Tofu, a versatile plant-based protein derived from soybeans, takes center stage in Asian cuisine. Steamed, fried, or silken, it's a blank canvas for bold flavors and vibrant textures. Our collection of Asian tofu recipes celebrates the diverse culinary traditions of the region, offering a range of delectable dishes that cater to various dietary preferences and cooking techniques. From the classic Chinese mapo tofu, with its spicy and aromatic sauce, to the delicate Japanese agedashi tofu, enveloped in a crispy coating and served in a flavorful dashi broth, these recipes showcase the versatility andおいしさ (deliciousness) of this humble ingredient.
Embark on a culinary journey through Asia with our comprehensive guide to cooking tofu. Discover the secrets of creating the perfect mapo tofu, ensuring the right balance of heat, savoriness, and numbing spiciness. Learn the art of making crispy and tender agedashi tofu, mastering the technique of achieving that irresistible golden-brown exterior. For those seeking a healthier option, explore our steamed tofu recipes, which highlight the natural flavors of tofu while incorporating a variety of herbs, vegetables, and sauces. Our collection also includes stir-fried tofu dishes, a quick and easy way to incorporate this protein into your weeknight meals.
With detailed instructions, helpful tips, and captivating food photography, our Asian tofu recipes will inspire you to create flavorful and satisfying meals that celebrate the diverse culinary heritage of Asia. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary adventures, these recipes will guide you in preparing tofu dishes that are not only delicious but also visually stunning. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your stove, and let's delve into the world of Asian tofu cooking!
ASIAN TOFU NOODLE SOUP
Ginger, garlic and sherry jazz up this soup loaded with veggies and noodles. We like to accent ours with peanuts and green onions. -Diana Rios, Lytle, Texas
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 30m
Yield 4 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add ginger, garlic and, if desired, pepper flakes; cook and stir 1 minute or until fragrant., Add mushrooms, broth, sherry and soy sauce; bring to a boil. Cook, uncovered, 5 minutes. Add tofu, snow peas, carrot and green onions. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 4-6 minutes longer or until vegetables are crisp-tender., Meanwhile, cook noodles according to package directions; drain and divide among 4 bowls. Pour soup over noodles. If desired, sprinkle with peanuts and green onions.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 339 calories, Fat 7g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 1961mg sodium, Carbohydrate 49g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 19g protein.
ASIAN CRISPY TOFU SALAD
Made this for my BF yesterday and he rated it 6 stars. The ingredients and instructions came from the chef at The Market at Newport, a popular cafeteria near where I work that serves excellent food. I supplied the amounts. Do not make this with silken tofu as it will just fall apart. Buy the type of tofu that's packed in water instead. Good as a meat substitute, or snack, or serve it on top of a bed of greens with a bit of rice vinegar or dressing of your choice. It's also really good with balsamic vinegar. *NOTE* - Use a non-stick frying pan, and don't peek at it otherwise it won't get crispy.
Provided by Kumquat the Cats fr
Categories Soy/Tofu
Time 40m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Whisk all ingredients except for tofu in a 9x9 inch square baking dish.
- Drain and slice tofu in half lengthwise to make two thinner slabs. Blot with a paper towel.
- Preheat non-stick skillet over medium heat and spray with non-stick spray. Slide tofu slices onto skillet and grill for about 4-5 minutes per side, flipping carefully with a large spatula. Brown it nicely to give it color and texture.
- Slip tofu slices into marinade, and turn with spatula at least once. While the tofu is sitting in the marinade, cut each slab 3 times lengthwise and widthwise with a sharp knife to make 16 squares per slab. Toss carefully.
- Let marinate for up to 30 minutes and remove garlic and ginger slices before serving warm, at room temperature or chilled.
SEARED TOFU WITH WITH GREEN BEANS AND ASIAN COCONUT SAUCE
Categories Milk/Cream Ginger Sauté Vegetarian Quick & Easy Cashew Tofu Green Bean Bell Pepper Gourmet
Yield Makes 4 main-course servings
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Halve tofu lengthwise, then cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick slices and pat dry well. Put 1 tablespoon soy sauce in a wide shallow dish, then add tofu, turning to coat, and let stand 10 minutes. Pat tofu dry.
