Mastering the Art of Luxe Braised Tofu at Home

Rediscover Restaurant-Style Tofu Bliss

Have you ever savored the refined taste of braised tofu at home, reminiscent of your cherished Chinese restaurant experience? You might think replicating it is a Herculean task, but the joy of nailing this dish is unparalleled. Its distinction doesn’t stem from its intricacy, but from a special component – fried silken tofu – that catapults it into a gourmet league.

The Silken Tofu Phenomenon

Silken tofu is the prima donna of the tofu world. Fragile yet captivating, its melt-in-mouth consistency is adored by many. However, to transform it into our luxurious braised tofu, we encase it in a golden crust by deep frying. This not only fortifies the tofu’s structure for the stir-frying process but also encapsulates its inherent softness, making every bite an exquisite balance of crunch and creaminess. Now, imagine this texture paired with a rich, umami sauce. It’s no wonder that the extra frying step is so transformative! Have I tempted your culinary senses? Just glance at those drool-worthy images, and let’s embark on this culinary adventure.

Why Home-Cooked Luxe Tofu Wins

When you craft this dish at home, you’re in control. You choose the quality of ingredients, ensuring that they’re fresh and organic, especially the tofu. You can also tweak the sauce to suit your palette. Plus, nothing beats the joy and satisfaction of serving a dish of this caliber, made entirely by you, to your loved ones.

Ingredients

• 1 pound silken tofu (organic is a prime choice!)
• 2 cups oil (destined for frying)
• 1 cup chicken stock (vegetable stock or shiitake mushroom soaking liquid are great alternatives)
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (vegetarian version works too)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
• ½ teaspoon sesame oil
• ¼ teaspoon sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust according to your taste)
• 3 ginger slices (1/8 inch thickness, gently crushed)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced to perfection)
• 2 scallions (angled cuts creating 2-inch segments, segregate white and green)
• 4 fresh shiitake mushrooms (dried ones work too, but remember to soak them)
• 1 medium carrot (delicately sliced on an angle)
• 2/3 cup fresh winter bamboo shoots (canned works if fresh is unavailable)
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
• 1/2 cup snap peas
• 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch (meld with 2 tablespoons water)

Steps to Tofu Euphoria

1. Segment the tofu into 10 pieces and lay them out for half an hour. This process drains excess moisture, preparing the tofu for its golden transformation.
2. Employ a tall pot for heating the oil, aiming for a temperature between 375 to 400 degrees F. A candy or oil thermometer will be your ally here. Safety first!
3. Gingerly introduce the tofu pieces, 3-4 at a time, into the hot oil. Consistency is the key, maintaining a high temperature ensures a crispy exterior.
4. Once each tofu piece achieves a light golden hue, which takes about 2-3 minutes, place them on a dry plate. Remember, the temperature is your guiding star here!
5. Blend the stock, sauces, sesame oil, sugar, and salt in a bowl, setting the stage for the upcoming symphony.
6. Ignite your wok over medium heat, drizzle in 2 tablespoons of the frying oil, and begin the aromatic journey with ginger, garlic, and the white scallion segments. As the fragrance fills the air, introduce mushrooms, carrots, bamboo shoots, and finally, the wine and snap peas.
7. As the wok’s contents dance together, pour in the sauce concoction. As it reaches a boil, stir in the cornstarch mix, letting the sauce attain a luscious thickness. Gently introduce the fried tofu and sprinkle in the remaining scallions.
8. Blend the ingredients with tender care, ensuring the tofu is lavishly coated. A moment more in the wok, and your luxe braised tofu is ready to enchant the plates and palates.