjoyed together, and this combination is common in many dishes, offering several benefits:
Nutritional Balance: Beef is a high-quality protein source, while tofu provides plant-based protein, creating a well-rounded meal.
Complementary Textures: The tenderness of beef pairs nicely with the smoothness of tofu, creating a rich eating experience.
Balanced Flavors: The robust flavor of beef balances with the mildness of tofu, enhancing the overall taste.
Versatile Cooking Methods: Tofu and beef can be stir-fried, boiled, or stewed together, resulting in dishes like beef and tofu soup or stir-fried beef with tofu.
Recipe analyzer
- Recipes: Tofu with Pork Recipe
- Main Ingredients:7
- Servings per recipe:1
- Servings size:971 g
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Energy (calories)：1563 kcal
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Protein：91.12 g
-
Fat：124.68 g
Why gray?
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Carbohydrates：34.53 g
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Protein: 21%330 kcal
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Fat: 70%1102 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 8%132 kcal
The ratio shows whether the proportion of both fatty acids in your diet is optimal. Red color means too much of Omega 6 or too little of Omega 3. The data are rounded off and approximate.
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