Chinese Tofu Recipes UK: Tasty and Simple Dishes

If you're looking for a healthy and delicious alternative to meat, Chinese tofu recipes are a great choice. Tofu is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from stir-fries to soups. In this article, we'll explore some of the best Chinese tofu recipes that you can make in the UK.

When it comes to selecting the right tofu, there are a few things to consider. You'll want to choose a firm or extra-firm tofu for most recipes, as this type of tofu holds up well in cooking. Silken tofu is better suited for desserts or smoothies. You can find tofu at most supermarkets in the UK, or at Asian grocery stores.

Essential ingredients for Chinese tofu recipes include soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and scallions. If you're looking to add some seafood to your dish, shrimp or scallops work well in stir-fry dishes. Now, let's take a look at some flavourful Chinese tofu recipes that you can try at home.

Key Takeaways

• Select firm or extra-firm tofu for most recipes.
• Use soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and scallions for flavour.
• Shrimp or scallops can be added to stir-fry dishes for a seafood twist.

Selecting the Right Tofu

When it comes to cooking with tofu, selecting the right type is crucial to achieving the desired texture and flavour. Here are some tips to help you choose the right tofu for your recipe.

Types of Tofu

There are different types of tofu available in the market, each with its own unique texture and flavour. The most common types of tofu include silken tofu, firm tofu, soft tofu, and braised tofu.

• Silken tofu: This type of tofu has a smooth and creamy texture, making it ideal for use in dips, smoothies, and desserts. It is also a good substitute for eggs in vegan recipes.

• Firm tofu: This type of tofu has a denser texture and can hold its shape well when cooked. It is perfect for stir-fries, grilling, and baking.

• Soft tofu: This type of tofu has a delicate texture and is best used in soups, stews, and sauces. It can also be blended into smoothies and used as a dairy-free alternative in recipes.

• Braised tofu: This type of tofu is pre-cooked and infused with flavour, making it a great addition to stir-fries and noodle dishes.

Tofu Preparation Tips

To get the best results from your tofu, here are some preparation tips to keep in mind:

• Drain the tofu: Before using tofu, it is important to drain the excess water. This can be done by wrapping the tofu in a clean towel and placing a heavy object on top to press out the water.

• Marinate the tofu: Tofu is a blank canvas when it comes to flavour, so marinating it before cooking can add depth and complexity to your dish. You can use a variety of marinades, such as soy sauce, ginger, and garlic.

• Use seafood: Adding seafood to your tofu recipe can add a burst of flavour and texture. For example, you can use prawns or scallops in a stir-fry with firm tofu, or add crab meat to a soft tofu soup.

By following these tips, you can select the right tofu for your recipe and achieve the desired texture and flavour.

Essential Ingredients and Substitutes

Common Ingredients

When it comes to Chinese tofu recipes, there are a few essential ingredients that you'll need to make the dishes as authentic as possible. Here are some of the most common ingredients used in Chinese tofu recipes:

• Rice: Rice is a staple in Chinese cuisine, and it's often served alongside tofu dishes. You can use any type of rice you like, but jasmine rice is a popular choice.

• Oil: You'll need oil to cook your tofu, and vegetable oil or peanut oil are both good choices.

• Salt: Salt is an essential ingredient in most recipes, and it helps to bring out the flavours in the dish.

• Garlic: Garlic is a common ingredient in Chinese cuisine, and it adds a lot of flavour to tofu dishes.

• Soy sauce: Soy sauce is another staple in Chinese cuisine, and it's used to add saltiness and umami to dishes.

• Sugar: Sugar is used to balance out the flavours in many Chinese tofu recipes, and it's often used in marinades and sauces.

• Pepper: Pepper is used to add heat and flavour to many Chinese dishes, and it's often used in combination with other spices.

• Ginger: Ginger is a common ingredient in Chinese cuisine, and it adds a lot of flavour to tofu dishes.

• Sesame oil: Sesame oil is used to add flavour to many Chinese dishes, including tofu dishes.

• Vinegar: Vinegar is used to add acidity to many Chinese dishes, and it's often used in marinades and sauces.

• Cornflour: Cornflour is used to thicken sauces and marinades in many Chinese tofu recipes.

Substitute Ingredients

If you don't have all of the ingredients listed above, don't worry. There are plenty of substitutes that you can use in your Chinese tofu recipes:

• Rice: You can use quinoa or couscous instead of rice if you prefer.

