Image Credit: iStockphoto.com/ © Chris Scredon
Tofu (TOE-foo) is bean curd made from soybeans. Tofu is rich in protein and iron. It is soft and bland (has little flavor). But it absorbs flavor like a sponge. Tofu is good fried, baked, steamed, or raw. Seasoned tofu is good in soups, salads, and sandwiches.
China
Image Credit: © 1999 Artville, LLC
China is a huge country on the continent of Asia. It has the world’s largest country in population and the third largest in area. About a fifth of the world’s people live in China.
In ancient China, five sacred grains (wu ku) were essential for life: soybeans, rice, wheat, barley, and millet.
Soy Sauce
Soy sauce is made from fermented* soybeans, roasted grain, water, and salt. Soy sauce was invented in China almost 2,500 years ago. Soy sauce is a poplar condiment used to flavor many Asian foods.
*What’s This?
Fermentation is a chemical process that causes bubbles of gas to form.
What You Need
Equipment:
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Fork
- Measuring spoons
- Frying pan with lid
- Spatula
Ingredients:
- Tofu
- Cabbage (optional)
- Spinach (optional)
For Marinade*:
*What’s This?
Marinade is flavorful liquid. When food soaks in a marinade (or marinates), it absorbs the flavor.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons rice or cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger root, grated
- 2 fresh scallions (green onions) diced
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 clove* garlic, minced
*What’s This?
A clove is one section of a garlic bulb. Take the papery skin off before using it.
Image Credit: Shutterstock.com
- ground black pepper
- hot pepper flakes
What to Do
- Slice tofu into ½-inch slices.
- Mix marinade ingredients in a bowl. Whisk with a fork.
- Combine marinade and tofu. Let it sit for 15 minutes.
- Cook tofu.
For soft tofu: Place tofu and marinade in the frying pan. Cover and simmer over medium to low heat for 5 minutes.
For crispy tofu: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in frying pan. Lift tofu from the marinade. Pat dry and coat with cornstarch. Brown tofu slices about 2–3 minutes on each side in the uncovered frying pan.
- Flip the tofu with a spatula or tongs.
- Add chopped cabbage or spinach to the pan if desired.
- Simmer and stir for 5 more minutes. Serve tofu with warm cooked rice and a side of vegetables.
Serves 3–4
