making tofu

How to Make Stuffed Tofu: A Comprehensive Guide

Stuffed tofu, a beloved dish in Chinese cuisine, combines silky tofu with a savory filling, offering a delightful mix of textures and flavors. Here’s a step-by-step guide to mastering this classic recipe.

Ingredients:

- Firm tofu (2 blocks, drained and cut into pockets)

- Ground pork (200g) or minced mushrooms for a vegetarian option

- Shrimp (50g, finely chopped, optional)

- Ginger, garlic, scallions (finely chopped)

- Soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar

- Cornstarch (for sealing)

- Broth or water (for simmering)

Steps:

1. Prepare the filling: Sauté ginger and garlic until fragrant. Add ground pork/shrimp and mushrooms, cooking until browned. Season with soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, pepper, and sugar. Let cool slightly.

2. Stuff the tofu: Gently slice each tofu block to create a pocket, being careful not to break it. Fill each pocket with the mixture, then seal the opening with cornstarch.

3. Cook: Heat oil in a pan and gently pan-fry the stuffed tofu until golden on all sides. Pour in broth or water (enough to cover half the tofu), bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 10–15 minutes until the filling is cooked through.

4. Serve: Garnish with scallions and a drizzle of sesame oil. Enjoy with rice!

Tips: For extra flavor, marinate the tofu in light soy sauce before stuffing. Adjust seasonings to your taste, and experiment with fillings like chicken, fish, or mixed vegetables. This dish is versatile, comforting, and sure to impress!