Oh my goodness, are you ready for a flavor explosion? I’m so excited to share this delightful Minced Meat Tofu recipe with you! It’s not only delicious but also super easy to whip up, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or a fun meal prep session. We’re talking about silky tofu basking in a savory sauce bursting with flavors that will make your taste buds dance! Let’s dive right in!
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Why You’ll Love This Minced Meat Tofu Recipe
This Minced Meat Tofu recipe is an absolute dream come true! It’s packed with protein from the tofu and the meat, which makes it incredibly satisfying. The gentle warmth from the garlic and ginger, combined with the subtle kick from the chili bean paste, creates a mouthwatering experience that you won’t want to miss! Plus, it’s super versatile! Serve it over a steaming bowl of rice, or toss it into a stir-fry with your favorite veggies for a colorful, nutritious meal that shines on any table. You’re going to love how simple it is to make this scrumptious dish!
How to make Minced Meat Tofu Recipe
Ready to get cooking? Let’s gather our ingredients and bring this flavorful dish to life!
Ingredients for Minced Meat Tofu Recipe:
- 1 pound firm or medium-firm tofu, cubed
- 1/2 pound ground pork or beef
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili bean paste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- Sesame oil for drizzling
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Tofu: Drain the tofu and cut it into 1-inch cubes.
- Brown the Meat: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add ground pork or beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add minced garlic and ginger to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Chili Bean Paste: Stir in chili bean paste (doubanjiang) and cook for another minute to release its flavor.
- Add Liquids and Tofu: Pour in chicken broth or water, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Bring to a simmer. Gently add the cubed tofu to the skillet.
- Simmer: Simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the tofu to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir the cornstarch slurry and pour it into the skillet. Cook, stirring gently, until the sauce thickens.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle with sesame oil. Garnish with chopped green onions. Serve hot over rice.
What to Serve With Minced Meat Tofu Recipe
This tasty dish pairs perfectly with fluffy white rice, but don’t stop there! Try serving it with steamed bok choy, stir-fried veggies, or even some crispy spring rolls. It’s such a delight to mix and match flavors and textures!
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips of Minced Meat Tofu Recipe
You can definitely make this dish ahead of time! It stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, so it’s perfect for meal prep. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave, and you’ll have a quick and tasty meal ready to go! If you’re feeling super organized, you can even freeze leftovers for up to a month. Just let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating!
Expert Tips for the Perfect Minced Meat Tofu Recipe
- Make sure you drain your tofu well to prevent excess moisture, which can dilute the flavors of the sauce.
- Feel free to play around with the types of ground meat! Chicken or turkey work wonderfully too!
- If you love a bit of extra spice, you can add some red pepper flakes or fresh chili slices for a fiery kick!
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
Want to customize your dish? You can easily swap in different proteins or make this recipe entirely plant-based! Try using tempeh instead of minced meat, or you can add in your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for even more nutrition! The possibilities are endless and oh-so-fun to explore!
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use plant-based ground meat or tempeh and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian version!How spicy is this dish?
The spice level can be adjusted based on how much chili bean paste you add. Start with a small amount, and you can always add more if you want it spicier!Can I use soft tofu instead of firm tofu?
While firm tofu is preferred for its texture, you can use soft tofu if that’s what you have on hand — just be gentle when stirring to avoid mashing it!
I hope you’re as excited to try this Minced Meat Tofu recipe as I am to share it with you! It’s such a cozy, heartwarming dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your home. Happy cooking, my friend! 🥢✨
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The BEST Minced Meat Tofu (A Quick & Savory Recipe)
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Mixed
Description
A flavorful and protein-packed dish featuring tofu and minced meat in a savory sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 pound firm or medium-firm tofu, cubed
- 1/2 pound ground pork or beef
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili bean paste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- Sesame oil for drizzling
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Drain the tofu and cut it into 1-inch cubes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add ground pork or beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add minced garlic and ginger to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in chili bean paste (doubanjiang) and cook for another minute to release its flavor.
- Pour in chicken broth or water, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Bring to a simmer. Gently add the cubed tofu to the skillet.
- Simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the tofu to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- Stir the cornstarch slurry and pour it into the skillet. Cook, stirring gently, until the sauce thickens.
- Drizzle with sesame oil. Garnish with chopped green onions. Serve hot over rice.
Notes
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg