There’s nothing like a hearty, flavorful dish that brings comfort and satisfaction, and this Home Style Tofu recipe is just that. With its golden pan-fried tofu, savory ground pork (or chicken), and a perfect balance of soy sauce, garlic, and chili, this dish is a go-to for weeknight dinners when you want something quick yet delicious.
The addition of Shaoxing wine and a hint of sugar gives the sauce a depth that makes every bite irresistible.
I love pairing this tofu dish with a side of Kimchi for a spicy, tangy kick that complements the rich flavors perfectly. If you’re looking for something a bit lighter, try serving it with Airfried Vegetables to add a crunchy, healthy element to your meal.
This Home Style Tofu recipe is all about simplicity and taste—perfect for those nights when you want to whip up something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
Home Style Tofu Recipe
Equipment
- Flat-bottomed cast iron pan
- Wok
- Spatula
- Knife
- Cutting Board
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil
- divided
- 1 pound firm tofu pat dry, cut in half lengthwise and sliced into 1/4-inch/0.6cm slices
- 2 cloves garlic smashed and chopped
- 1 red chili pepper deseeded and thinly sliced
- 3 scallions cut into 1-inch/2.5cm pieces, with the white parts separated from the green parts
- 4 oz. ground pork or ground chicken
- 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons oyster sauce or vegetarian oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon Shaoxing wine
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Heat a flat-bottomed cast iron pan over medium-high heat until lightly smoking. Add 1 tablespoon of oil, tilting the pan to coat the bottom. Pan-fry the tofu slices for 3-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Turn off the heat and set aside.
- Heat the remaining tablespoon of oil in a wok over medium heat. Cook the garlic, chili, and white parts of the scallions for about 1 minute.
- Add the ground pork (or chicken) and stir-fry until cooked through, about 1 minute.
- Stir in the light soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil.
- Add the pan-fried tofu and the green parts of the scallions. Increase the heat and stir-fry quickly to combine everything.
- Add salt to taste and serve.
Nutrition Facts:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 251kcal |
| Protein | 16g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 6g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Fiber | 1g |
Exciting Recipe Variations to Experiment With!
- Vegetarian/Vegan Version: If you’re looking to make this dish vegetarian or vegan, simply omit the ground pork or chicken and add more vegetables like sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. You can also increase the amount of tofu for a heartier dish.
- Spice Level: Adjust the spice to your liking. If you prefer a milder dish, you can skip the red chili pepper or use a less spicy variety. On the other hand, if you enjoy more heat, feel free to add more chili or even a dash of chili oil.
- Different Protein: Instead of ground pork or chicken, you can use ground beef, turkey, or even shrimp. Each protein brings its unique flavor and texture to the dish.
- Extra Aromatics: Add a bit of ginger along with the garlic and scallions for a more aromatic flavor. Ginger pairs well with the other ingredients and adds a slight zing.
- Sauce Variation: For a different flavor profile, try adding a tablespoon of hoisin sauce or a touch of sesame oil for a nuttier taste. You can also experiment with different soy sauce varieties, like dark soy sauce, for a richer color and flavor.
- Add Veggies: Toss in some leafy greens like spinach, bok choy, or napa cabbage towards the end of cooking. These vegetables cook quickly and add a fresh element to the dish.
- Nuts for Crunch: For added texture, sprinkle some roasted peanuts or cashews on top before serving. The crunch adds a nice contrast to the softness of the tofu and ground meat.
These variations allow you to customize the dish to suit your tastes or dietary preferences while keeping the essence of the recipe intact. Enjoy experimenting!
