How to Make Hot Plate Tofu: A Tasty and Simple Chinese Recipe

Hot plate tofu, a widely loved Chinese dish, has gained popularity globally for its sizzling and delightful taste. This meal consists of deep-fried tofu placed on a hot plate, topped with a savoury sauce and a mix of meat, vegetables, and seafood.

 

The origins of hot plate tofu can be traced back to China, where it has been a popular dish for centuries. It is often served in restaurants and street food stalls, and is a favourite of locals and tourists alike. There are many different variations of the dish, each with its own unique flavour and ingredients.

To make hot plate tofu, you will need a few essential ingredients, including tofu, meat or seafood, vegetables, and a savoury sauce. The dish is typically cooked on a hot plate, which gives it its signature sizzling presentation. There are also many different cooking techniques that can be used to prepare the dish, including stir-frying, deep-frying, and simmering. With so many variations and options, hot plate tofu is a dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways.

Key Takeaways

• Hot plate tofu is a popular Chinese dish that is known for its sizzling presentation and delicious flavour.
• The dish has its origins in China and has been a favourite of locals and tourists alike for centuries.
• To make hot plate tofu, you will need essential ingredients like tofu, meat or seafood, vegetables, and a savoury sauce.

Origins and Cultural Significance

Hotplate tofu is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine that has become a favourite in many Singaporean and Malaysian restaurants. Its origins can be traced back to the Chinese province of Sichuan, where it was traditionally served as a spicy and flavourful dish. Today, hotplate tofu is a staple in many Chinese restaurants around the world, and its cultural significance has only grown.

Singapore and Malaysia Influence

In Singapore and Malaysia, hotplate tofu is often served as part of a cze char meal, which is a type of Chinese cuisine that is popular in both countries. Cze char restaurants are known for their affordable and delicious dishes, which are often served family-style. Hotplate tofu is a perfect example of a dish that is both affordable and delicious, and it is often served with rice or noodles.

Chinese Restaurant Classics

Hotplate tofu is also a classic dish in Chinese restaurants around the world. It is typically made with soft tofu, which is cooked on a hotplate with a variety of vegetables and meat. The dish is then served with a savoury sauce that is both spicy and sweet. Hotplate tofu is a great option for those who are looking for a healthy and flavourful meal that is easy to make.

If you want to add a bit of seafood to your hotplate tofu, you can try adding shrimp or scallops to the dish. These seafood options can add a bit of sweetness and texture to the dish, making it even more delicious. However, be careful not to overcook the seafood, as it can become tough and rubbery if cooked for too long.

In conclusion, hotplate tofu is a delicious and healthy dish that has become a staple in many Chinese restaurants around the world. Its origins in Sichuan and its cultural significance in Singapore and Malaysia make it a must-try dish for anyone who loves Chinese cuisine. By adding a bit of seafood to the dish, you can take it to the next level and create a meal that is both flavourful and nutritious.

Essential Ingredients

When it comes to making hot plate tofu, there are some essential ingredients that you must have in your kitchen. In this section, we will discuss the most important ingredients that you need to make a delicious hot plate tofu dish.

Choosing the Right Tofu

The first and most important ingredient in hot plate tofu is tofu itself. There are many different types of tofu available, but not all of them are suitable for making hot plate tofu. The best type of tofu to use for this dish is firm or extra-firm tofu. Silken tofu or soft tofu will not hold up well during cooking and will turn to mush.

Egg tofu is also a great option for hot plate tofu, as it has a firmer texture and a slightly sweet flavour. If you prefer a creamier texture, you can use silken tofu, but make sure to handle it gently.

Sauces and Seasonings

The sauces and seasonings used in hot plate tofu are what give the dish its unique flavour. Oyster sauce, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, sesame oil, white pepper, salt, and pepper are all essential ingredients that you should have on hand.

Oyster sauce is a key ingredient in hot plate tofu, as it adds a rich umami flavour. Soy sauce and dark soy sauce provide a salty and savoury flavour, while light soy sauce adds a touch of sweetness. Sesame oil adds a nutty flavour, while white pepper adds a subtle heat.

Proteins and Vegetables

The proteins and vegetables used in hot plate tofu can vary depending on your preferences. Pork, minced pork, chicken, and prawns are all great options for adding protein to your dish. Shiitake mushrooms, mushrooms, onion, spring onion, and carrots are all great options for adding vegetables to your dish.

If you want to add some seafood to your hot plate tofu, prawns or squid are great options. Make sure to cook them separately before adding them to the dish.

In summary, the key ingredients for making a delicious hot plate tofu dish are firm or extra-firm tofu, egg tofu, oyster sauce, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, sesame oil, white pepper, salt, pepper, pork, minced pork, chicken, prawns, shiitake mushroom, mushrooms, onion, spring onion, and carrots. Make sure to choose the right ingredients and follow the recipe closely to create a mouth-watering hot plate tofu dish.

Cooking Techniques

Mastering the Wok

When it comes to cooking hot plate tofu, mastering the wok is essential. A good wok should be made of cast iron or carbon steel and able to withstand high heat. Heat the wok until it starts to smoke before adding oil. Use a high smoke point oil like peanut or vegetable oil to prevent the oil from burning and ruining the dish.

When stir-frying, it's important to keep the ingredients moving constantly to prevent burning. Use a spatula or a pair of tongs to toss the ingredients and ensure even cooking. If you're adding seafood to the dish, be sure to cook it first before adding other ingredients to the wok.

Deep Frying Perfection

Deep frying tofu is a great way to achieve a crispy texture. To do this, cut the tofu into small pieces and dust them with cornstarch or cornflour before frying. This will create a light coating that will become crispy when fried.

