Easy Chinese Tofu

Discover the magic of tofu with this Easy Chinese Tofu recipe! Perfectly seasoned and lightly pan-fried, this dish offers a delightful blend of savory and aromatic flavors that pair beautifully with rice or noodles. Whether you’re a tofu enthusiast or trying it for the first time, this quick recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

How is Chinese tofu compared to others?

Chinese tofu, or doufu, stands out for its diversity in texture and preparation methods compared to tofu from other cuisines.

It includes a wide range of varieties such as silken, firm, dried, and fermented forms, each suited to different dishes.

Chinese tofu is often flavored with bold seasonings like soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, and it’s prepared in versatile ways, from stir-frying and steaming to braising and deep-frying, reflecting the rich culinary traditions of China.

What types of tofu can I choose?

When choosing tofu for your recipes, you can pick from several types, each offering unique textures and uses:

• Silken Tofu: Smooth and delicate, ideal for soups, desserts, or blending into sauces and dressings.
• Soft Tofu: Slightly firmer than silken, great for steaming or gentle stir-fries.
• Firm Tofu: Holds its shape well, perfect for stir-frying, grilling, or pan-frying.
• Extra Firm Tofu: Dense and sturdy, best for frying, grilling, or as a meat substitute in hearty dishes.
• Pressed or Dry Tofu (Dougan): Very firm and chewy, excellent for stir-fries, salads, or as a snack.
• Fermented Tofu (Furu): Rich and tangy, often used as a condiment or seasoning.

Your choice will depend on the recipe and the texture or flavor you want to achieve.

What ingredients are needed for the Easy Chinese Tofu?

To make Easy Chinese Tofu, make sure to put the following ingredients on your grocery list:

Tofu acts as the star ingredient, soaking up all the flavors of the sauce while offering a soft or firm texture, depending on your choice. It provides a protein-rich, satisfying base.

The backbone of the sauce, soy sauce imparts a salty, umami flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

Rice Vinegar adds a tangy brightness that balances the savory and sweet elements, giving the dish depth and complexity.

Infused into the oil, garlic adds a fragrant and slightly spicy undertone that complements the other bold flavors.

Brown Sugar: Provides a touch of sweetness to balance the saltiness of the soy sauce and the heat from the chili pepper.

Red Chili Pepper: Offers a spicy kick that adds excitement and warmth to the dish, customizable to your spice preference.

Fried Onions: Brings a crispy texture and rich, caramelized onion flavor as a garnish, adding a delightful contrast to the soft tofu.

Used as a fresh garnish, scallions add a mild oniony flavor and a pop of green color, brightening the dish both visually and in taste.

Each ingredient plays a role in creating a harmonious balance of flavors and textures, making this dish irresistibly delicious.

How to make Easy Chinese Tofu?

Start with cutting the tofu into finger-sized cubes.

Heat oil in a pan and fry the tofu cubes on high heat, for around 5-7 minutes, until they begin to brown.

In the meantime, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, pressed garlic, and brown sugar in a small mixing bowl.

Pour the sauce over the tofu. Add half of the cut scallions and red pepper, as well as the fried onions to the pan. Cook on medium heat for another 5 minutes, then serve with the remaining scallions and red chili peppers.

Serving Suggestions

Curious what are the best ways to serve this Easy Chinese Tofu? Here are a few suggestions:

1. With Steamed Rice: Serve the tofu over a bed of fluffy jasmine or basmati rice to soak up the savory sauce, creating a hearty and satisfying meal.
2. Paired with Stir-Fried Vegetables: Add a side of colorful stir-fried veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas for a vibrant, balanced plate.
3. As a Noodle Bowl: Toss the tofu and sauce with cooked noodles, like lo mein or rice noodles, for a comforting and flavorful bowl of goodness.

Other amazing tofu recipes to try

• Mapo Tofu
• Vegan Breakfast Burrito with Tofu Scramble
• Chinese 5 Spice Tofu Stir Fry

I hope you love this Easy Chinese Tofu recipe as much as I do!

If you try it, don’t forget to snap a photo and share it on Instagram or Facebook—I’d love to see your creations, so be sure to tag me!

And if you have a moment, please leave a comment below with a star rating—it means the world to me and helps others discover this recipe. Happy cooking!