Background to the Stir Fry Tofu Recipe
Tofu is a beloved ingredient in many cuisines worldwide, particularly in Asian cooking. Made from soybeans, tofu is packed with protein, iron, and calcium, making it an excellent meat substitute for vegetarians and a nutritious choice for any diet. However, in traditional Chinese cooking, tofu is often paired with meat rather than being used solely as a meat substitute, allowing for an enriched depth of flavor. This Stir Fry Tofu Recipe follows that approach by incorporating ground pork, which enhances the umami richness of the dish while keeping the tofu as the star ingredient.
One unique element of this recipe is the inclusion of pickled mustard tuber, a preserved vegetable that adds a slightly sour and spicy dimension to the stir fry. Pickled mustard tuber, known as Zha Cai (榨菜) in Chinese, originates from Sichuan cuisine and has been a staple of Chinese households for centuries. Its fermentation gives it a distinct tangy and salty taste, which complements the mild, absorbent nature of tofu perfectly. If pickled mustard tuber isn’t available, shiitake mushrooms can be used as a substitute, bringing another layer of umami flavor to the dish. Some adventurous cooks may even choose to use both, experimenting with the balance of flavors.
One of the strengths of this dish lies in the simple yet effective seasoning. Soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper bring a deep and slightly savory taste that pairs wonderfully with the tofu and pork. The use of cornstarch is optional, but it serves to thicken the sauce, creating a silky coating that envelops the tofu and meat beautifully. The dish is cooked quickly over high heat—true to the stir-fry technique—which helps preserve the distinct textures of each ingredient while allowing the flavors to develop intensely.
This Stir Fry Tofu Recipe is also highly versatile. For a vegetarian version, the pork can be omitted or replaced with plant-based ground “meat” alternatives. Adjusting the recipe to personal tastes is easy, as one can experiment with the type of tofu (firm or soft), different vegetables, or even additional spices to suit preferences. Despite these variations, the essence of the dish remains rooted in Chinese cuisine, where stir-frying is a fundamental cooking style.
Not only is this dish delicious, but it is also incredibly quick to prepare, making it an excellent choice for a weekday dinner. Served over steamed rice or brown rice, it becomes a complete meal that is comforting and nutritious. Whether you’re new to cooking Chinese dishes or looking for a new way to enjoy tofu, this recipe offers a balance of textures and flavors that make it a favorite for many.
Delicious and Healthy Stir Fry Tofu Recipe
Ingredients
12 ounces tofu - firm, sliced- ½ pound ground pork (minced pork) - thawed
- 2 ½ ounces pickled mustard tuber - or some sliced shiitake mushrooms (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic - minced
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- ½ cup water - lukewarm
- 1 dash white pepper
- 1 drizzle sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch - optional
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil - for cooking
Instructions
- Add a bit of corn starch (to moisten the meat), a bit of soy sauce, a dash of white pepper, and a drizzle of sesame oil to the ground pork. Mix well. Let this sit for at least 30 minutes.
- (Optional) Rinse the pickled mustard and set it aside. Or you can substitute with sliced shiitake mushrooms.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Grease the pan with some vegetable oil.
- Add in garlic and saute until golden brown.
- Add in ground pork. Crumble it as it browns. Cook until well done, for about 8 minutes.
- Add in measured soy sauce, salt, oyster sauce, and water. Let it boil for about 5 minutes.
- Add in tofu and pickled mustard or shiitake mushrooms. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring (very carefully) occasionally.
- (Optional) To thicken the sauce, mix a bit of corn starch with a drizzle of lukewarm water into the tofu—Cook for a few minutes.
- Serve over rice or brown rice (to keep it in the ‘healthy’ family).
