Chinese Braised Tofu
There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, saucy tofu dish, and this Chinese Braised Tofu has become a staple in our kitchen. My husband and I love recreating our favorite takeout-style meals at home, and this dish is the perfect balance of quick, easy, and delicious. The tofu is first pan-fried to golden perfection, then gently braised in a rich, savory sauce infused with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a hint of spice.
What we love most is how this recipe transforms simple ingredients into something deeply flavorful and satisfying. It’s healthy, plant-based, and packed with umami in every bite. Whether served over steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables, this dish is perfect for a cozy dinner that feels both homemade and restaurant-worthy!
Table of Contents
- About This Recipe
- Why You’ll Love Chinese Braised Tofu Recipe
- Key Ingredients
- How To Make Chinese Braised Tofu
- Have It Your Way
- Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
- Health Benefits
- Other Recipes You’ll Love
- Tofu Press
About This Recipe
Chinese Braised Tofu is a simple yet flavorful dish that involves pan-frying tofu until golden and then simmering it in a fragrant sauce made with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a hint of sweetness. It’s the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and umami, with a slight crispiness on the outside and a soft, tender inside. Whether served over steamed rice or noodles, it’s a satisfying dish that’s both protein-packed and delicious!
Why You’ll Love Chinese Braised Tofu Recipe
- Rich and flavorful – The sauce is deeply savory with a touch of sweetness.
- High in plant-based protein – Tofu is a fantastic meat alternative.
- Quick and easy to make – A 30-minute meal perfect for busy nights.
- Customizable – Add your favorite vegetables for extra nutrition.
- Vegan & gluten-free friendly – Just swap soy sauce for tamari for a gluten-free version.
Key Ingredients
For the Stir Fry:
- Chinese chili oil – Infuses the dish with a smoky, spicy kick that enhances the overall depth of flavor.
- Scallions – Brings a mild oniony sharpness and freshness to balance the rich sauce.
- Ginger – Adds warmth and a slightly spicy undertone, making the dish aromatic.
- Garlic cloves – Essential for that deep, umami-rich foundation in the stir-fry.
- Green/ Red Bell Peppers – Provide a slightly sweet and crisp texture, complementing the softness of the tofu.
- Red Long Hot Chili – For a spicy kick.
- Cornstarch – Helps thicken the sauce, coating the tofu and vegetables evenly.
- Water – Used to create the cornstarch slurry, ensuring a smooth and glossy sauce.
For the Braising Sauce:
- Chinese light soy sauce – The base of the braising sauce, adding saltiness and umami depth.
- Agave nectar / Brown sugar – Balances the saltiness with a touch of sweetness, bringing harmony to the flavors.
- Chinese black vinegar – Lends a mild acidity and complex tanginess that enhances the braised flavor.
- Sichuan chili flakes – Adds a gentle, tingling heat that is characteristic of Sichuan-style dishes.
- Five spice powder – A blend of star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns, and fennel that gives the dish a rich, warm aroma.
- White pepper – Offers a subtle heat and earthiness different from black pepper.
To Garnish:
- Toasted sesame seeds – Add a delicate crunch and a toasty, nutty essence to round out the dish.
- Chili oil – Drizzled at the end to enhance the nutty aroma and give the dish a final burst of flavor.
- Scallions – Brightens up the dish
How To Make Chinese Braised Tofu
- Press the Tofu for 20-30 minutes to remove excess water.
- Cut the tofu into squares or desired shape of choice.
- Prep all of your vegetables.
- In a pan over medium high heat, add 3 tbsp cooking oil and allow it to heat up.
- Add tofu pieces and panfry until golden. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate to wick away excess oil, and cool.
- Add all of the sauce ingredients in a cup, and whisk. Set aside until later.
- In the same pan with the remaining oil, add in the garlic, ginger, and chopped scallion whites. Sauté for 1-2 minutes. Then add in the Bell Peppers, Red Hot Long Chilis and sauté for another 1-2 minutes.
- Add the sauce mixture, and allow it to heat up. Then add the corn starch slurry, and stir to thicken.
