Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Chinese comfort food with our incredibly simple yet profoundly flavorful Braised Tofu with Ground Pork. Imagine golden-brown, crispy-edged tofu, lovingly simmered in a rich, savory chicken broth, generously mixed with succulent ground pork. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that awakens the senses, delivering a delightful blend of textures and authentic Asian flavors right to your dining table. Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen exploring the wonders of tofu or a seasoned cook seeking a quick and satisfying recipe, this dish is designed for effortless preparation and maximum enjoyment. Prepare to be amazed by how easily you can create a restaurant-quality meal that’s both hearty and incredibly delicious.
Why This Braised Tofu with Ground Pork is Your Next Favorite Meal
- Quick and Hearty Perfection: In today’s fast-paced world, finding a meal that’s both nourishing and quick to prepare is a true gem. This braised tofu recipe comes together in a remarkable 30 minutes total time, with active cooking clocking in at around 15 minutes. It’s the ultimate solution for busy weeknights when you crave something filling and delicious but simply don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Despite its speed, it delivers a deeply satisfying and comforting experience, making it perfect for an effortless family dinner or a cozy meal for one.
- Authentic Chinese Flavors Explored: Dive into a symphony of traditional Chinese tastes with every bite. The careful selection of fresh ingredients, combined with the classic trinity of soy sauce, aromatic ginger, and savory oyster sauce, creates a rich, umami-packed sauce that is genuinely reminiscent of your favorite Chinese takeout. This dish doesn’t just taste good; it transports you to bustling Asian eateries, offering an authentic culinary adventure without ever leaving your home kitchen. It’s a testament to how simple, quality ingredients can create profound flavor.
- A Delightful Textural Harmony: One of the most captivating aspects of this dish is its incredible interplay of textures. The tofu is first pan-fried to achieve beautiful golden-brown, crispy edges, providing a satisfying contrast to its tender, yielding interior. This perfectly prepared tofu then mingles with tender, juicy morsels of ground pork, all bathed in a luscious, thick sauce. The result is a mouthwatering symphony that keeps you coming back for more – a true testament to the thoughtful balance of ingredients.
- The Ultimate Companion to Rice: This Braised Tofu with Ground Pork isn’t just a main course; it’s a celebration of flavors designed to be enjoyed with a steaming bowl of fluffy white rice. The rich, savory, and slightly spicy sauce, infused with the essence of pork and aromatics, is absorbed beautifully by the rice, creating an incredibly satisfying and wholesome meal. Each spoonful is a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, making this dish not just delicious, but practically irresistible. It’s a complete meal that feels gourmet yet is incredibly accessible.
Essential Ingredients for Your Braised Tofu Masterpiece
Crafting this delectable Chinese Braised Tofu with Ground Pork requires a few key ingredients, each playing a vital role in building the rich and authentic flavor profile. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a few tips:
- Blocks of Extra Firm Tofu: This is the foundation of our dish. Extra firm tofu holds its shape beautifully and provides the best texture for frying, ensuring those coveted crispy edges. Avoid softer varieties, as they tend to crumble.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance the natural taste of the tofu and the overall dish. Freshly ground black pepper is always recommended for superior flavor.
- Cooking Oil: A neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable, canola, or grapeseed oil, is ideal for frying the tofu and sautéing the meat.
- Ground Pork (or alternative): Ground pork lends a classic richness to this dish. However, feel free to substitute with ground beef, turkey, or chicken for a leaner alternative or different flavor profile.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is essential for its pungent aroma and depth of flavor. Don’t skimp on this aromatic!
- Ginger: Grated fresh ginger adds a warm, spicy, and fragrant note that is hallmark of Chinese cuisine. Its unique zest brightens the entire dish.
- Chicken Broth: The base for our savory braising liquid. Use low-sodium chicken broth to better control the overall saltiness of the dish.
- Oyster Sauce: A cornerstone of Chinese sauces, oyster sauce provides a sweet, salty, and umami-rich flavor that is hard to replicate. Vegetarian oyster sauce is also available for dietary needs.
- Soy Sauce: Another fundamental ingredient, contributing salty and umami notes. Opt for light soy sauce (not low-sodium) for traditional flavor, or a gluten-free tamari for a gluten-free option.
- Water: Used in conjunction with cornstarch to create a slurry that thickens the sauce to perfection.
- Cornstarch: The secret to a beautifully thickened, glossy sauce. It creates a smooth consistency that coats the tofu and pork wonderfully.
- Green Onions: A vibrant garnish that adds a touch of freshness, a mild oniony bite, and a pop of color, completing the dish’s presentation.
