stir-frying leeks and fragrant dried fruits

How to Make Stir-Fried Chives with Tofu: A Simple Recipe Guide

Stir-fried chives with tofu is a quick, nutritious, and flavorful dish popular in Chinese home cooking. Here’s a step-by-step guide to perfecting it.

Ingredients:

- 200g fresh chives, washed and cut into 3cm sections

- 200g firm tofu, drained and cubed

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 tbsp cooking oil

- 1 tsp soy sauce

- ½ tsp sesame oil

- Pinch of salt (adjust to taste)

- Optional: a dash of chili flakes for heat.

Steps:

1. Prep the tofu: Pat tofu cubes dry with a paper towel to ensure they crisp up nicely. If desired, lightly pan-fry them until golden, then set aside.

2. Sauté aromatics: Heat oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and stir-fry until fragrant (about 10 seconds).

3. Cook tofu: Add tofu cubes to the wok. Gently stir-fry for 2–3 minutes to heat through.

4. Add chives: Toss in chive sections, stirring quickly for 1–2 minutes until they brighten but remain slightly crisp.

5. Season: Drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil. Add salt (and chili flakes if using). Stir to combine.

6. Serve: Transfer to a plate immediately. Enjoy hot with rice or noodles.

Tips: For extra flavor, marinate tofu in soy sauce for 10 minutes before cooking. Avoid overcooking chives to keep their fresh, grassy taste. This dish balances earthy tofu with the vibrant bite of chives, making it a versatile side or light main.