You are welcome 😀
Apart from the usual recipe testing, I’ve been trying to spruce up the blog design just a bit. There’s a new set of social media icon, a list of press mention, editing on some new pages etc… Work is still in progress, so if there’s something broken, I’d appreciate it if you let me know.
Also, there’s the announcement of Google shutting down my favorite Google Reader by July 1st. Darn. So if you are subscribed to us via Google Reader, please redirect the subscription to your favorite blog reader.
Mine happens to be Feedly. I just can’t get the fact why it took me THIS long to switch. Thanks for the nudge, Google 😉
So, now that we have covered the technical jargons for the day — let’s tackle a simple and satisfying recipe for a change. There’s nothing about tofu that I don’t like.
Zilch.
It’s often misconstrued to be plain Jane, dull and flavorless. Well, that’s an overstatement if you asked me. I’d prefer taking simple ingredients and jazzing it up.
Living life at the edge gives us the thrill, huh? 😉
Ingredients:
- 2 firm organic tofu
- 3 tbsp cooking oil
- 4 to 5 large garlic cloves, peeled & smashed
- 6 slices of fresh ginger, sliced into matchsticks
- 6 spring onions, sliced
- sesame seeds
Sauce:
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Chinese cooking wine
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp cornstarch dissolved in some water
Directions:
- Cut the tofu into strips. Place in a colander lined with kitchen towel, to drain.
- Mix all the sauce ingredients in a bowl. Set aside.
- Heat a large non-stick skillet on high. Add oil once pan is hot. Reduce heat to medium.
- Add drained sliced tofu fry for a minute or until very lightly browned on one side. Turn gently with a spatula until all the pieces are very lightly browned on the sides.
- Add garlic, ginger and half of the spring onions and stir-fry gently for 2 minutes or until fragrant.
- Reduce heat to low, drizzle in the sauce, stir to blend and cover wok with lid. Braise for 5 minutes. If sauce becomes too dry whilst cooking, add a few tablespoons of water.
- Before serving, add remaining spring onions and garnish with some sesame seeds. Serve hot with steaming jasmine rice.
There’s a variety of recipes out there in braising tofu. Try experimenting this recipe by using different ingredients or spices. I love the idea of adding black bean sauce in place of soy sauce. Or adding some mushrooms and a pinch of five spice powder. Yum!
Off to put the idea to work 😉
What are your thoughts on the very soon shutting down of Google Reader? Are you switched to Feedly or is there something else out there?
Comments on this entry are closed.
Scrumptious! I love tofu. It is ever so versatile.
Cheers,
Rosa
Rosa — so true!
Love the new changes.. Oh and the new photo!!! Its really cute!!! Your blog design is beautiful!!
Mr. & Mrs. P recently posted..Pineapple Cilantro Sorbet
Mr & Mrs P — thank you so so much my friend 🙂
loved the simplicity of this recipe.
dassana recently posted..jal jeera
Dassana — thank you!
love how rich the sauce is and I love tofu prepared any style. Currently I am still doing google subscriber (which I loved) but I also use feedly and bloglovin.
dixya@food, pleasure, and health recently posted..Anise & Almond Muffins & Marvelous NuNaturals Giveaway #MIMM
Dixya — overall, the sauce is pretty light 🙂
Great dish, I especially love when tofu gets crisp edges from sauteing or frying.
Kari@Loaves n Dishes recently posted..MUSHROOM GRAVY FOR ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING
Kari — me too!
Tofu is definitely one of the best ingredients, this looks delicious 🙂
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Choc Chip Uru recently posted..Introducing Forster
CCU — thank you my friend 🙂
Well, this will definitely be going right to the top of my to-make list! Tofu is one of my favorite ingredients. 🙂
Kiersten @ Oh My Veggies recently posted..Garden Update | Skipping Spring and Moving Onto Summer
Kiersten — yay! 🙂
Kiran, I love this! Tofu is such a versatile ingredient that just soaks in whatever flavors you put with it, and this combo looks so tasty. I’m imagining it with some yummy veggies from the garden soon!