• Oil: You can use any type of oil that you have on hand, but vegetable oil or peanut oil are the most authentic choices.

• Salt: You can use any type of salt that you have on hand, but sea salt is a good choice.

• Garlic: You can use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic if you don't have any on hand.

• Soy sauce: You can use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce if you're gluten-free.

• Sugar: You can use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar if you prefer.

• Pepper: You can use cayenne pepper or paprika instead of black pepper if you prefer.

• Ginger: You can use ground ginger instead of fresh ginger if you don't have any on hand.

• Sesame oil: You can use any type of oil that has a nutty flavour, such as walnut oil or hazelnut oil.

• Vinegar: You can use any type of vinegar that you have on hand, but rice vinegar is the most authentic choice.

• Cornflour: You can use arrowroot powder or potato starch instead of cornflour if you're allergic to corn.

As a suggestion, you can also add seafood to your Chinese tofu recipes to add more flavour and texture. Some good options include prawns, scallops, and squid. Just make sure to cook them separately and add them to the dish at the end to avoid overcooking.

Cooking Techniques

When it comes to cooking Chinese tofu recipes in the UK, there are a variety of techniques that can be used to prepare and cook tofu. Here are some of the most common cooking techniques used in Chinese cuisine to help you get started.

Stir-Frying Tofu

Stir-frying is a popular cooking method in Chinese cuisine, and it is often used to prepare tofu. To stir-fry tofu, you will need a wok or a large frying pan. Heat up some oil in the wok or frying pan, and then add the tofu. Stir-fry the tofu for a few minutes until it is lightly browned on all sides. You can then add vegetables, such as broccoli or peppers, and continue to stir-fry until the vegetables are cooked. You can also add seafood, such as shrimp or scallops, to the stir-fry for added flavour.

Steaming and Braising

Steaming and braising are two other popular cooking techniques used in Chinese cuisine to prepare tofu. To steam tofu, you will need a steamer basket or a bamboo steamer. Place the tofu in the steamer basket, and then steam it for a few minutes until it is heated through. You can then add a sauce, such as soy sauce or hoisin sauce, to the tofu for added flavour.

Braising involves cooking tofu in a liquid, such as broth or wine, over low heat for a long period of time. This method of cooking is great for adding flavour to tofu, and it can be used to prepare a variety of different dishes.

Shallow and Deep Frying

Shallow and deep frying are two other popular cooking techniques used in Chinese cuisine to prepare tofu. To shallow fry tofu, you will need a frying pan and some oil. Heat up the oil in the frying pan, and then add the tofu. Cook the tofu for a few minutes on each side until it is lightly browned.

Deep frying involves submerging the tofu in hot oil until it is crispy and golden brown. This method of cooking is great for making crispy tofu, which can be used in a variety of different dishes.

Seafood, such as shrimp or scallops, can be added to any of these cooking techniques for added flavour. For example, you can add shrimp to a stir-fry or steam tofu with scallops. Just be sure to choose seafood that complements the flavour of the tofu and the other ingredients in the dish.

Flavourful Tofu Recipes

If you're looking for some delicious and flavourful tofu recipes to try out, you're in the right place. Whether you're vegetarian or vegan, tofu is an excellent source of protein and can be used in a variety of dishes.

Classic Mapo Tofu

Mapo Tofu is a classic Sichuan dish that is known for its spicy and flavourful taste. This dish is made with soft tofu, ground pork, and a spicy sauce that is made with Sichuan peppercorns, chilli bean paste, and fermented black beans. If you're a fan of spicy food, this dish is definitely worth trying.

To make this dish vegetarian or vegan, you can substitute the ground pork with minced mushrooms or crumbled tofu. You can also add some seafood to the dish for some extra flavour. Shrimp or scallops would work well with this dish.

Crispy Salt and Pepper Tofu

Crispy Salt and Pepper Tofu is a popular Chinese dish that is loved for its crispy texture and savoury taste. This dish is made by coating the tofu in a mixture of cornflour, salt, and pepper before frying it until crispy. This dish can be served as a snack or as a side dish.

To add some seafood to this dish, you can try adding some chopped prawns or squid to the tofu mixture before frying it. The seafood will add some extra flavour and texture to the dish.