- Heat oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over high heat until hot but not smoking, then add tofu in 1 layer and cook, turning over once, until tofu is browned, about 6 minutes total. Transfer with a slotted spoon to a large plate, reserving oil in skillet.
- Add garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes to skillet and sauté, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add beans, bell pepper, and salt and sauté, stirring, 1 minute.
- Stir in coconut milk and remaining tablespoon soy sauce and bring to a boil, then boil, uncovered, until beans are tender, about 6 minutes. Transfer vegetables using a slotted spoon to plate with tofu.
- Simmer sauce until thickened slightly and reduced to about 3/4 cup, about 2 minutes. Stir in lime juice and pour sauce over vegetables and tofu. Sprinkle with cashews.
ASIAN TOFU
This tasty Asian tofu was the first meatless recipe my fiance made for me. It's a wonderful light protein and is so easy to pair with broiled or grilled veggies such as eggplant, asparagus or even tomatoes. -Emily Steers, Los Angeles, California
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 20m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Whisk together first 6 ingredients. Cut tofu lengthwise into 3/8-in. thick slices; cut each slice in half diagonally to make triangles. Place tofu and marinade in a large shallow bowl; turn to coat. Cover and refrigerate 3-5 hours, turning occasionally., Preheat broiler. Reserving marinade, place tofu in a 15x10x1-in. pan. Drizzle remaining marinade over tops. Broil 5-6 in. from heat until lightly browned and heated through, about 10 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 208 calories, Fat 18g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 440mg sodium, Carbohydrate 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges
GRILLED TOFU AND SAUTEED ASIAN GREENS
Categories Ginger Leafy Green Sauté Vegetarian Quick & Easy Tofu Spinach Grill/Barbecue Healthy Vegan Sesame Soy Sauce Gourmet
Yield Makes 2 main-course servings
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Cut tofu crosswise into 6 slices. Arrange in 1 layer on a triple layer of paper towels and top with another triple layer of towels. Weight with a shallow baking pan or baking sheet and let stand 2 minutes. Repeat weighting with dry paper towels 2 more times.
- Stir together soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, Tabasco, and 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a glass pie plate. Add tofu slices in 1 layer and marinate, turning over every couple of minutes, 8 minutes total.
- Heat a lightly oiled well-seasoned ridged grill pan over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking. Lift tofu from marinade with a slotted spatula (reserve marinade) and grill, turning over once carefully with spatula, until grill marks appear and tofu is heated through, 4 to 6 minutes total.
- While tofu grills, heat remaining teaspoon vegetable oil in a 12-inch skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then sauté greens, tossing with tongs, until beginning to wilt. Add reserved marinade and sauté, tossing, until greens are just wilted, about 1 minute. Lift greens from skillet with tongs, letting excess marinade drip off, and divide between 2 plates.
- Serve greens with tofu slices.
ASIAN PASTA WITH TOFU, SHIITAKE MUSHROOMS AND BROCCOLI
A great healthy recipe from the NY Times. (You can prepare the ingredients and blanch the broccoli hours ahead of cooking the dish. The stir-frying is a last-minute operation.)
Provided by S Smith
Categories Vegetable
Time 30m
Yield 5 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Fill a bowl with ice water. Add the broccoli to the boiling water and blanch for 1 minute. Remove to the ice water. Allow to cool, then drain and dry on paper towels. Cover the pot of water and keep hot.
- Heat a wide, heavy skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of the oil. When it is rippling hot, add the mushrooms and sear for 5 minutes, stirring from time to time. Turn the heat to medium, add the garlic, ginger, scallions, and red pepper flakes and cook for another 30 seconds to a minute, until fragrant. Remove from the heat and transfer the contents of the pan to a bowl.
- Return the pan to medium-high heat and heat the remaining tablespoon of oil until rippling. Add the tofu and sear on both sides until it begins to color, about 1 minute per side. Add 1 teaspoon soy sauce and stir together. Return the mushroom mixture and the broccoli to the pan. Add the stock and soy sauce, bring to a simmer and turn the heat to low. Simmer uncovered for a minute or two, until the broccoli is crisp-tender, then turn off the heat.
- Meanwhile, bring the pot of water back to a boil and add the pasta. Cook soba or udon noodles until al dente, about 5 minutes. Cook softened rice noodles for 1 minute. Drain and toss with the mushrooms and the broccoli. Heat through, add the cilantro and sesame oil, toss together, and serve.