Donalyn recently posted..Crash Hot Sweet Potatoes
Donalyn — thank you! yup, some veggies would make it a complete meal to boot 🙂
I loved the recipe!And black bean sauce sounds delicious too. Maybe I should try it. Your blog does look fresh and lovely!
Mustardseed — thank you and a very good idea. jump on it!
I love how versatile tofu is. I am actually having some for dinner. Love the photos and the new changes.
Lail | With A Spin recently posted..Dudh Puli – Coconut Stuffed Dumpling in Spice Infused Milk
Lail — thank you and hope you enjoyed your tofu for dinner 🙂
These are my kind of flavors! We love tofu in our house (including my 7-year old) and I make beef with tofu and other stir-frys all the time. But I’ve never used tofu as the centerpiece in a dish, like this. Great idea and totally delicious!
Monica recently posted..Something to munch on…hazelnut biscotti
Monica — thank you and I love that your kid loves tofu 🙂
Beautiful Kiran! I am pretty bummed out about the whole Google Reader thing, mostly b/c I have a great RSS app for my iPhone that is connected to it. I wonder if Feedly has an app? So annoying!
Alyssa (Everyday Maven) recently posted..How to Make Ghee
Alyssa — thank you my dear. I think feedly has an app, but they are still working on improving it.
I second that, SCRUMPTIOUS! I love tofu cooked Asian style, it adds so much flavor to an otherwise bland protein. OMG, I’m scared once day Google will shutdown Blogger, I’m terrified!!! 🙁
honeywhatscooking recently posted..Rotini with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Honey — move over to Wordpress. It’s so much more robust 🙂
Love the flavors of your jazzed up tofu!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) recently posted..lemon-almond petit fours
Laura — thank you!
Will be trying out Feedly soon as well. Anyways thats a nice way to serve tofu, love this recipe
Raymund recently posted..Chinese Sausage and Scallion Fried Rice
Raymund — good luck and thank you!
YUM Kiran. This definitely makes tofu sexy!
Hannah recently posted..Crunchy granola bars
Hannah — lol, thanks! 😀
So mind-blowing pictures. It’s making me hungry after breakfast in the morning lol. 🙂
Your Cookery Book recently posted..Coriander Chicken Curry (Coriander Chicken Recipe)
YCB — lol, thank you 😀
I really need to learn to love tofu! This recipe looks beautiful, Kiran, as always 😉
ashley – baker by nature recently posted..Spring Pea, Leek, and Pancetta Risotto
Ashley — thank you so much my friend. You can start loving tofu by lightly pan-frying it in a skillet and dipping it in some thai peanut sauce. That’s always a good start to begin loving an ingredient 🙂
Wow, you made tofu looks so gourmet Kiran! I love tofu too, never tried braising so this is bookmarked:-0. Thanks for the nudge on feedly, I have been on the hunt for a good reader.
jehanne@thecookingdoctor recently posted..Apple Hazelnut Couscous Salad..and an Apple Painting!
Jehanne — awww, thanks my friend! I hope you’d enjoy this recipe 🙂
And yup, feedly is greatness!
Only YOU can make tofu look so mouthwatering, Kiran! This looks so incredibly delicious and easy. As usual, your photos have stopped me in my tracks, too! 🙂
Georgia @ The Comfort of Cooking recently posted..3-Ingredient Cheater’s Chocolate Croissants
Georgia — awww, thanks my dear. Your comment made my day. Well, you always say the best things all the time 🙂
Mmm, looks delectable, Kiran!
Viviane Bauquet Farre recently posted..Soufflé omelet with Robiola and sautéed ramps
Viviane — thank you!
Love tofu but I’m never able to cook it properly. My tofu recipes are always too bland. This one is full of character and, I’m sure, tasteful!
