Best Red Cooked Tofu Family Style Recipes

RED-COOKED TOFU

Steps:

• Cut the tofu blocks into 1-inch squares that are ½-inch thick. Pat dry with a paper towel.
• Heat the vegetable oil in a wok over high heat until it is just beginning to smoke, about 395°F. In two batches, deep-fry the tofu pieces until a brown skin forms on the outside, about 5 minutes. Use a skimmer to transfer the tofu to a paper-towel-lined plate.
• Remove all but 2 tablespoons of the vegetable oil from the wok. Add the garlic to the wok and stir-fry until it is fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the pork and continue to stir-fry for another 30 seconds or until it is completely cooked.
• Add the shiitake mushrooms, bamboo shoots, 1½ cups water, the wine, both soy sauces, sugar, and pepper to the wok and bring the liquid to a boil.
• Put the tofu in a saucepan and pour the contents of the wok over the tofu. Bring the liquid to a boil, then cover and braise the tofu over medium heat for about 10 minutes, until the tofu has absorbed the flavor.
• In a small bowl, mix the tapioca starch with 2 tablespoons water to make a slurry. Stir this into the braising broth and cook until the broth has thickened, about 1 minute. Serve the tofu garnished with the julienned scallion.

RED-COOKED TOFU

Steps:

• Cut the tofu into pieces 1 inch by 1 inch by 3 inches. Place them on paper towels to drain for 10 minutes.
• Heat a wok or skillet and add the 1/2 cup peanut oil. When it is hot, deep-fry the tofu pieces on both sides until they are golden brown. Drain them well on paper towels.
• Discard the oil and reheat the wok or skillet. Add the 1 1/2 tablespoons of oil and stir-fry the scallions and garlic for 30 seconds. Add the rice wine, hoisin sauce, soy sauces, sugar and stock. Bring to a boil, add the fried tofu and cook over high heat for 10 minutes, or until the tofu has absorbed most of the sauce.
• Add the sesame oil, gently stir, then serve.

RED-COOKED TOFU, FAMILY STYLE

Steps:

• Cut the bean-curd cake into 1-inch-by-3-inch-by-1-inch pieces. Lay them on paper towels and drain for 10 minutes.
• At a slight diagonal, cut the scallions into 3-inch pieces.
• Heat a wok or large saute pan until it is hot. Add 1/2 cup of the peanut oil, and when it is hot, fry the bean curd on both sides until it is golden brown. Drain the bean curd well on paper towels.
• Drain and discard the oil. Wipe the wok clean, reheat and add the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons of oil. Then add the scallions and garlic, and stir-fry for 30 seconds. Put in the rest of the ingredients except the sesame oil. Bring the mixture to a boil, return the fried bean-curd pieces, and cook over high heat, stirring occasionally to distribute the sauce, for 10 minutes or until the bean curd has absorbed most of the sauce. Add the sesame oil and give the mixture a final turn. Serve at once.

STIR-FRIED LETTUCE WITH SEARED TOFU AND RED PEPPER

Steps:

• Mix together the rice wine or sherry, the broth or water and 2 teaspoons of the soy sauce and set aside.
• Heat a 14-inch flat-bottomed wok or 12-inch steel skillet over high heat until a drop of water evaporates within a second or two when added to the pan. Swirl in 1 tablespoon of the oil by adding it to the sides of the pan and swirling the pan, then add the tofu and stir-fry until golden brown. Add the remaining soy sauce, toss together and transfer the tofu to a plate.
• Swirl in the remaining oil and add the ginger, garlic and chili pepper and stir-fry for no more than 10 seconds. Add the red pepper and stir-fry for 1 minute, then add the lettuce and sprinkle on the salt. Stir-fry for 1 minute, until the lettuce has begun to wilt. Add the rice wine mixture, cook 15 to 30 seconds, until the lettuce is bright and crisp tender, stir in the cilantro and remove from the heat. Serve with rice or noodles.

COCONUT RED CURRY WITH TOFU

Steps:

• Cut tofu into 1-inch slabs and place on paper towel-lined baking sheet. Cover with another layer of paper towels and place another baking sheet on top. Let sit for 20 minutes. Cut into 1-inch cubes.
• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add ginger, shallots, garlic, chile and cilantro stems, and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes. Add mushrooms and sauté until golden brown and tender, about 5 minutes. Season with salt. Stir in curry paste and cook 2 minutes. Pour in coconut milk, scraping up any curry paste with a wooden spoon. Add fish sauce, lime zest and juice. Add tofu cubes and snow peas. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly and the snow peas are tender, 7 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Taste and add more salt and/or fish sauce if needed.
• Serve warm with brown rice and a scattering of torn basil and/or cilantro leaves on top.