Tofu is quite popular in Asian cuisine because of its health benefits and high protein content. It is especially popular in China and is consumed in different ways. There are different Chinese Tofu recipes that you can try at home.
Whether you are a vegan or not, you will have fun trying out these easy and authentic Chinese tofu recipes. So, without further ado, here are my top 10 favorite Chinese authentic tofu recipes that you must try.
1. General Tso Tofu
General Tso Tofu is the same as its chicken counterpart, but the only difference is that you substitute chicken with firm tofu.
This vegetarian version has small tofu squares coated in a thick sauce and grilled vegetables. This sweet and savory dish combines fried tofu tossed in a sauce made from hoisin, sesame oil, vegetable stock, rice vinegar, and soy sauce.
Topped off with grilled broccoli, tomato, and onion, this recipe is a full meal.
2. Stinky Tofu
The traditional tofu dish that you will find everywhere in China is stinky tofu. It’s one of the most delicious ways to eat tofu that you can pair with dishes or eat as the main meal.
It is made by soaking tofu in stinky fermented bean curd and vinegar. After which it’s fried in a pan with garlic, oyster sauce, and herbs.
3. Pan-fried Sesame Garlic Tofu
Pan-fried tofu seasoned with garlic, oyster sauce, and sesame seeds is another favorite tofu recipe that you must try. This recipe is very close to glazed chicken in sauce and sesame seeds, so vegetarians will surely enjoy it.
This dish is even better than chicken because tofu absorbs all the flavor and spices making every bit flavorful.
4. Chinese Tofu with Broccoli
Consider this a vegan version of beef broccoli. This delicious yet healthy meal is ready in thirty minutes and requires only a few ingredients.
Tofu is cooked with tender broccoli with ginger, garlic, oyster sauce, and hoisin. If you are short on time and want to make a healthy meal, this is a great recipe. It goes great alone, or as a side dish with a bowl of steaming white rice, or garlic noodles.
5. Tofu in Coconut Sauce With Vegetables
If you are a fan of Thai chicken curry, this recipe is a perfect vegan substitute. It’s rich and full of flavor. Fried tofu is mixed with a spicy and tangy coconut sauce along with grilled zucchini and tomatoes.
It is mostly eaten alongside steamed rice. You can serve it with flatbread, or any bread of your choice.
Other Recipes to Try
Another popular stir-fry Chinese Tofu recipe with a thick sauce. Szechuan tofu is full of flavor and it’s mostly served with steamed rice. In this recipe, fried tofu is stir-fried in a sauce made from sesame oil, onion, red chili, Sichuan peppercorns, garlic, rice wine, chili bean paste, and sugar. This one will leave you licking your fingers. Another popular tofu dish in China and worldwide is Kung Pao Tofu – a vegan version of the infamous chicken Kung Pao. This is a highly addictive dish with a perfect combination of spice, sweetness, and salty flavors. It is made with a flavorful sauce containing vegetable broth, soy sauce, Chinese black vinegar, hoisin sauce, Chinese Shaoxing wine, and sugar. It is served with stir-fried vegetables and tofu. Vegetable choice varies from restaurant to restaurant, but popular choices are garlic, green onion, scallion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and sesame seeds. Mapo tofu or Sichuanese tofu meal is popular globally because of its unique taste and gravy consistency that packs different flavors. Essentially it’s made with pork or beef, but you can easily substitute it with tofu. It’s made by toasting chilies in hot oil with ground pork or meat that is cooked with spice and turned into a thick sauce in which fried tofu is added. Now, something for people with a sweet tooth – Chinese tofu pudding is to die for. The silken tofu is served with a sauce made from sweet ginger and sugar. This is a popular dessert in Chinese restaurants. It can be served both warm and cold. For this recipe, you just need sweetened dessert tofu and a sweet sauce made by boiling ginger, Chinese Rock sugar, and brown sugar in a little bit of water. If you are craving something sweet and chocolatey, this recipe is for you. Chocolate tofu pudding is very easy to make and is completely vegan, and packed with protein. To make this tofu dessert, all you need is silken tofu with cocoa powder, maple syrup, instant coffee, and a pinch of salt. Just blend all these together and make creamy pudding. You can also add any chocolate of your choice to the pudding or serve it with chocolate ganache. Garnish with chocolate shavings and berries of your choice. Tofu is a popular dish worldwide because of its health benefits and the fact that it can perfectly replace meat in vegan dishes. I have shared with you my favorite Chinese tofu recipes that you must try at home. Most are savory, but I have also mentioned two of the most delicious tofu desserts that you have to try because they are absolutely amazing, and are ready in under 10 minutes. Let me know which one is your favorite dish or any recipes you want me to add to this list.6. Szechuan Tofu
7. Kung Pao Tofu
8. Mapo Tofu
9. Chinese Tofu Pudding
10. Chocolate Tofu Pudding
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