Chinese Style Sauteed Firm Tofu Recipes

THE BEST PAN-FRIED TOFU

Steps:

• Take your block of tofu and wrap it in several layers of paper towels.
• Gently press the tofu with your hands or against the counter top to release the liquid. This will take about a minute.
• Slice the tofu into pieces about 1/2 an inch thick.
• Set tofu aside.
• If you are using a non-stick pan heat it slightly on medium-high heat (about 30 seconds) before adding oil.
• If you are using a cast iron pan, please heat for about 1 minute to 1 1/2 minutes on medium-high heat. Cast iron is very thick and you want the pan to be heated evenly before adding the tofu.
• Add oil to heated pan.
• Gently spread oil over the entire surface of the pan.
• Set the tofu pieces in the pan, leaving ample room between them. They should sizzle when placed in the oil. Sprinkle the tops with salt and a little cayenne pepper.
• Now, the MOST IMPORTANT step is -- LEAVE THEM ALONE for about 6 or 7 minutes. Just gently shake them to make sure they don't stick to the pan. Do NOT turn them or agitate them in any other way. When you see a golden crust beginning to creep its way up the sides of the slices, turn them and spice the other side. Add more oil if the pan seems too dry.
• The second side will only take about 4 minutes to cook.
• When they are evenly browned take them out of the pan and place them on paper towels to drain.
• These are very simply seasoned and basic and can now be used any way you like. I like these with steamed broccoli and peanut sauce -- or in a sandwich with grilled peppers and mushrooms and aioli -- or just eaten with ketchup:-).

CHINESE STYLE SAUTEED FIRM TOFU

Steps:

• Cut tofu crosswise into pieces the shape of French-fried potatoes.
• Heat a wok, coat with oil and sprinkle on the salt.
• Add onion then mushrooms, stir-frying each over high heat for about 30 seconds.
• Reduce heat to medium-low.
• Add carrot, green pepper and tofu in that order, sauteing each for about 1 minute.
• Reduce heat to low and add sake, soy sauce, ginger, sugar and water.
• Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes.
• Stir in dissolved cornstarch and simmer 30 seconds more.

CHINESE STYLE SAUTEED FIRM TOFU

Steps:

• Cut tofu crosswise into pieces the shape of French-fried potatoes.
• Heat a wok, coat with oil and sprinkle on the salt.
• Add onion, then the mushrooms, stir frying each over high heat for about 30 seconds.
• Reduce heat to medium-low.
• Add carrot, green pepper and tofu in that order, sauteeing each for about 1 minute.
• Reduce heat to low and add sake, soy sauce, ginger, sugar and water. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes.
• Stir in dissolved cornstarch and simmer 30 seconds for another 30 seconds.