Steamed Tofu Deluxe Recipe

Ever wondered how to transform humble tofu into an irresistibly flavorful delight? Let me take you on a culinary adventure with my savory sesame-ginger tofu recipe that’s about to revamp your weeknight dinners!

My dish for Steamed Tofu Deluxe combines extremely silky cubes of tofu with a rich sauce made of soy and oyster sauce, plus some other ingredients, that I can’t live without. And it’s not because they’re unhealthy.

I purely love the synergistic, flavor-enhancing effects of them. That makes them ample reason to justify using them in any dish.

Plus, they are incredibly nutritious. Here’s what I’m talking about:
Tofu—nutritious, low-cal, and a culinary wonder of texture.

Soy sauce—fermented, savory, and umami-rich. Oyster sauce—similar consistency to soy sauce but sweet and deeply, richly flavored.

Sesame oil—unctuous with flavor; a hint of it goes a long way. Fresh ginger—adds warmth, friendliness, and convenience to any dish.

Garlic—what would Tofu Deluxe be without it? Green onion—basically scallion; it’s sweet and onion-y when lightly sautéed.

Chili pepper or dry chili flakes—add optional heat.

Ingredients

• Firm Tofu: High in protein, low in calories, and rich in calcium.
• Soy Sauce: Adds umami and depth; contains sodium.
• Oyster Sauce: Provides a savory sweetness with a rich depth.
• Sesame Oil: Contains healthy fats; adds nutty flavor.
• Garlic: Offers pungent flavor and boasts antioxidant properties.
• Ginger: Adds warmth and aids digestion.
• Green Onion: Provides freshness and mild spice.
• Red Chili: Optional spice for heat and metabolism boost.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 block firm tofu (about 14 oz), drained and cut into cubes
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (or vegetarian oyster sauce)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1 green onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
• 1 red chili, sliced (optional for heat)
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

How to Make this

1. Combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, sugar, and ground white pepper in a bowl. Set the mixture aside.

2. In a different small bowl, mix together the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water until smooth. Set aside.

3. In a pan over medium heat, warm 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add in the cubed tofu, frying until all sides are a rich, golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.

4. In the same frying pan, pour in the seasoned sauce mixture and heat until gently simmering over low heat.

5. Gradually incorporate the cornstarch slurry, and keep stirring until the sauce has reached a thickened consistency.

6. Put the fried tofu back into the pan and toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated with the sauce.

7. Tofu should be put into a dish meant for steaming and then placed inside the basket of a steamer.

8. Tofu should be steamed at medium heat for about 5-7 minutes to let the flavors meld.

9. When steaming is finished, take the dish out of the steamer and dust it with very finely chopped green onions and the sliced red chili, if you’re using that.

10. Heather has a longstanding reputation as an emerging leader in the culinary world. Her work emphasizes the importance of making food and food culture accessible, understandable, and enjoyable. Heather creates spaces—through her work in restaurants, cookbooks, and as a food educator—where people can gather to appreciate and talk about the encounters and experiences they have with food.

Equipment Needed

1. Mixing bowl (for the sauce mixture)
2. Small bowl (for the cornstarch slurry)
3. Measuring spoons
4. Knife
5. Cutting board
6. Frying pan
7. Spatula or tongs (for frying tofu)
8. Steamer basket
9. Dish for steaming
10. Spoon or whisk (for mixing sauces and cornstarch slurry)

FAQ

• Q: Can I use silken tofu instead of firm tofu?A: This recipe works best with firm tofu, as it has better shape retention when being steamed.
• Q: Is there a substitute for oyster sauce?A: Yes, you may use vegetarian oyster sauce or hoisin sauce in its place.
• Q: Can I leave out the chili if I don’t like spicy food?A: For sure, the chili is not necessary and can be left out if you want a dish with less of a spicy kick.
• Q: What can I use instead of cornstarch to thicken the sauce?A: Arrowroot powder and potato starch can be used as substitutes for cornstarch.
• Q: How should I serve the steamed tofu?A: It may be presented as an entree alongside rice or as a side dish in the company of other Asian-influenced fare.
• Q: Can this dish be made ahead of time?A: It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and steam the tofu just before serving.
• Q: Can I add vegetables to this dish?Veggies, like steamed broccoli or bell peppers, can be added to increase flavor and texture.

Steamed Tofu Deluxe Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Extra-firm tofu is a good substitute if you’re looking for a denser texture than what’s usually achieved with a tofu dish.
Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce.
Oyster sauce: Substitute with hoisin sauce or a mix of hoisin sauce and soy sauce for a similar flavor.
Sesame Oil: Substitute toasted sesame oil for a more intense flavor, or olive oil if allergies to sesame are a concern.
White Pepper: A more common seasoning option is to substitute black pepper. Black pepper is a suitable substitute for white pepper.

Pro Tips

1. Press the Tofu For an even firmer texture and better flavor absorption, press the tofu before cutting. Wrap it in a clean towel and place a heavy object on top for at least 20 minutes to remove excess moisture.

2. Use a Non-stick Pan When frying the tofu, use a non-stick pan to ensure a golden crust forms without sticking. This helps the tofu stay intact and achieve the desired texture.

3. Enhance Flavor with Marinade Marinate the tofu in a portion of the sauce mixture (excluding the cornstarch slurry) for at least 15 minutes before frying. This infuses the tofu with deeper flavor throughout.

4. Even Sauce Consistency Continuously stir the sauce while adding the cornstarch slurry to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, even consistency.

5. Steaming Tips When steaming, ensure the steamer basket is not overcrowded, as this allows steam to circulate properly, and the tofu to fully absorb the flavors. This step also enhances the dish’s overall texture and amalgamates the flavors effectively.