Braised Tofu Sichuan Style (家常豆腐)
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
3 mins
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Cook Time
13 mins
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Total Time
16 mins
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Servings
2
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Calories
267 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Chinese
Braised Tofu Sichuan Style (家常豆腐)
Description
This recipe begins by slicing firm tofu into triangles and drying them before frying either shallow or air-frying until golden on both sides, creating a slightly crispy exterior and firm texture. Meanwhile, dried shiitake mushrooms are soaked until soft, then sliced. The sauce base incorporates minced garlic and Sichuan chili bean paste, which is known for its spicy and savory profile; alternatives such as pickled chili garlic sauce or spicy black bean sauce may be used but will alter the flavor.
The tofu is then braised in a mixture of the mushroom soak water, dark soy sauce, and sugar, accompanied by fresh chili pepper chunks. Tapioca or corn starch mixed with water is added to thicken the sauce, making a shiny glaze binding the ingredients. Finally, chopped scallions are sprinkled on top before serving.
This dish offers a balance between the smooth tofu texture, spicy and umami sauces, and the earthy mushrooms. It can be served as a main or side dish and pairs well with steamed rice. Adjust spiciness and saltiness based on the condiments used and personal taste.
Ingredients
- 400 g tofu about 14oz, see note 1
- cooking oil for shallow frying or air-frying, Neural brand
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1½ tablespoon Sichuan chili bean paste see note 2 for substitutes
- 4 large dried shiitake mushroom rehydrated and sliced
- 250 ml water about 1 cup, in which shiitake mushroom is soaked
- ½ teaspoon dark soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- 4 Chili pepper cut into chunks, fresh
- 1 teaspoon tapioca starch or corn starch, mix with 3 teaspoon water
- 1 talk scallions finely chopped
Instructions
Fry the tofu
- Slice the tofu into triangle pieces, about 2 cm (¾ inch) thick. Pat dry their surface with kitchen paper.
- Option 1: Shallow-frying: In a flat-bottomed wok or a frying pan (preferably a deep one as it’ll be used for the braising step later), heat up oil enough to cover about half the thickness of the tofu. Test with the tip of a chopstick. If bubbles appear around it, the oil is hot enough. Gently slide in the tofu pieces one by one. Turn down the heat to medium and leave to fry. Flip over once the first side turns golden. When both sides are done, transfer to a plate lined with kitchen paper to absorb excess oil.
- Option 2: Air-frying: Preheat the air-fryer at 200°C/390°F for 3 mins. Spray a thin layer of oil over both sides of the tofu pieces. Then put them in a single layer over the crisper tray inside the air fryer (you might need to fry in two batches). Leave to fry for about 12 mins until they become golden (the time required may vary so check at 10 mins).
Braise the dish
- Pour out most of the oil leaving just a little in the wok/pan (If the tofu is air-fried in the last step, add 2 teaspoon of oil to a wok/pan). Fry garlic and Sichuan chili bean paste over medium heat until fragrant.
- Add shiitake mushroom, the mushroom water, dark soy sauce and sugar. Bring it to a boil.
- Put in the fried tofu and chili pepper. Stir around then cover with a lid. Leave to braise over low heat for 2 mins. Add a little more water if needed.
- Pour in the starch water. Give everything a quick stir then garnish with scallions. Dish out and serve immediately.
Cook ahead
- It takes very little time to cook this dish if you have fried tofu at hand. So I recommend you fry a big batch of tofu when time permits and store it in the fridge or freezer for later use.
- Fried tofu can be kept in the fridge for up to three days, or in the freezer for up to three months (defrost in the fridge before cooking).
Notes
- Firm tofu is preferred to maintain shape during frying and braising.
- Sichuan chili bean paste can be substituted with pickled chili garlic sauce or spicy black bean sauce; adjust quantity to taste due to varying saltiness.
- Rehydrate dried shiitake mushrooms thoroughly for best texture and flavor integration.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 2Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 267 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 267kcal | 13% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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