fragrant stewed tofu recipe

How to Make Spicy Braised Tofu: A Step-by-Step Guide

Spicy braised tofu (xiang lu doufu) is a beloved Chinese dish, prized for its tender texture and rich, savory flavor. Here’s a simple yet authentic recipe to recreate it at home.

Ingredients:

- 1 block firm tofu (pressed to remove excess water)

- 3-star anise, 1 cinnamon stick, 5 Sichuan peppercorns

- 3 tbsp light soy sauce, 1 tbsp dark soy sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce

- 1 tbsp sugar, 2 dried chili peppers (optional), 3 slices ginger, 2 cloves garlic

- 1 cup water or vegetable broth, sesame oil for finishing, green onions for garnish.

Steps:

1. Prep the tofu: Cut the pressed tofu into 2cm cubes. Lightly pan-fry in oil until golden on all sides (this enhances texture). Set aside.

2. Make the braising liquid: In a pot, heat 1 tbsp oil, stir-fry ginger, garlic, and spices until fragrant. Add soy sauces, sugar, and water/broth, stirring to dissolve the sugar.

3. Braise the tofu: Gently place the tofu cubes in the liquid. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 15–20 minutes, flipping tofu halfway to ensure even absorption.

4. Finish and serve: Turn off the heat and let the tofu steep in the liquid for 10 minutes (for deeper flavor). Drizzle with sesame oil, garnish with green onions, and serve warm with rice or as a snack.

For extra flavor, marinate the tofu overnight or add mushrooms/eggs to the braising liquid. Enjoy this versatile, comforting dish that’s easy to customize!