fried tofu with soy sauce

How to Make Braised Tofu: A Simple Guide

Braised tofu, a beloved dish in Asian cuisine, is cherished for its tender texture and savory sauce. Mastering this versatile recipe is easy with these key steps.

Ingredients: 1 block firm tofu, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tsp sugar, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 cup vegetable broth, 1 tbsp vegetable oil, and optional green onions or sesame seeds for garnish.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the tofu: Press the tofu for 15 minutes to remove excess water, then cut into 1-inch cubes.

2. Sear the tofu: Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Fry tofu cubes until golden on all sides (3–4 minutes), then set aside.

3. Make the sauce: In the same pan, sauté garlic until fragrant. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and broth, stirring to dissolve the sugar.

4. Braise: Return tofu to the pan, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 5–7 minutes, gently stirring occasionally to coat the tofu evenly.

5. Finish: Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds. Serve hot with rice or noodles.

Tips: For extra flavor, marinate the tofu in soy sauce for 10 minutes before searing. Adjust the sauce thickness by simmering longer or adding a cornstarch slurry. This dish is easily customizable with vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers. Enjoy this comforting, protein-packed meal in under 30 minutes!