Are you craving a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful dinner? Look no further! This Fu Bao Chinese Tofu recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a delightful explosion of textures and tastes in under 30 minutes. This easy recipe is a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its best – simple ingredients transformed into a delicious dish. It's a healthy meal option packed with protein and vibrant vegetables, making it a winner for the whole family. Ready to dive in?
Ingredients:
- 1 block (14 oz) firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- ½ cup snow peas
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions:
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Prep the Tofu: Press the tofu to remove excess water. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy exterior. You can achieve this by wrapping the tofu in paper towels and placing a heavy object on top for at least 15 minutes. Once pressed, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes.
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Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Stir-fry the Vegetables: Add the bell pepper and broccoli to the wok. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender-crisp. Add the snow peas during the last minute of cooking.
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Add the Tofu: Gently add the pressed tofu cubes to the wok. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, ensuring the tofu is heated through and lightly browned on some sides.
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Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, brown sugar, sesame oil, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
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Combine and Simmer: Pour the sauce over the tofu and vegetables in the wok. Stir to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and coats the ingredients evenly.
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Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot over cooked rice.
Tips for the Best Fu Bao:
- Pressing the Tofu: This is key to getting crispy tofu. If you're short on time, you can pat the tofu dry with paper towels instead of pressing, but the results will be slightly different.
- Don't Overcrowd the Wok: If you have a large quantity of vegetables or tofu, it’s best to cook them in batches to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Adjust the Spice: Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preference. For a milder dish, omit them entirely.
Variations:
- Protein Boost: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or pork for extra protein.
- Vegetable Swap: Substitute your favorite vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or zucchini.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce for an extra spicy kick.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe provides a healthy and balanced meal. The nutritional information will vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients used. However, you can expect a serving to be relatively low in calories and high in protein and fiber. It's best to use a nutrition calculator for precise values based on your exact ingredients and serving size.
This Fu Bao Chinese Tofu recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy a healthy and flavorful meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend lunch, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!