ASIAN TOFU MARINADE
I was looking for an Asian tofu marinade on this site and couldn't find one that I had all the ingredients for on hand. So, I took a few ingredients from each recipe I found and came up with my own. It's delish! Hope you enjoy it.
Provided by MyLauraLee
Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes Marinade Recipes
Time 4h15m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Wrap tofu in paper towels to remove moisture.
- Combine soy sauce, honey, garlic, vinegar, water, green onion, fish sauce, red pepper flakes, and black pepper together in a bowl to form the marinade.
- Cut tofu into 1/2-inch slices. Place in a large glass dish or gallon-sized plastic bag and pour in the marinade.
- Chill tofu in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, tossing occasionally.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 160 calories, Carbohydrate 15.2 g, Fat 6.7 g, Fiber 1.2 g, Protein 13.6 g, SaturatedFat 0.6 g, Sodium 1906 mg, Sugar 10 g
ASIAN-STYLE GRILLED TOFU
This recipe came from my mom, who got it from Family Circle. I haven't tried it yet, but I will soon! I cut out the oyster sauce from the marinade, but if you want to use it, the original recipe called for 1 tablespoon of bottled oyster sauce.
Provided by MarissaB
Categories Soy/Tofu
Time 21m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- In a small bowl, combine teriyaki, vinegar, lime juice, ginger, Splenda, red pepper flakes and garlic powder.
- Open package of tofu and drain.
- Slice tofu diagonally in half to form 2 triangular shaped pieces; turn triangle onto long flat cut side with point facing up; cut into 3 triangular slices, each about 1/2-inch thick.
- Repeat with second triangle to form six 1/2-inch thick triangular slices.
- Spread tofu onto a paper towel-lined tray; top with more paper towels, and cover with a sheet pan; evenly weigh down sheet pan with soup cans and let stand for 10 minutes.
- Change paper toweling and repeat.
- Transfer tofu to a shallow glass dish and add marinade; let marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes, turning slices over after 15 minutes.
- Drain marinade into a small saucepan.
- Bring a large pot of water to boiling.
- Heat a ridged grill pan over medium-high heat and brush with 2 teaspoons oil.
- Cook fettuccine in boiling water according to package directions, adding snow peas, pepper and onion during the last 4 minutes of cooking.
- Grill the tofu, about 2 minutes per side, until nicely marked and hot.
- Stir broth and cornstarch into marinade and bring to a boil; boil until thickened, about 2 minutes.
- Drain noodles and vegetables.
- Toss noodles and vegetables with thickened marinade and sprinkle with sesame seeds, then top with grilled tofu.
PANFRIED TOFU WITH ASIAN CARAMEL SAUCE
Categories Garlic Ginger Herb Soy Fry Vegetarian Dinner Vegan Gourmet Pescatarian Dairy Free Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Kosher
Yield Makes 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Drain tofu and fry shallots:
- Halve tofu crosswise, then cut lengthwise into fourths to form 8 slices. Put tofu slices between several layers of paper towels to drain, replacing towels as needed, until ready to use.
- Finely chop enough shallots to measure 1/2 cup and reserve. Cut remaining shallots crosswise into 1/8-inch-thick slices and separate into rings. Heat oil in a 10-inch heavy skillet (preferably cast-iron) over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then fry sliced shallots in 2 batches, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, 1 1/2 to 3 minutes per batch (watch closely, as shallots can burn easily). Quickly transfer shallots as fried with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain. Pour off all but 1 tablespoon oil from skillet and reserve skillet.
- Make sauce:
- Cook sugar in a dry 1- to 1 1/2-quart heavy saucepan over moderate heat, undisturbed, until it melts around edges and begins to turn golden, then continue to cook, stirring, until all of sugar is melted and turns a golden caramel.
- Add reserved chopped shallots (use caution; caramel will bubble up and steam vigorously) and cook, stirring, until shallots shrink and are very fragrant, about 45 seconds. Add garlic and ginger and cook, stirring, 30 seconds. Stir in soy sauce, vinegar, and 1 1/3 cups water and simmer, stirring, until any hardened caramel is dissolved, about 1 minute.
- Stir together cornstarch and remaining 2 tablespoons water until smooth, then stir into sauce and simmer, stirring occasionally, 2 minutes. Remove from heat and keep warm, covered.
