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
Tag: tofu
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
eggplant and tofu in garlic sauce
I love Sichuan food. It’s so full of robust flavour without overpowering the ingredients. This recipe from Serious Eats has the perfect balance of salt, sweet, sour and spice. All the ingredients you might not recognise are readily available at Asian supermarkets. Cut 900g (2 lbs) of eggplants into chunks. Place them in a large…… Continue reading eggplant and tofu in garlic sauce
shiitake mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms are used widely in Asian cuisines and considered to have many health benefits. They are widely available in their dried form but are a little harder to find fresh, although Asian stores are a good place to try. We decided to attempt to grow them. This a lengthy procedure with some inherent difficulties for…… Continue reading shiitake mushrooms
enoki mushroom and bean thread soup
This quick Asian style soup makes a deliciously satisfying meal. Nothing in this soup takes very long to cook. Prepare a light chicken or vegetable stock and add some finely shredded cabbage, enoki mushrooms and julienned carrots. After a couple of minutes add some bean thread noodles (mung bean vermicelli) broken into 10cm (4″ ) lengths, some sliced…… Continue reading enoki mushroom and bean thread soup
spicy tofu with oyster mushrooms
Oyster mushrooms have great texture and robust flavour making this a very satisfying vegetarian meal. Heat oil in a large flat frypan or wok until smoking hot then add 2 brown shallots, 2-3 cloves of garlic and 2-4 red chillies, all finely diced. Next add large squares of tofu (classic Chinese style) and allow them to fry on…… Continue reading spicy tofu with oyster mushrooms
black pepper beancurd
A birthday request was fulfilled with Yotam Ottolenghi’s inspiring cookbook Plenty. This first recipe I tried didn’t disappoint. Cut 400g (14oz) of firm tofu (beancurd) into cubes and toss in some cornflour. Shallow fry in batches in hot vegetable oil and remove onto paper towel. Discard the oil and sediment and melt some butter in the same pan. Gently…… Continue reading black pepper beancurd
rojak
This traditional Malaysian salad is a refreshing accompaniment for a spicy barbecue. From your Asian grocer buy a jar of rojak sauce (made in Malaysia), a packet of bean-curd puffs (deep-fried squares of tofu) and either a Chinese turnip or a daikon radish. The other ingredients in this salad are green apple, pineapple, cucumber and…… Continue reading rojak
mapo tofu
Mapo Tofu (Grandma’s beancurd) is a favourite of mine. In this version I cook 500g of minced beef in a hot pan, making sure it’s broken up into small pieces to form the basis of the sauce. No oil is necessary as the meat first loses it’s water content and then fries in it’s own fat, intensifying…… Continue reading mapo tofu
gado gado
My version of this Indonesian salad is a satisfying and delicious meal, although not a traditional one. The various components can be prepared ahead of time and the salad assembled before serving either warm or at room temperature. First hard-boil a few eggs. Now for the saté sauce. Mince (very finely or in a food processor) an onion, 2…… Continue reading gado gado
michelle picker cooks 