4 Easy Tofu Recipes You Can Make at Home

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Finding simple meals that are both healthy and tasty can make daily cooking much easier. Tofu is one ingredient that many people turn to because it is affordable, flexible, and pairs well with a wide range of flavors. That is why easy tofu recipes have become a go-to choice for home cooks around the world.

Tofu is a food made from soybeans. It is soft, white, and has a mild flavor on its own. Because it absorbs spices and sauces very well, it works in many different types of dishes. Tofu is also a good source of protein, which makes it a popular choice for people who want a healthy and filling meal without eating meat every day.

In this article, we will share four easy tofu recipes that you can make at home. Keep reading to find the one you want to try first.

This recipe gives you tofu with a golden, crunchy outside and a soft inside. It is a great snack or side dish that goes well with rice or dipping sauce.

Ingredients:

- 400g firm tofu

- 2 tablespoons cornstarch

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

- 3 tablespoons cooking oil

Instructions:

1. Remove the tofu from its package. Wrap it in a clean towel and press it gently for 15 minutes to remove extra water.

2. Cut the tofu into small cubes or rectangles, about 2 to 3 centimeters wide.

3. In a bowl, mix the cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder together.

4. Coat each tofu piece in the cornstarch mixture. Make sure all sides are covered.

5. Heat the cooking oil in a pan over medium heat.

6. Place the tofu pieces in the pan. Do not overlap them.

7. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until the surface turns golden and crispy.

8. Remove from the pan and place on a paper towel to absorb extra oil.

9. Serve right away with your favorite dipping sauce.

This stir-fry is colorful, quick to cook, and full of flavor. It is a healthy and satisfying main dish that goes well over steamed rice or noodles.

Ingredients:

- 300g firm tofu, cubed

- 1 cup broccoli florets

- 1 red bell pepper, sliced

- 1 medium carrot, sliced thin

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 2 tablespoons soy sauce

- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce

- 1 teaspoon sesame oil

- 2 tablespoons cooking oil

Instructions:

1. Press the tofu with a towel for 10 minutes, then cut it into cubes.

2. Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a wok or large pan over high heat.

3. Add the tofu and cook for 3 minutes on each side until it turns light brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.

4. Add the remaining oil to the same pan. Add the garlic and stir for 30 seconds.

5. Add the carrot and broccoli. Stir and cook for 3 minutes.

6. Add the bell pepper and stir for 1 more minute.

7. Return the tofu to the pan. Pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce. Stir everything together.

8. Cook for 2 more minutes until all the vegetables are tender and the sauce coats the tofu.

9. Drizzle sesame oil on top before serving.

Mapo tofu is a well-known Chinese dish with a rich, spicy sauce. It is warming and satisfying, and tastes best when served with a bowl of plain white rice.

Ingredients:

- 400g soft or silken tofu, cut into cubes

- 150g ground pork or ground beef

- 2 tablespoons doubanjiang (spicy bean paste)

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 teaspoon grated ginger

- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth

- 1 teaspoon soy sauce

- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

- 2 tablespoons cooking oil

- 2 stalks green onion, chopped

Instructions:

1. Cut the tofu into 2 centimeter cubes. Place them in a bowl of warm salted water for 5 minutes to firm up slightly, then drain.

2. Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and ginger. Stir for 30 seconds.

3. Add the ground meat. Break it apart and cook until it turns brown, about 3 to 4 minutes.

4. Add the doubanjiang and stir well. Cook for 1 minute until the oil turns red.

5. Pour in the broth and soy sauce. Stir and bring to a gentle boil.

6. Carefully add the tofu cubes. Do not stir too much or the tofu will break.

7. Let it simmer for 5 minutes on low heat.

8. Add the cornstarch mixture and stir gently. Cook for 1 more minute until the sauce thickens.

9. Top with green onions and serve hot with rice.

Miso soup is a light and comforting Japanese dish. It is easy to make and ready in under 15 minutes, perfect for breakfast or as a starter.

Ingredients:

- 3 cups water or dashi broth

- 2 tablespoons white miso paste

- 200g soft tofu, cut into small cubes

- 1/2 cup dried wakame seaweed, soaked in water for 5 minutes then drained

- 2 stalks green onion, sliced thin

Instructions:

1. Pour the water or dashi broth into a small pot. Heat it over medium heat until it is almost boiling. Do not let it boil fully.

2. Add the tofu cubes to the pot. Let them warm in the broth for 2 minutes.

3. Add the drained wakame seaweed and stir gently.

4. In a small bowl, scoop out about 3 tablespoons of the warm broth. Add the miso paste to this bowl and mix until smooth.

5. Pour the miso mixture back into the pot. Stir gently to combine.

6. Keep the heat on low. Do not boil the soup after adding the miso, as this reduces the flavor.

7. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with sliced green onions.

8. Serve right away while hot.