Crafting Your Braised Tofu with Ground Pork – A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and authentic Chinese Braised Tofu with Ground Pork:
- Step 1: Prepare the Tofu for Perfection. Begin by thoroughly draining your block of extra firm tofu. Place the tofu on a stack of paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. To effectively remove excess liquid, place another paper towel or towel on top, then weigh it down with a flat, heavy object like a cutting board or a cast-iron frying pan. For added pressure, you can place a few cans of soup on top of the cutting board. Allow the tofu to press for at least 10 minutes. This crucial step is key to achieving crispy tofu and preventing it from falling apart. Once pressed, cut the tofu into uniform slices, approximately 3/4 inch thick. Season both sides lightly with a sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Step 2: Achieve Golden-Brown Crispy Tofu. Heat a wok or a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the cooking oil and swirl it to coat the bottom of the pan. Carefully and slowly slide the seasoned tofu slices into the pan in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. If necessary, fry the tofu in batches. Cook for about 1 minute per side, or until both sides are beautifully golden brown and crispy. This initial searing creates a wonderful texture and helps the tofu maintain its shape during braising. Remove the seared tofu pieces to a clean plate and set aside.
- Step 3: Brown the Pork and Sauté Aromatics. Using the same wok or pan, add the ground meat. Break it up with a spoon and sauté until it is thoroughly browned, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Once the meat is browned, add the minced garlic and grated fresh ginger. Stir-fry these aromatics with the pork for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
- Step 4: Build the Flavorful Braising Sauce. Pour in the chicken broth, oyster sauce, and soy sauce into the wok, stirring to combine all the ingredients. In a small separate bowl, whisk together the cool water and cornstarch to create a smooth slurry. Add this cornstarch mixture to the wok, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly. The cornstarch will give the sauce a desirable glossy texture.
- Step 5: Combine, Simmer, and Finish. Gently return the cooked tofu pieces to the pot, nestling them into the rich sauce. Reduce the heat to medium-low, allowing the dish to maintain a gentle simmer for 5 minutes. During this time, the tofu will absorb the incredible flavors of the sauce, becoming even more delicious. Once the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, stir in the chopped green onions. Serve your piping hot Braised Tofu with Ground Pork immediately, ideally over a bed of fluffy steamed white rice.
Choosing the Right Tofu: A Deep Dive
Tofu, a staple in Asian cuisines for centuries, has gained widespread popularity globally, transforming from an inexpensive, regional food to a versatile ingredient marketed across diverse cultures. For those new to tofu, it’s worth noting that its reputation as “bland” is a misconception; the beauty of tofu lies in its ability to absorb flavors, making it a culinary chameleon.
Crucially, not all tofu is created equal. There’s a significant difference in taste and especially texture across various types. You’ll find silken, soft, firm, and extra-firm tofu, each suited for different culinary applications. For this particular Braised Tofu with Ground Pork recipe, the choice is clear: **Firm or Extra Firm Tofu** is essential. Softer varieties, while excellent for creamy soups or smoothies, will simply disintegrate during the frying and braising process, losing their structural integrity and the satisfying texture we’re aiming for.
When selecting your tofu, look for brands known for quality. Many regular grocery stores now carry a good selection. Historically, in Asian markets and throughout Asia, fresh tofu was often sold in large blocks submerged in water, allowing customers to scoop out their desired quantity. While this fresh experience might be less common in Western markets, reputable packaged brands offer excellent alternatives. The key is to always choose firm or extra-firm to ensure your dish achieves the perfect balance of crispiness and tenderness.
Braised Tofu – Your Go-To for an Effortless Meal
This Braised Tofu with Ground Pork recipe stands out as an exceptionally easy meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor or satisfaction. Its ability to be whipped up in under 30 minutes makes it an ideal candidate for those nights when time is of the essence but a delicious, home-cooked meal is a must. The entire cooking process can efficiently take place in a single wok, significantly reducing cleanup time – a huge bonus for any busy cook. This dish isn’t just fast; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients, combined thoughtfully, can create a truly memorable and hearty dining experience that you’ll want to revisit time and again.
The Wok Advantage: Why This Pan Excels
Cooking in a wok offers numerous advantages over a standard frying pan, especially for stir-fries and braised dishes like this tofu recipe. Its unique design, with high, sloping sides and often a rounded bottom, facilitates incredibly even heat distribution, allowing food to cook quickly and uniformly. This design also requires less oil compared to a flat-bottomed pan for the same amount of food, promoting healthier cooking. Furthermore, the high sides ensure that food tossed during stir-frying remains within the pan, preventing spills and making cleanup easier. While traditional woks were round-bottomed and made of iron for use with Chinese wood stoves, modern flat-bottomed woks are readily available and work perfectly on electric or induction stovetops. If you don’t own a wok, a large, deep sauté pan or a cast-iron skillet can serve as a suitable alternative, though you may need to adjust cooking times slightly to compensate for differences in heat retention and shape.
Freezing Tofu: Tips and Texture Changes
Yes, tofu can indeed be frozen, and it’s a fantastic way to extend its shelf life while also altering its texture in an interesting way. Once frozen, tofu can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. The freezing process changes the tofu’s structure, making it more porous and chewier upon thawing. This altered texture is often preferred by some, as it allows the tofu to absorb marinades and sauces even more effectively, intensifying its flavor. To freeze, simply drain the tofu block, cut it into desired pieces, and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. After defrosting, always remember to drain or gently squeeze out any excess water before cooking to ensure it maintains its new, firmer texture. You can also freeze cooked tofu dishes, such as this braised tofu, or other meals like pasta sauces or chili. Be aware that the tofu within these dishes will also adopt a more porous and somewhat chewier consistency after freezing and thawing.
