Firm tofu lends itself to frying and is a perfect vehicle for a tasty sauce. Cut a 400g (14 oz) block of tofu into flat squares, dry them with a paper towel and dredge with a little cornflour (cornstarch). Heat some peanut or other neutral vegetable oil in a frypan and fry the tofu over…… Continue reading spicy tofu stir fry
Category: tofu
kimchi jjigae
Kimchi jjigae (김치찌개) is a staple in Korean households. This stew, made with aged kimchi, is a hearty and delicious one-pot meal. Choose a casserole dish with a lid and add 300g of chopped pork short ribs or skinless pork belly, ¾ of a cup of roughly chopped aged kimchi, 1 finely sliced brown shallot,…… Continue reading kimchi jjigae
kung pao tofu
Kung Pao (Gong Bao) is a classic dish from Sichuan province in south-west China. Traditionally made with chicken, vegetables and peanuts, here is a version using firm tofu instead. To start, cut a 450g (16 oz) block of firm tofu into 2.5cm (1″) cubes and marinate in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon…… Continue reading kung pao tofu
tempeh kecap
Tempeh (tempe) is a fermented soybean cake from Indonesia, particularly popular in Java where it is a staple protein. Unlike tofu, tempeh is made from whole soybeans which are fermented using a fungus as starter. The whole soybeans retain more protein, fibre and texture and the earthy taste develops over time. Tempeh is widely available…… Continue reading tempeh kecap
mapo tofu 2.0
I used to cook a delicious (but not very authentic) Mapo tofu or Grandma’s beancurd. Since I’m now more familiar with Sichuan food, here’s a more authentic and spicy version. You will need some Sichuan pantry staples – Sichuan peppercorns, spicy bean paste (doubanjiang) and homemade chilli oil – for this recipe. If you don’t…… Continue reading mapo tofu 2.0
glazed tofu + pumpkin salad
Here is a tofu recipe, from Serious Eats, that’s a fusion of two cuisines. Glazed with a combination of chipotles in adobo and miso, it’s spicy, umami and delicious. Finely chop 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Place them in a small bowl, along with some of the adobo sauce, and add 1 tablespoon of…… Continue reading glazed tofu + pumpkin salad
tofu skin rolls
Tofu skin, also know as beancurd skin or yuba, is made from the skin that forms when soy milk is boiled. Wrapping a filling into the tofu skin is a common dim sum dish in Hong Kong. Usually made with a meat filling, I opted for this vegetarian version. For the filling pre-soak dried black…… Continue reading tofu skin rolls
vietnamese caramel tofu
If you think you don’t like tofu, this might just change your mind. This sweet and salty method of cooking is often used for pork, chicken or fish. Here is a satisfyingly chewy tofu version. Choose a very firm tofu for this recipe. Place the tofu on a plate and cover with another plate. Weigh…… Continue reading vietnamese caramel tofu
black fungus, shiitake mushroom and tofu hotpot
This Chinese style vegetarian (and vegan) dish is substantial enough to be a meal on its own or serve it along with other dishes as part of a banquet. A ceramic pot or tagine is ideal for this dish. In separate bowls soak the dried Shiitake mushrooms and the black (wood-ear) fungus in boiling water…… Continue reading black fungus, shiitake mushroom and tofu hotpot
gado gado 2.0
My first version of gado gado is a little westernised (not such a bad thing) and makes a great meal on it’s own. This recipe, from Fire Islands: Recipes from Indonesia by Eleanor Ford, is a lighter version with a fresher peanut dressing which is served underneath the other ingredients in the traditional manner. It makes…… Continue reading gado gado 2.0
michelle picker cooks 