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Best Easy Five Spice Pressed Tofu Recipe

Name: Best Easy Five Spice Pressed Tofu Recipe
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 120 g
Ingredients: pressed tofu 16 oz; scallion 2 pieces; garlic 2 cloves; ginger 1 tbsp; soy sauce 3 tbsp; dark soy sauce 1 tbsp; sugar 2 tsp; five-spice powder 1 tsp; sesame oil 1 tsp; water 1 cup

Sliced pressed tofu is braised in a five-spice soy sauce until deeply flavored and aromatic. This vegetarian, high protein family snack or side is healthy, flavorful, and perfect for meal prep.

Cook 30 min Difficulty EASY 150 kcal

#vegetarian #high protein #meal prep #asian snack

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Ingredients

Main ingredients

pressed tofu 16 oz
scallion 2 pieces
garlic 2 cloves
ginger 1 tbsp

Seasonings/Sauce

soy sauce 3 tbsp
dark soy sauce 1 tbsp
sugar 2 tsp
five-spice powder 1 tsp
sesame oil 1 tsp
water 1 cup

Nutrition summary

Carbohydrates 9 g 24%

Protein 14 g 37%

Fat 7 g 39%

Serving size 120g

Cooking steps

1

Slice the pressed tofu into 1/4-inch thick pieces; pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2

Add 1 tsp sesame oil to a skillet over medium heat. Sear both sides of tofu slices until lightly golden, about 2 minutes per side.
3

Add sliced scallions, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the pan. Sauté briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
4

Pour in soy sauce, dark soy sauce, water, sugar, and five-spice powder. Stir and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.
5

Reduce heat to low, cover, and braise for 15 minutes. Flip tofu once halfway to absorb flavors evenly.
6

Remove cover and simmer on low for an additional 5 minutes to reduce the sauce until slightly thickened. Let rest a few minutes before serving for best flavor infusion.

Personalized Q&A

Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?

Pressed tofu is the star ingredient in this dish, providing a firm yet tender texture and serving as the ideal foundation for soaking up the deeply aromatic five-spice soy braising liquid. Its high protein content and ability to hold its shape define both the identity and substance of this recipe.

Q. Which seasoning makes the biggest difference in flavor?

The five-spice powder stands out as the main flavor driver. This unique blend imparts a subtle warmth, sweet and savory notes, and creates the aromatic depth associated with classic five-spice tofu. Combined with both soy and dark soy sauces, it makes the dish truly irresistible.

Q. How do I avoid soggy or broken tofu when cooking?

Thoroughly patting the pressed tofu dry before slicing and searing is critical to prevent excess moisture. A moderate searing on both sides helps form a gentle crust, keeping the tofu intact during braising and ensuring a pleasing bite. Flip the tofu pieces carefully with tongs to avoid breakage.

Q. What is the calorie and macronutrient breakdown per serving?

Each 120g serving provides about 150 kcal with 9g carbohydrates (24% of calories), 14g protein (37%), and 7g fat (39%). This makes it a high-protein, well-balanced snack or side suitable for various nutritional goals.

Q. Why is this recipe good for meal prep?

After braising, the tofu pieces continue to develop flavor as they rest and store well for several days. The protein-rich, vegetarian profile, and robust taste from five-spice allow for versatile use in bento boxes, salads, or quick snacks throughout the week.

Best Easy Five Spice Pressed Tofu Recipe

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