- Add the tofu pieces, and combine with the sauce until all pieces are coated and heated through.
- Garnished with scallions, and toasted sesame seeds.
- Now gently add the Tofu and stir it with the sauce careful not to break the Tofu.
- Service with a side of brown rice and enjoy!
Have It Your Way
- Make it spicier: Add more chili flakes or a drizzle of chili oil.
- Add veggies: Mushrooms, Bok Choy, or bell peppers work well.
- Gluten-free version: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Make it extra crispy: Coat tofu in a bit more cornstarch before pan-frying.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~220
- Protein: ~12g
- Carbs: ~15g
- Fats: ~12g
- Fiber: ~2g
(Note: Nutrition may vary based on exact ingredients used.)
Health Benefits
- Rich in plant-based protein – Tofu is a fantastic source of protein.
- Good for heart health – Soy-based foods may help lower cholesterol.
- Packed with antioxidants – Garlic and ginger have immune-boosting properties.
- Low in calories – A healthy, filling meal without excess calories.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
- General Tso’s Tofu
- Crispy Eggplant & Tofu Stir Fry
- Sichuan Tofu Stir Fry
- Easy Teriyaki Tofu
- Crispy Sesame Tofu
Chinese Braised Tofu
Ingredients
For the Tofu
- 14 oz Extra Firm Tofu
- ½ tsp Salt
- 2 tbsp. Cooking Oil
For the Stir Fry
- ½ tbsp. Sesame Oil
- 4 Scallions Whites, Chopped
- 1 tbsp Ginger finely chopped
- 1 tbsp Garlic Cloves finely chopped
- 1 Red Long Hot Pepper sliced
- 1 cup Green bell peppers sliced
- 1 tbsp. Corn Starch
- ½ cup water
FOR THE BRAISING SAUCE
- 3 tbsp. Soy Sauce
- 1 tbsp. Dark Soy Sauce
- 2 tbsp. Agave Nectar
- 1 tbsp. Chinese black vinegar
- 2 tsp Sichuan Red Chili Chopped
- ½ tsp Chinese Five Spice Powder
- ⅛ tsp White Pepper
To Garnish
- 1 tsp Chili Oil Optional
- 1 tbsp. Sesame Seeds Toasted
- Scallions Green part, Chopped
Equipment
Instructions
- Press the Tofu for 20-30 minutes to remove excess water.
- Cut the tofu into squares or desired shape of choice.
- Prep all of your vegetables.
- In a pan over medium high heat, add 3 tbsp cooking oil and allow it to heat up.
- Add tofu pieces and panfry until golden. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate to wick away excess oil, and cool.
- Add all of the sauce ingredients in a cup, and whisk. Set aside until later.
- In the same pan with the remaining oil, add in the garlic, ginger, and chopped scallion whites. Sauté for 1-2 minutes. Then add in the Bell Peppers, and sauté for another 1-2 minutes.
- Add the sauce mixture, and allow it to heat up. Then add the corn starch slurry, and stir to thicken.
- Add the tofu pieces, and combine with the sauce until all pieces are coated and heated through.
- Garnished with scallions, and toasted sesame seeds.
- Now gently add the Tofu and stir it with the sauce careful not to break the Tofu.
- Service with a side of brown rice and enjoy!
Notes
- Press the tofu for at least 15 minutes to remove excess moisture.
- Use a non-stick pan for the best results when pan-frying tofu.
- Adjust sauce consistency by adding more or less cornstarch slurry.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
Tofu Press
Using a good Tofu Press is crucial for enhancing the texture and flavor of tofu in your culinary creations. Pressing tofu removes excess water, allowing it to absorb marinades and spices more effectively, resulting in a richer and more robust taste. This process also improves the tofu’s texture, making it firmer and more suitable for grilling, frying, or baking. A well-pressed tofu holds its shape better and achieves a desirable crispy exterior while remaining tender on the inside. Investing in a quality tofu press simplifies this process, saving time and ensuring consistent results, ultimately elevating your dishes to a new level of deliciousness. Here is our favorite Tofu Press. It easily And quickly remove water from Tofu to Improve the flavor and give Perfect Texture every time.
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