- Panfry tofu:
- Heat oil remaining in skillet over high heat until hot but not smoking. Meanwhile, blot any excess moisture remaining on tofu with paper towels, then add to hot oil in skillet in 1 layer. Fry tofu, turning over once, until golden and crisp, 7 to 10 minutes total. Transfer to clean paper towels to drain briefly.
- Reheat sauce, then serve tofu topped with sauce, basil, mint, and fried shallots.
UDON WITH TOFU AND ASIAN GREENS
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories main-dish
Time 17m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Cook the udon noodles as the label directs. (Don't overcook or they will get mushy.) Drain, reserving about 1/3 cup of the cooking water.
- Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Pat the tofu dry and season all over with salt and pepper. Add the tofu to the skillet and sear until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Set aside and keep warm.
- Add 1 tablespoon oil and the greens to the skillet. Cook, tossing, until just wilted. Add the scallions, red pepper flakes, the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, the soy sauce and sugar. Add the reserved cooking water; heat to create a broth. Divide the noodles and greens among 4 bowls and top with the tofu.
ASIAN VEGAN TOFU NOODLES
A vegan rice noodle base with marinated tofu and vegetables. I like to also serve it with vegan chili-mayo, but it tastes great without as well.
Provided by Góa Briem
Categories World Cuisine Recipes Asian
Time 55m
Yield 2
Number Of Ingredients 19
Steps:
- Place noodles in a large bowl and cover with boiling water. Set aside until noodles are softened, about 15 minutes. Drain and rinse thoroughly.
- Combine tofu, soy sauce, 1 tablespoon coconut oil, teriyaki sauce, 1/2 of the garlic, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper in a bowl and set aside while preparing the rest of the ingredients.
- Heat remaining 2 tablespoons coconut oil in a large skillet over low heat and cook the remaining garlic until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add bell pepper and green beans and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Remove tofu from marinade and add to vegetables. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and mix well. Season with vegetable seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir-fry for 2 minutes. Cover and cook for 3 minutes. Add drained noodles and stir to combine.
- Combine vegan mayonnaise, lemon juice, red chile sauce, vinegar, soy sauce, salt and pepper in a bowl. Serve with the tofu noodles.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 664.2 calories, Carbohydrate 64.9 g, Fat 40.7 g, Fiber 4.5 g, Protein 13.1 g, SaturatedFat 20.8 g, Sodium 2633.3 mg, Sugar 6.1 g
GRILLED SPICY ASIAN TOFU
This is really good - no leftovers, even carnivorous children went back for seconds. The marinade provides subtle heat while the teriyaki glaze is sweet & smoky. Serve with Asian Grilled Vegetables (search for the recipe) and steamed rice or udon noodles. I use Sriracha Sauce for the marinade - green top, rooster on the bottle - stuff is the best and HOT! I use Kikkoman "Takumi Collection Spicy Miso " Teriyaki sauce to baste. Really good....
Provided by ChandraSoleil
Categories Soy/Tofu
Time 35m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Place the Garlic Cloves and Ginger in the bowl of a small food processor or dice and place in a blender. Process until chopped fine and add the Cilantro. Process until chopped fine. Add the Sesame Oil, Soy Sauce, Fish Sauce (if desired) and the Sriracha Sauce (you can substitute another hot sauce or chopped hot peppers, red pepper flakes etc -- ).
- Cut Tofu cubes into slices and press out the water. Place tofu in marinade for 1 - 12 hours.
- Place tofu on a clean oiled grill over lower heat [ baste grilled surfaces with teriyaki sauce until browned. Serve with steamed rice or udon noodles and Asian Grilled Vegetables.
ASIAN VEGETABLES WITH TOFU AND COCONUT MILK
Provided by Kim Nguyen
Categories Milk/Cream Mushroom Side Sauté Vegetarian Tofu Broccoli Cauliflower Corn Eggplant Pea Fall Bon Appétit
Yield Makes 2 main-course or 4 side-dish servings
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Blanch broccoli and cauliflower in pot of boiling salted water 1 minute. Drain and set aside. Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and stir 30 seconds. Add broccoli, cauliflower, corn, snow peas, mushrooms, and eggplant. Cover and cook until vegetables are almost tender, stirring occasionally, about 4 minutes. Mix in coconut milk, soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Add tofu, bok choy, and green onion. Cover and cook until vegetables are just tender and coated with sauce, about 2 minutes longer. Sprinkle with pepper. Transfer vegetables to large bowl and serve immediately.
