Chinese Sliced Tofu Salad (凉拌豆腐丝)
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
5 mins
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Servings
2 to 4
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Calories
108 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Chinese
Chinese Sliced Tofu Salad (凉拌豆腐丝)
Description
Chinese Sliced Tofu Salad uses thinly sliced tofu that is briefly stirred in boiling water then cooled to firm up the texture and remove any beaniness. The tofu is joined by shredded carrot and fresh cucumber to introduce crunchy textures and a fresh vegetable flavor. A dressing made from sesame oil gently heated with minced garlic, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and a touch of sugar and salt brings a balance of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet notes with a mild garlic background. Chili oil adds optional heat and complexity. Tossing everything together just before serving preserves the refreshing qualities.
The salad is typically served chilled as an appetizer or side in Chinese or Asian-inspired meals, offering a light and clean contrast to richer dishes. Garnishing with cilantro adds herbal freshness.
Heating garlic in sesame oil helps mellow its sharpness, but raw garlic can be used for more pungency depending on preference.
Ingredients
- 4 cups tofu sliced
- 4 teaspoons sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 carrot , shredded
- 1 cucumber , slices (or pepper, or celery)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free option)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- Chili oil Optional, 2 tablespoons, homemade
- cilantro Optional, 3 tablespoons, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Add the sliced tofu and stir for a few seconds. Rinse the sliced tofu with tap water, drain thoroughly, and set aside to cool.
- Add sesame oil and garlic into a small bowl. Heat in microwave for 30 seconds, or cook until the oil just starts to bubble and the garlic turns tender.(*Footnote 1)
- Right before serving, add sliced tofu, carrot and bell peppers into a big bowl. Add the sesame oil and garlic, green onion, rice vinegar, salt, and chili oil (if using). Toss to mix well.
- Garnish with cilantro and serve as an appetizer.
Notes
- Briefly cooking the tofu in boiling water then rinsing and draining improves its texture and removes beaniness.
- Warming the garlic in sesame oil softens its flavor for a milder garlic taste in the dressing.
- Use raw garlic instead if a stronger, more pungent garlic flavor is desired.
- Add chili oil to taste to introduce spicy heat as preferred.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 2to 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories 108 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving of the 4 servings | |
| Calories | 108kcal | 5% |
| Carbohydrates | 6.9g | 2% |
| Protein | 5.4g | 11% |
| Fat | 6g | 9% |
| Sodium | 452mg | 19% |
| Fiber | 0.8g | 3% |
| Sugar | 2.6g | 5% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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