Heat the oil to 175°C and fry the tofu in batches until golden brown. Drain the tofu on paper towels to remove excess oil. If you're adding seafood to the dish, consider using prawns or scallops as they cook quickly and pair well with the tofu.

Sizzling Hot Plate Finale

The sizzling hot plate is the signature feature of hot plate tofu. To achieve this effect, heat a cast iron skillet or a heavy-bottomed pan until it's smoking hot. Add the cooked tofu and other ingredients to the skillet and let it sizzle for a few seconds before serving.

Be careful when handling the hot plate as the skillet will be extremely hot. If you're adding seafood to the dish, consider using squid or fish as they cook quickly and add a unique flavour to the dish.

With these cooking techniques, you'll be able to create a delicious hot plate tofu dish that's crispy, flavourful, and sizzling hot.

Recipe Variations

When it comes to hot plate tofu, there are many variations that you can try to suit your taste preferences. Here are some recipe variations that you can experiment with:

Meat Lovers' Delight

If you're a meat lover, you can add some minced meat, beef, or chicken stock to your hot plate tofu. The meat will add some extra flavour and texture to the dish. You can also try using different types of meat to see which one you prefer.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options

For those who are vegetarian or vegan, you can make a vegetarian version of hot plate tofu by omitting the meat and using vegetable stock instead. You can also use vegan-friendly ingredients such as tofu and shiitake mushrooms to create a delicious vegan hot plate tofu dish.

Seafood Extravaganza

If you're a seafood lover, you can add some seafood to your hot plate tofu. Some seafood options that work well with hot plate tofu include shrimp, scallops, and squid. You can also add some shiitake mushrooms, baby corn, and greens to the dish to create a seafood extravaganza.

When cooking with seafood, be sure to use fresh seafood that has been properly cleaned and prepared. You can also experiment with different types of seafood to see which ones you prefer.

Overall, there are many different variations of hot plate tofu that you can try. Whether you're a meat lover, vegetarian, or seafood enthusiast, there's a hot plate tofu recipe out there for you. Experiment with different ingredients and see what works best for you.

Serving and Presentation

Hot plate tofu is a dish that is best served sizzling hot, straight from the kitchen to the dining table. It is usually served in a cast-iron hot plate, which keeps the dish hot and bubbling for a longer period of time. The dish is usually served with steamed rice, which helps to balance out the richness of the sauce.

Accompaniments

To enhance the flavour of the dish, you can serve it with some chopped spring onions or shallots. The fresh and fragrant taste of the spring onions or shallots will complement the savoury taste of the dish. If you prefer a bit of crunch, you can also serve the dish with some fried or deep-fried seafood, such as prawns or squid. The seafood will add an extra layer of texture to the dish, making it even more enjoyable.

Garnishing Tips

To make the dish more visually appealing, you can add some garnishes to it. One way to do this is to sprinkle some chopped spring onions or shallots on top of the dish. This will add a pop of colour to the dish and make it look more appetising. You can also add some fried or deep-fried shallots to the dish. The golden-brown colour of the shallots will contrast well with the white tofu and make the dish look more attractive.

Overall, serving and presentation are important aspects of hot plate tofu. By following these tips and suggestions, you can make your hot plate tofu look and taste even better.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the easiest way to make hot plate tofu at home?

Making hot plate tofu at home is quite easy and straightforward. The basic recipe only requires a few ingredients such as tofu, meat, vegetables, and sauce. You can use any type of tofu, but firm tofu is recommended for hot plate dishes. Cut the tofu into small cubes and pan-fry them until they turn golden brown. Then, stir-fry the meat and vegetables in a separate pan and add the sauce. Finally, transfer the cooked meat and vegetables onto a hot plate, arrange the tofu on top, and serve immediately.

Can you recommend a good hot plate tofu recipe with chicken?

Yes, you can use chicken as a substitute for meat in hot plate tofu recipes. One delicious recipe is hot plate tofu with minced chicken. To make this dish, you will need minced chicken, egg tofu, shiitake mushrooms, onions, garlic, and a combination of oyster sauce, soy sauce, and sugar. The chicken is stir-fried with the vegetables and sauce before being placed on top of the egg tofu on the hot plate.

How do you prepare egg tofu for a hot plate dish?

Egg tofu is a popular ingredient in hot plate dishes. To prepare egg tofu for a hot plate dish, you will need to cut it into small pieces and pan-fry them until they turn golden brown. Then, you can add them to the hot plate with the cooked meat and vegetables.

Where can I find the tastiest hot plate tofu in Singapore?

There are many Chinese restaurants in Singapore that serve hot plate tofu. Some popular places to try include Din Tai Fung, Crystal Jade, and TungLok XiHe Peking Duck. However, the tastiest hot plate tofu may vary depending on your personal preference.

What's the secret to a delicious hot plate tofu with minced pork?

The secret to a delicious hot plate tofu with minced pork is in the sauce. A good sauce should be a combination of sweet, salty, and savoury flavours. Oyster sauce, soy sauce, and sugar are commonly used in hot plate tofu dishes. You can also add other ingredients such as garlic, ginger, and chilli for extra flavour.

Is there a difference between Japanese egg tofu and the one used in Chinese recipes?

Yes, there is a difference between Japanese egg tofu and the one used in Chinese recipes. Japanese egg tofu is softer and smoother in texture and has a milder flavour compared to Chinese egg tofu. Chinese egg tofu is firmer and has a stronger flavour. However, both types of egg tofu can be used in hot plate tofu dishes.

As a suggestion, you can also use seafood such as prawns or scallops in hot plate tofu recipes. They add a delicious flavour to the dish and complement the other ingredients well.