**Deep-fried Bean Curd with Oyster Sauce: A Symphony of Flavors and Textures**
Deep-fried bean curd with oyster sauce is a classic dish that tantalizes the taste buds with its harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Crispy on the outside and soft and tender on the inside, the bean curd provides a delightful contrast to the rich, savory oyster sauce. This delectable dish is often served as a main course or as a side dish to accompany rice or noodles.
In this article, we'll provide you with step-by-step instructions for preparing this mouthwatering dish, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors and textures. We'll also explore variations of the recipe, including a vegan version for those with dietary restrictions. So, let's embark on a culinary journey and discover the secrets behind this timeless delicacy.
DEEP-FRIED BEAN CURD WITH OYSTER SAUCE
Provided by Robert Farrar Capon
Categories dinner, one pot, main course, side dish
Time 25m
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- In a wok, heat the oil for deep frying to 375 degrees, or until a piece of scallion placed in the oil bubbles and sizzles rapidly. Pat the tofu cubes dry with a paper towel. Fry the cubes in the oil for about 5 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Drain on paper towels and set aside. When the cubes are cool, cut each one in half.
- Pour off the frying oil from the wok. Over high heat, add the peanut oil to the wok, then the garlic and brown bean sauce, and stir-fry for 30 seconds. Add the fried bean curd pieces, the water and the bok choy and bring to a boil. Cover the wok, lower the heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Uncover, raise the heat, add the sake or sherry, the sugar and as much of the cornstarch mixture as is needed to thicken the dish, stirring constantly. Add the oyster sauce and scallions and mix well. Garnish with coriander and serve with plain boiled rice.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 505, UnsaturatedFat 40 grams, Carbohydrate 12 grams, Fat 46 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 14 grams, SaturatedFat 4 grams, Sodium 194 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams, TransFat 0 grams
DEEP-FRIED BEAN CURD WITH PORK AND VEGETABLES
Provided by Robert Farrar Capon
Categories dinner, main course
Time 30m
Yield 4 to 6 servings if part of a meal of several courses
Number Of Ingredients 20
Steps:
- Cut each cake of bean curd into 4 cubes, and deep-fry the pieces in oil, heated to 375 degrees, about 5 minutes, or until golden. (When adding bean curd to hot oil, do so gently, using the lid of the wok as a shield to protect yourself from any spattering oil.) Remove the bean curd, drain, cool, and cut into 1/8-inch julienne strips. Set aside. Cut the pork into similar strips, and mix with the next 5 ingredients. Cut the bamboo shoots, celery and ham into similar strips. Soak mushrooms 15 minutes in warm water, discard the stems and cut into similar julienne strips. Mince garlic. Mix cornstarch solution with the next 3 ingredients.
- Using high heat, heat a wok, add the oil, salt and garlic, and stir-fry 10 seconds.
- Add pork, and stir-fry 2 minutes.
- Add bean curd, bamboo shoots, celery and mushrooms, and stir-fry 10 seconds.
- Add stock, cover and boil 2 minutes.
- Add cornstarch solution, stir until thickened, remove from heat, and serve, garnished with Smithfield ham.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 775, UnsaturatedFat 60 grams, Carbohydrate 11 grams, Fat 71 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 29 grams, SaturatedFat 8 grams, Sodium 510 milligrams, Sugar 4 grams, TransFat 0 grams
Tips:
- Select firm tofu: Use firm or extra-firm tofu for deep frying, as it holds its shape better and absorbs less oil.
- Press the tofu properly: Before cooking, press the tofu to remove excess water and achieve a crispier texture. Wrap the tofu in a few layers of paper towels and place it between two plates or on a flat surface with a heavy object on top for 30 minutes.
- Use cornstarch or flour: Coat the tofu slices in cornstarch or flour before frying. This helps create a golden-brown, crispy crust.
- Maintain oil temperature: Keep the oil at a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature and adjust the heat accordingly.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying the tofu, as it can cause the oil temperature to drop and result in soggy tofu.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy the deep-fried tofu immediately after cooking, as it tastes best when hot and crispy.
Conclusion:
Deep-fried bean curd with oyster sauce is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or main course. With its crispy texture and savory oyster sauce, it's a popular choice in many Asian cuisines. By following the tips and instructions provided in this recipe, you can easily prepare this delectable dish at home. Remember to select firm tofu, press it properly, use cornstarch or flour for coating, maintain the oil temperature, and serve immediately for the best results. Experiment with different dipping sauces and garnishes to customize the dish to your liking. Enjoy your homemade deep-fried bean curd with oyster sauce!
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