Sweet and sour tofu, or "茄汁玉子豆腐," is a beloved dish that combines the silky smoothness of Japanese egg tofu with a tangy, vibrant tomato-based sauce. Here’s a simple yet delicious recipe to recreate it at home.
Ingredients:
- 1 pack (300g) Japanese egg tofu
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp tomato ketchup
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 cup water or vegetable stock
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the tofu: Carefully remove the egg tofu from its packaging. Cut it into 1.5-inch cubes. Gently pat dry with paper towels to prevent oil splattering.
2. Pan-fry the tofu: Heat oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Fry the tofu cubes until golden brown on all sides (about 3-4 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
3. Make the sauce: In the same pan, sauté garlic and onion until fragrant (1 minute). Add bell pepper and cook for 2 minutes until slightly softened.
4. Combine and simmer: Stir in tomato ketchup, soy sauce, and sugar. Pour in water/stock, bring to a gentle boil. Return the tofu to the pan, letting it simmer for 3-4 minutes to absorb the flavors.
5. Thicken the sauce: Drizzle in the cornstarch mixture, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens (about 1 minute).
6. Serve: Transfer to a plate, garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Enjoy hot with steamed rice!
This dish balances the tofu’s delicate texture with a sweet, savory, and tangy sauce, making it a hit for all ages. Adjust the ketchup or sugar to suit your taste for the perfect flavor profile!
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