Name: Chinese Braised Tofu
Prep time: 13 min
Cook time: 31 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 3 servings
Ingredients: 1 block extra-firm tofu (drained and sliced into squares); 1 pinch kosher salt (to taste); 3 tbsp neutral oil (for frying); 1 tbsp chili oil (or oil from chili crisp); 4 null scallions (sliced, whites and greens separated); 1 inch fresh ginger root (finely chopped); 4 clove garlic cloves (finely chopped); 1 cup red bell pepper (thinly sliced); 3 tbsp light soy sauce (or regular soy sauce); 2 tbsp brown sugar (organic); 1 heaping tbsp chinese black vinegar (sub rice vinegar if gluten-free); 0.5 tsp red chili flakes (adjust to heat preference); 0.5 tsp chinese five spice powder; 0.125 tsp ground white pepper powder (optional); 0.5 cup water (divided); 1 tbsp cornstarch (for slurry); 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil (for drizzling); 1 tbsp white sesame seeds (toasted); 3 cup white rice (cooked)

Instructions

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1

Slice extra-firm tofu (1 block) into 0.5 inch squares and press between towels for 10 minutes to remove excess moisture.
2

Season tofu with kosher salt (1 pinch). Heat neutral oil (3 tbsp) in a nonstick pan and fry tofu for 8 minutes on the first side and 5 minutes on the second until golden brown.
3

In a jar, combine light soy sauce (3 tbsp), brown sugar (2 tbsp), tbsp chinese black vinegar (1 heaping), red chili flakes (0.5 tsp), chinese five spice powder (0.5 tsp), and ground white pepper powder (0.125 tsp).
4

Wipe the pan. Heat chili oil (1 tbsp) and sauté scallions (4) whites, fresh ginger root (1 inch), and garlic cloves (4 clove) for 2 minutes. Add red bell pepper (1 cup) and stir-fry for another 2 minutes.
5

Pour the braising liquid into the pan, bring to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes.
6

Whisk cornstarch (1 tbsp) with water (0.5 cup) to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the pan for 60 seconds until thickened.
7

Add the fried tofu to the sauce. Simmer on medium for 10 minutes until the sauce clings to the tofu.
8

Serve the tofu over white rice (3 cup). Garnish with scallion greens, white sesame seeds (1 tbsp), and a drizzle of toasted sesame oil (1 tbsp).