stewing fish with tofu

How to Cook Braised Hairtail with Tofu

Braised hairtail with tofu is a comforting Chinese dish known for its tender fish, silky tofu, and umami-rich broth. Here’s a simple yet delicious recipe to recreate it at home.

Ingredients: 2 fresh hairtails (cleaned and cut into 3-inch pieces), 1 block firm tofu (cubed), 1 ginger slice, 2 garlic cloves, 1 green onion, 2 tbsp cooking oil, 1 tbsp light soy sauce, 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine, 1 tsp sugar, salt to taste, and water or broth.

Steps:

1. Prep: Pat the hairtail dry and season lightly with salt. Pan-fry in oil until golden on both sides (about 2 mins per side). Set aside.

2. Sauté: In the same pot, stir-fry ginger, garlic, and white parts of green onion until fragrant.

3. Simmer: Return the hairtail to the pot. Add soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, and water (enough to cover the fish). Bring to a boil.

4. Tofu Addition: Gently add tofu cubes. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10–15 minutes, until the fish is tender and the broth absorbs flavors.

5. Finish: Adjust seasoning, garnish with green onions, and serve hot with rice.

Tips: For extra umami, use dashi broth instead of water. Avoid overcooking tofu to keep its shape. This dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice, letting you savor every drop of the savory broth. Enjoy!