Tofu with Black Bean Sauce

Tofu with Black Bean Sauce is a simple and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a quick and healthy meal. This dish is made with firm tofu that is stir-fried with garlic, ginger, and black bean sauce. This dish can be served with rice or noodles.

To add some seafood to this dish, you can try adding some chopped clams or mussels to the tofu mixture before stir-frying it. The seafood will add some extra flavour and texture to the dish.

These three tofu recipes are just a few examples of the many delicious and flavourful tofu dishes that you can make. Whether you're a tofu lover or just looking to try something new, these recipes are definitely worth trying out.

Serving and Pairings

Accompaniments

When it comes to serving Chinese tofu dishes, there are plenty of accompaniments that can make your meal even more delicious. Here are some suggestions:

• Salad: A fresh, crisp salad is a great way to balance out the richness of a tofu dish. Consider serving a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to complement the flavours of your tofu.

• Noodles: Whether you choose to serve your tofu dish with rice noodles or egg noodles, they are a great way to soak up all the delicious sauce. Try adding some vegetables like carrots, mushrooms or peppers to your noodles for extra texture.

• Rice: A classic accompaniment to Chinese dishes, rice is a great way to balance out the flavours of your tofu. Try serving your tofu dish with steamed jasmine rice or brown rice for a healthier option.

• Vegetable Stock: If you're looking to add more depth of flavour to your tofu dish, consider using vegetable stock instead of water. This will add a rich, savoury flavour to your dish and make it even more satisfying.

Wine Pairings

If you're looking to pair your Chinese tofu dish with a glass of wine, here are some suggestions:

• Pinot Grigio: This light, crisp white wine pairs well with tofu dishes that have a tangy or citrusy sauce.

• Riesling: A slightly sweet Riesling can complement the spiciness of a tofu dish, making it a great pairing for dishes like Kung Pao Tofu.

• Pinot Noir: This light-bodied red wine pairs well with tofu dishes that have a more savoury or earthy flavour, like Mapo Tofu.

• Chardonnay: A buttery Chardonnay can complement the richness of a tofu dish, making it a great pairing for dishes like Tofu with Peanut Sauce.

If you're feeling adventurous, you could even try pairing your tofu dish with a light, refreshing beer or a crisp, fruity cider. And if you're looking to add some seafood to your tofu dish, consider using prawns or scallops. They pair well with tofu dishes that have a sweet or spicy sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some easy-to-make Chinese tofu dishes for beginners?

If you're new to cooking with tofu, there are plenty of easy-to-make Chinese tofu dishes that you can try. Some examples include Mapo tofu, tofu stir-fry with garlic sauce, and Hunan tofu and vegetable stir fry. These dishes are all simple to prepare and require only a few ingredients, making them perfect for beginners.

How can I make my tofu taste like it's from a Chinese takeaway?

To make your tofu taste like it's from a Chinese takeaway, you can use ingredients like soy sauce, sesame oil, and Chinese five spice powder. Marinating the tofu in these ingredients before cooking can help to infuse it with flavour. You can also try deep-frying the tofu to give it a crispy texture, which is often found in Chinese takeaway dishes.

What are the best Chinese tofu recipes featured on BBC Good Food?

BBC Good Food has a range of Chinese tofu recipes that you can try, including crispy Szechuan tofu, Chinese steamed egg tofu, and tofu and spinach laksa. These recipes are all highly rated by users and are sure to impress.

Can you suggest some healthy Chinese tofu dishes I can try at home?

If you're looking for healthy Chinese tofu dishes, you can try dishes like stir-fried tofu with vegetables, tofu and mushroom hotpot, or tofu and edamame stir-fry. These dishes are all packed with nutrients and are a great way to incorporate tofu into a healthy diet.

What ingredients complement tofu well in Chinese cooking?

In Chinese cooking, tofu is often paired with ingredients like mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and bean sprouts. Seafood like prawns and scallops can also be used to complement tofu in dishes like tofu and prawn stir-fry. Additionally, using spices like Szechuan peppercorns and Chinese five spice powder can add depth of flavour to tofu dishes.

What's the secret to preparing tofu the Chinese way?

The secret to preparing tofu the Chinese way is to press the tofu to remove excess water before cooking. This helps the tofu to absorb more flavour and gives it a firmer texture. Additionally, marinating the tofu in a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, and other spices can help to infuse it with flavour.