Chinese Spicy Tofu Delight has a rich history that reflects the diverse and flavorful cuisine of China. Tofu, also known as bean curd, has been a staple in Chinese cooking for over 2,000 years. It was first made during the Han Dynasty, and its popularity spread quickly due to its nutritional benefits and versatility.
Spicy tofu dishes are particularly popular in the Sichuan province of China, known for its bold and fiery flavors. Sichuan cuisine uses a lot of chili peppers, garlic, and Sichuan peppercorns, which give the dishes a unique and mouth-tingling spiciness. This style of cooking has become famous worldwide, and many Chinese spicy tofu recipes are inspired by these traditional Sichuan flavors.
Chinese Spicy Tofu Delight is a fantastic dish because it’s quick and simple, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The tofu is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and it’s coated in a delicious spicy sauce that will wake up your taste buds. You can serve it with rice, noodles, or even just by itself as a snack.
What I love about Chinese Spicy Tofu Delight is how versatile it is. You can adjust the spiciness to your liking and even add some of your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli. It’s a healthy and satisfying meal that’s full of protein and flavor.
So, if you’re looking for a new way to enjoy tofu or just want to try something different, give this Chinese Spicy Tofu Delight a try. It’s a fantastic dish that everyone will love, and it’s perfect for any occasion.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes – Chinese Spicy Tofu Delight
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground pork with finely chopped mushrooms such as shiitake for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
- Enhanced Flavor: Allow the tofu to braise longer to absorb more of the rich, spicy sauce, enhancing the overall flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the dish with steamed jasmine rice or brown rice to complement the savory tofu and pork.
- Spice Level: Add extra homemade chili oil for a spicier kick or reduce the amount of Doubanjiang for a milder taste.
- Garnish Options: Garnish with fresh cilantro or sesame seeds for added texture and flavor. This also makes the dish more visually appealing.
- Texture Tips: Ensure the tofu is firm to hold its shape during cooking. Silken tofu can break apart easily.
- Cornstarch Slurry: If you prefer a thicker sauce, use the cornstarch slurry. For a lighter sauce, you can omit it.
- Peppercorn Infusion: Infusing the oil with Sichuan peppercorns adds a unique numbing heat. Adjust the amount based on your preference.
Chinese Spicy Tofu Delight
Dive into the rich, aromatic world of Spicy Tofu Delight! This authentic Chinese recipe features tender tofu simmered in a savory, spicy sauce with ground pork. Perfect for a quick, healthy, and delicious weekday dinner. Serve it over steamed rice and enjoy a burst of flavors that will transport you straight to China!
4
servings10
minutes15
minutes320
kcal25
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
For Marinating:
4 oz ground pork (or substitute with chicken or turkey)
2 tsp cooking wine (Shaoxing or dry sherry)
1 tsp soy sauce (light)
1/2 tsp finely chopped ginger
For Braising:
1 tsp cornstarch (optional)
2 tsp Sichuan peppercorns (adjust to taste)
1 tbsp vegetable oil (or peanut oil)
3 tbsp spicy bean paste (Doubanjiang)
2 green onions, finely chopped
14 oz block of firm tofu, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
1 cup chicken broth (or water)
2 tsp homemade chili oil
1/4 tsp five-spice powder
1 tsp sugar (adjust to taste)
- Alternative Ingredients:
Ground Pork Substitute: Ground chicken or turkey
Shaoxing Wine Substitute: Dry sherry or mirin reduce sugar if using mirin
Soy Sauce Substitute: Tamari for gluten-free option
Peanut Oil Substitute: Vegetable oil or canola oil
Directions
- Marinate Meat – In a small bowl, combine the ground meat with cooking wine, soy sauce, and ginger. Mix thoroughly and set aside for at least 10 minutes.
- Prepare Cornstarch Slurry – In another small bowl, mix cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water until fully dissolved. Set aside.
- Infuse Oil – Heat vegetable oil and Sichuan peppercorns in a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat until the peppercorns turn dark brown and crispy. Remove peppercorns and set aside for garnish.
- Cook Meat – Add the marinated ground meat and spicy bean paste to the pan. Cook over medium heat, breaking the meat into small pieces until fully cooked and well-coated with the paste.
- Add Aromatics – Stir in the chopped green onions and cook for an additional minute.
- Braise Tofu – Spread tofu cubes evenly over the meat mixture. Add chili oil, five-spice powder, and sugar. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook on medium-low heat for 8-10 minutes until the sauce reduces by half. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt or additional sugar if needed. Re-mix the cornstarch slurry and swirl it into the pan. Gently stir until the sauce thickens.
- Serve – Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with reserved Sichuan peppercorns and extra green onions if desired. Serve hot over steamed rice.
Equipment
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- Nonstick Pan
- mixing bowls
- measuring cups and spoons
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 320kcal
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Potassium: 300mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Vitamin A: 10IU
- Vitamin C: 15mg
- Calcium: 20mg
- Iron: 15mg
FAQ – Chinese Spicy Tofu Delight
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
You can make this dish vegetarian by substituting the ground pork with finely chopped mushrooms such as shiitake or cremini. This will still provide a savory, umami flavor to the dish.
Can I use a different type of tofu?
Yes, you can use different types of tofu, but firm or extra-firm tofu is recommended to hold its shape during cooking. Silken tofu might break apart easily.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To adjust the spice level, you can add more homemade chili oil for extra heat or reduce the amount of Doubanjiang (spicy bean paste) to make it milder. You can also omit the Sichuan peppercorns if you prefer less numbing heat.
What can I use instead of Shaoxing wine?
If you don’t have Shaoxing wine, you can use dry sherry or mirin as substitutes. If using mirin, reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe as mirin is sweeter.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
To make this recipe gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Ensure that all other ingredients, such as the Doubanjiang and chili oil, are also gluten-free.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
What can I serve with Spicy Tofu Delight?
Spicy Tofu Delight pairs well with steamed jasmine rice or brown rice. You can also serve it with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a simple salad for a complete meal.