- Available at Asian markets and in the Asian foods section of most supermarkets.
SESAME ASIAN TOFU STIR-FRY
Thinly-sliced vegetables are stir-fried in a garlic and sesame sauce.
Provided by CupcakeSparkles11
Categories World Cuisine Recipes Asian
Time 50m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat; cook and stir the garlic until lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Pour in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili sauce, and honey, stir to mix, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low, and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes. Transfer the sauce to a bowl, and stir the tofu into the sauce. Set the tofu mixture aside.
- Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, stir in the linguine, and return to a boil. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta has cooked through, but is still firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Drain well in a colander set in the sink.
- While the pasta is boiling, heat the sesame oil in clean wok or large skillet; cook and stir the bean sprouts, carrots, green pepper, and green onions until the vegetables are bright in color and slightly wilted, about 5 minutes. Pour in the tofu with sauce and linguine; stir to combine.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 388.3 calories, Carbohydrate 46.6 g, Fat 19.2 g, Fiber 4.2 g, Protein 11.8 g, SaturatedFat 2.9 g, Sodium 1045 mg, Sugar 14.6 g
DEEP FRIED TOFU WITH ASIAN PLUM SAUCE OR THAI PEANUT SAUCE
This is a crunchy, healthy, no meat appetizer. You can serve with the sauces I have posted or your favorite store bought!
Provided by Rita1652
Categories Lunch/Snacks
Time 20m
Yield 24 appetizers
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Mix together sesame seeds, sugar, cornstarch & flour.
- Roll tofu in sesame mixture till well coated.
- Heat oil in skillet till hot.
- Fry squares till well browned.
- Drain on paper towels & set aside.
- Arrange on a platter & serve warm with the sauce.
ASIAN TOFU PITAS
Make and share this Asian Tofu Pitas recipe from Food.com.
Provided by FDADELKARIM
Categories Lunch/Snacks
Time 20m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Spray a large skillet with cooking spray then heat until hot. Add the onion, peppers, & garlic and cook over medium heat for 2 minutes.
- Add the tofu, soy sauce, & pepper to the vegetables, stir. Continue to cook another 3-4 minutes or until the tofu is heated through. Remove from the heat & cool slightly.
- Mix the tomatoes & spinach in with the tofu & vegetables then stuff each pita half with the mixture. Serve immediately.
ASIAN VEGGIE STIR-FRY WITH TOFU AND GLASS NOODLES
Categories Vegetable Stir-Fry Vegetarian
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- heat sesame oil and add garlic and scallions, stirring occasionally. when garlic is browned and sticks to pot, add rice vinegar. as vinegar cooks down, add soy sauce, kecap manis, boullion and miso paste. add carrots, peppers, beans. cook 5-7 min. add zucchini and cook for another 5 minutes, then adding smoked and firm tofu until heated through and lightly cooked. in a separate pot, boil bean thread noodles until limp and transparent, snipping with scissors as needed. drain. add noodles to stir-fry and mix well. fragrance with additional sesame oil, if desired.
Tips:
- Choose the right tofu: For the best results, use extra-firm or firm tofu. This type of tofu will hold its shape better during cooking and will absorb the flavors of the marinade and sauce more easily.
- Press the tofu: Before cooking, press the tofu to remove excess moisture. This will help the tofu to absorb the marinade and sauce more easily and will also prevent it from crumbling.
- Marinate the tofu: Marinating the tofu for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight, will help to infuse it with flavor. You can use a variety of marinades, such as soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil.
- Cook the tofu properly: Tofu can be cooked in a variety of ways, such as stir-frying, grilling, baking, or pan-frying. Be careful not to overcook the tofu, as this will make it tough and rubbery.
- Serve the tofu with a variety of dipping sauces: Tofu is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of dipping sauces, such as soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. You can also serve tofu with a variety of vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers.
Conclusion:
Tofu is a healthy and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. With its mild flavor, tofu can easily absorb the flavors of other ingredients, making it a great choice for marinating and cooking. Tofu is also a good source of protein, iron, and calcium. Whether you are a vegetarian or meat-eater, tofu is a great addition to any diet.
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