Daniela @ FoodrecipesHQ recently posted..Dense and Nutritious Coffee Banana Smoothie
Daniela — by braising, i’m sure it’ll impart more flavor into the tofu. Try it and let me know how it tastes 🙂
I don’t use tofu much, but I should – it takes so well to flavorings. Braising is a particularly nice way to use it. Love all the flavors you’ve included in this recipe. Good stuff – thanks.
john@kitchenriffs recently posted..The Mint Julep
John — thank you!
I’m a fan of tofu too. This sauce sounds fabulous for it! Wish I could pick this off the screen for dinner tonight.
lisaiscooking recently posted..Chocolate Chip Cherry Scones
Lisa — 🙂
Hi Kiran, saw this space of urs and am head over heels in love with this site ! 🙂 the pics r as gorgeous as u ! count me in as ur new follower !
Shree recently posted..Mutton Pepper Fry
Hi Shree — thank you so so much for your compliments and thanks for following this space 🙂
This looks so yummy! I LOVE tofu. Gorgeous photos, btw. 🙂
Anne ~ Uni Homemaker recently posted..Banana Chocolate Chunk Mini Loaves
Anne — thank you my dear 🙂
I with you on jazzing up simple ingredients, I mean a lobster is fantastic on it’s own while simple things need creativity to be elevated, having said that your braised tofu is outstanding!
Gourmantine recently posted..8 dressing ideas to spice up salads
Gourmantine — oh, i loved reading your analogy. Thanks my friend 🙂
Ohh ya! Even I was confused as to whr to go after the news of reader shutting down.. But to my surprise I am already in love with Feedly and how easy and how similar it is to Reader.
This looks like a make-over for tofu. I am not a tofu fan but thats mainly bcoz its too plain for me.. this seems like a solution! 🙂
Charul Ajmera recently posted..Japanese Cucumber Salad
Charul — good thing is that because of the shut down, we all got introduced to a better reader 🙂
I always manage to break the tofu when I fry it 🙁 Will have to be super super gentle when I try this, because it looks amaze!
P.s. comments to my blog via google+ seems to be working now ! :):) xxx thanks for letting me know!
Gemma @andgeesaid recently posted..Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork with Apple Cider
Gemma — use firm tofu. That way it won’t break as easily 🙂
ps: I don’t use google plus to comment.
That recipe looks fantastic, thank you for sharing it! I don’t have to many with tofu, so I am so trying it! Lovely photos!
IRENA recently posted..Brownies
Irena — thank you for trying and I hope you enjoyed this recipe 🙂
I looove tofu and this dish looks SO good. You’ve got me hungry now! Thank goodness I have some tofu pad thai in the fridge to munch on! =)
Amy — lol, thank goodness for that! Hope you are doing great xo
Thanks for stopping by Kiran! I appreciate the lovely comment. I have to admit, I don’t do much with tofu, but I do like it when I do do something with it. This braised version looks lovely and I imagine the tofu sucking in all that flavour. Beautiful photos too!
Nazneen
Coffee and Crumpets recently posted..Chicken and Vegetable Pullao
Nazneen — and thank you for dropping by here with such lovely comment 🙂
Looks great Kiran. I love tofu.
I did not know google reader is closing down. I use netvibes to follow all my favourite blogs and their updates. Easy to use.
lizzie – strayed from the table recently posted..Traditional Pea & Ham Soup Recipe
Lizzie — And I’ve never heard of netvibes. Wow 🙂
Damn you make tofu look good. I can’t get past the texture and haven’t been that successful at enjoying it. Yours does look mighty tempting though… pity you are so far away..
Cass @foodmyfriend recently posted..Flatpac Fridays: Has a Husbun
Cass — lol, your comment had me laughing out so loud 😀
looks tasty can only eat tofu like this or fried he he
rebecca recently posted..Musings and Butterfly Cupcakes
Rebecca — lol!
I should give Feedly a try too. Love the green surface you have used and its a perfect fit for the dish, which looks so inviting. Thanks for working in the kitchen for us! 🙂
Shumaila recently posted..Garam Masala Tuesdays: Oats Khichdi
Shumaila — you are welcome 😀
That’s so full of flavour-how delicious! And a shame about google shutting down feedburner!
