Best Easy Home Style Tofu Recipe

Pan-fried tofu is stir-fried with pork, vegetables, and doubanjiang in a bold, homey Sichuan sauce. Rich in protein and full of warming spice, this family-style dish is everyday Chinese comfort food at its best.

Cook 35 min Difficulty NORMAL 320 kcal
#high protein #diabetic friendly #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • firm tofu 16 oz
  • ground pork 8 oz
  • scallions 4 pieces
  • red bell pepper 1 pieces
  • onion 0.5 pieces
  • ginger 1 tbsp
  • garlic 3 cloves
Seasonings/Sauce
  • doubanjiang (Sichuan chili bean paste) 1.5 tbsp
  • soy sauce 2 tbsp
  • Shaoxing wine 1 tbsp
  • sugar 1 tsp
  • cornstarch 1.5 tsp
  • water 0.25 cup
  • toasted sesame oil 1 tsp
  • neutral oil (for frying) 4 tbsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 14 g 17%
Protein 22 g 28%
Fat 18 g 55%
Serving size 260g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Pat tofu dry and cut into 1-inch cubes. Heat 2 tbsp neutral oil in a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Arrange tofu cubes in a single layer and pan-fry until golden brown on all sides, about 6–8 minutes. Remove and set aside.

  2. 2

    Add remaining 2 tbsp oil to the pan. Sauté ginger, garlic, and white parts of scallions over medium-high heat until fragrant, about 1 minute.

  3. 3

    Increase heat to high. Add ground pork, breaking it up, and stir-fry until it loses pink color and begins crisping, about 3 minutes.

  4. 4

    Add doubanjiang and stir-fry for 1 minute until oil is red and fragrant. Add onions and red bell pepper, stir-frying for another 2 minutes.

  5. 5

    Return tofu to the pan. Pour in soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, and water. Simmer for 2 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.

  6. 6

    Stir cornstarch into a splash of water to make a slurry. Add to the pan, gently stirring to thicken the sauce and coat the tofu evenly. Simmer for 1 more minute.

  7. 7

    Turn off heat. Drizzle with toasted sesame oil and top with chopped scallion greens. Serve hot with steamed rice.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this Best Easy Home Style Tofu Recipe?
The core ingredient is firm tofu, which provides the foundation for the dish’s texture and protein content. Its ability to absorb the savory, spicy Sichuan sauce allows it to shine while balancing the bold flavors of pork and doubanjiang.
Q. What is the most important step for developing flavor in this recipe?
Stir-frying the doubanjiang (Sichuan chili bean paste) after browning the pork is key. Heating the paste in oil over high heat brings out its deep, complex flavors, forming the backbone of the signature Sichuan sauce.
Q. How can I prevent the tofu from breaking or getting soggy while cooking?
Patting the tofu dry and pan-frying it until golden before stir-frying helps it hold its structure and gives a crisp exterior. Gentle mixing after adding the tofu back to the pan will keep cubes intact and ensure a pleasant bite.
Q. What is the nutrition profile of this Home Style Tofu per serving?
Each serving (260g) contains about 320 kcal, 22g protein (28% of calories), 14g carbohydrates (17%), and 18g fat (55%). This makes it a high-protein, nutrient-rich meal suitable for those mindful of both protein and calorie intake.
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