Top Tips for Mastering This Braised Tofu with Ground Pork
- Press Your Tofu Thoroughly: This is arguably the most critical step for achieving delicious, crispy tofu. Removing as much excess water as possible ensures that your tofu will brown beautifully and absorb the rich flavors of the braising sauce without becoming soggy. Use a dedicated tofu press or the heavy object method (as described in the instructions) for at least 10-15 minutes.
- Choose the Right Tofu: Always opt for firm or extra firm tofu. Anything softer, such as silken or soft tofu, will likely fall apart during the cooking process, especially when frying and braising.
- Prep Before You Cook (Mise en Place): Chinese cooking, particularly stir-frying, moves very quickly. Have all your ingredients chopped, measured, and ready to go before you even turn on the heat. This “mise en place” approach ensures a smooth and stress-free cooking experience.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When frying the tofu or browning the ground pork, avoid overfilling your wok or pan. Overcrowding can lower the pan’s temperature, leading to steamed rather than seared tofu, and less effective browning of the meat. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: The provided recipe offers a balanced flavor profile, but personal preferences vary. Taste the sauce before adding the tofu back and adjust the soy sauce or oyster sauce to your liking. A dash of sugar can balance the saltiness if needed.
- Serve with Steamed Rice: This dish is truly best enjoyed with a generous serving of fluffy white rice. The rice perfectly complements the savory sauce and the textures of the tofu and pork, making for a complete and satisfying meal. Consider adding a simple side of steamed or stir-fried greens for a balanced plate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are some variations I can make to this dish? This recipe is incredibly versatile! For added color, nutrients, and flavor, consider incorporating colorful vegetables such as sliced bell peppers, baby corn, snow peas, or chopped bok choy during the last few minutes of simmering. If you’re catering to different dietary needs, you can easily use vegetarian oyster sauce or a vegan oyster alternative instead of traditional oyster sauce. For a gluten-free option, simply ensure you use a certified gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari). Feeling adventurous? A dash of Chinese chili oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add an extra kick and a pleasant warmth to your meal!
How can I ensure my tofu gets that desirable golden-brown crust? The key to a beautiful golden-brown crust on your tofu lies in two main factors: proper draining and adequate heat. First, ensure you drain your tofu thoroughly to remove as much excess water as possible; a tofu press or the heavy object method is highly effective here. Second, use a hot wok or non-stick pan over medium-high heat with enough cooking oil to thinly coat the bottom. When adding the tofu, make sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this lowers the temperature and can steam the tofu instead of frying it. Fry the pieces gently for about 1-2 minutes per side, patiently waiting for that perfect golden hue to develop before flipping. Resist the urge to move them too soon!
Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan? Absolutely! To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the ground pork and use a plant-based ground meat alternative. Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth, and ensure you use a vegetarian or vegan oyster sauce (many brands offer these, often made with mushrooms). The crispy tofu will remain the star, soaking up all the savory goodness of the plant-based sauce.
How should I store leftovers and for how long? Leftovers of Braised Tofu with Ground Pork store wonderfully. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can gently warm it on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much, or microwave it until heated through. The flavors often deepen overnight!
What other side dishes pair well with this recipe? While this dish is excellent with steamed white rice, you can elevate your meal with other complementary sides. Blanched or stir-fried Asian greens like gai lan (Chinese broccoli) or bok choy, simply seasoned with garlic and a touch of soy sauce, would be a fresh and healthy addition. A light cucumber salad with a sesame dressing or a clear vegetable soup could also offer a refreshing contrast.
Chinese Braised Tofu with Ground Pork Recipe
Jaden Hair
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 block firm or extra firm tofu
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 1 pound ground pork beef, turkey or chicken
- 1 clove garlic very finely minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/4 cup cool water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/2 stalk green onion chopped
Instructions
- Drain the tofu and place on towels or paper towels. To get rid of excess water in the tofu, place another towel on top of the tofu, then place something flat and heavy (like a cutting board or a cast iron frying pan) on top. You can weigh the cutting board down by putting a couple of cans of soup on top. Let sit for 10 minutes.
- Cut the tofu into several slices 3/4″ thick. Season on both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat a wok or large saute pan over medium-high heat. When hot, swirl in the cooking oil. Very carefully and slowly slide in the tofu slices in one layer. Fry for 1 minute, then flip to fry the other side for 1 minute until both sides are browned. Remove the seared tofu to a clean plate.
- To the same wok, add in the ground meat. Saute until browned, about 2 minutes. Add in the garlic and the ginger and stir fry for 30 seconds.
- Add in the chicken broth, oyster sauce and soy sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the water and the cornstarch. In the wok, stir in the water and cornstarch mixture and bring everything to a simmer.
- Add the cooked tofu back in the pot. Lower the heat to medium-low. Let simmer for 5 minutes, until thickened. Mix in green onion. Serve with rice.