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella recently posted..Mount Nebo, Madaba and Feynan Eco Lodge, Jordan
Lorraine — thank you, friend 🙂
I’m going to have to try this. One of my children is trying to be vegetarian, and I am a complete carnivore. Making tofu is something I’ve never done!
Aimee @ ShugarySweets recently posted..Coffee Time with Shugary Sweets
Aimee — try it with firm tofu. it’s easier to work with the first time 🙂
Gorgeous! I have never understood anti-tofu sentiments. Tofu is so versatile and delicious. And once it has browned a bit? Even better!
Meenakshi recently posted..Quick, Light Dinner On A Busy Day: Kidney Bean Soup | Vegan Soup Recipe
Meenakshi — ditto!!!
This looks delicious, Kiran. We braise or grill tofu all the time and I am always happy to find a new sauce or spice combination to try with it. 🙂
Wendy recently posted..Soft Italian Chocolate Cookies
Wendy — me too! I hope to try this recipe with different sauce the next time 🙂
LOVE the photo with the blue plate and the red stripe on the towel—nice composition 🙂 Oh yeah, and the tofu sounds stellar!
Alle — thank you so so much! 🙂
It looks amazing, I need to try it for breakfast.
Marta @ What should I eat for breakfast today recently posted..Sausage a’la octopus
Marta — thanks my dear and let me know how it tastes 🙂
Thanks for this recipe! I’ve been a vegetarian for 5 years now and have yet to find a tofu recipe that I love. I think this may be it! It sounds amazing!
Jordan recently posted..Oh No She Di-int!
Jordan — thank you so much for taking the time to comment. I truly appreciate it and glad the recipes I create is making a lot of difference in everyone’s life 🙂
A wonderful & very appetizing dinner, Kiran!
I also love the new look on your lovely blog! Beautiful!
Sophie recently posted..Vegan cookies review & a garden update!
Sophie — thank you so much 🙂
Hi Kiran! I made this and it was delicious and well appreciated by my family. I learned that you really meant it when you specified a non-stick pan! I only have one small non-stick pan and prefer not to use it so I started frying the tofu in a large regular frying pan. Mistake! It stuck like crazy and I started over with small batches in the non-stick pan, where the tofu browned much more nicely. Later in the recipe you are using a wok with a lid. I went ahead and transferred everything into a wok, so I ended up using three pans altogether. I made a few changes here and there– I don’t have Chinese cooking wine, so I omitted that. I used maple syrup for the sugar, kudzu root powder instead of cornstarch, and a leek for the spring onions.
Mary @ Fit and Fed recently posted..Willow Waltz Bronze Ice Dance Test
Hi Mary — firstly, I apologize for not replying sooner. Somehow your comment went into the spam and sat there for a while. Geez.
I’m so glad you tried this recipe and it was a hit. That’s a lot of pan for this recipe 😉
i made this for lunch today and absolutely loved it!!!
i discovered tofu for me recently – i always thought it would taste like cardboar but your recipe proved the opposite! So delicious!
i did some changes though and thought you might be interested:
i added
– a few chicken strips (for i was afraid i wouldn’t like the tofu),
– peas
– some thinly sliced paprika (which i had left in the fridge and HAD to use)
– fresh thinly sliced red chili
it was a wonderful lunch and next time i will not add the chicken because now i know that Tofu is absolutely delicious when cooked and spiced right 🙂
have a great day xoxo
Lu — thank you so so much for trying this recipe and then taking the time to write me a sweet comment!! I love the changes you made in this recipe. It truly shows that tofu can be customized to suit variety of palates and ingredients. Braising it is definitely one of my favorite ways to enjoy tofu. Bon appetit & have a great day 🙂
Found this recipe on Pinterest and made it for dinner last night. Went down a treat with my other half but apparently I didn’t make enough! ;D
Really quick and really easy. If you make a lot of Orient inspired food you will likely have all the ingredients in.
Samfa — so glad you loved it! thanks for dropping by 🙂