Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
207 | 13g | 2g | 15g |
sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
3g | 2g | 9g | 0.7g |
I can’t resist a tasty fusion dish, and my Stir-Fried Chinese Mallow with Tofu is the perfect example. This combination of earthy Chinese Mallow, protein-packed block of firm tofu, and a mix of vibrant and flavorful Asian sauces creates an unforgettable culinary adventure. It’s a unique blend of taste and tradition, a testament to my love of creating dishes that embrace my Gujarati roots while integrating flavors from across the globe.
Aria’s Taste and Tradition
Growing up in California, my meals were always a brilliant fusion of my Gujarati roots and my West Coast surroundings. This Stir-Fried Chinese Mallow with Tofu does just that, blending beautifully the fresh and healthy ingredients that the coast is known for with a hint of the flavors of my Indian heritage.
Vegetable-based dishes like this are not merely tasty, but are also packed with numerous health advantages. Chinese Mallow, for example, is a green vegetable that’s not just a fantastic source of essential vitamins and minerals but also contributes to better digestion. Tofu, on the other hand, is a fantastic protein source, perfect for those who are vegetarian or trying to reduce their meat consumption. All the ingredients together produce not just a deeply satisfying meal, but also a healthful one.
Notes and Pairings
If you’ve ever tasted Stir-Fry Bok Choy or Chinese Greens with Oyster Sauce, this recipe might taste familiar, yet strikingly unique with the use of Chinese Mallow. The Stir-Fried Chinese Mallow with Tofu goes incredibly well with a bowl of steamed Jasmine rice or a side of flavorful Ginger-Scallion Ramen Noodles for a complete meal, making your dinner table a delightful showcase of Pan-Asian cuisines.
Whether it’s a quiet dinner with family or a weekend gathering with friends, this Stir-Fried Chinese Mallow with Tofu won’t disappoint. It’s a delightfully tasty recipe that not only respects but celebrates the blending of cultures and cuisines, giving it a special place in my heart.. and on my dinner table!
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups Chinese Mallow
- 1 block of Firm Tofu
- 4 tablespoons Vegetable Oil
- 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce
- 2 tablespoons Oyster Sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Sugar
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Ginger, finely chopped
- 1 medium-sized Red Bell Pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium-sized Green Bell Pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 Scallions, chopped into 1-inch sections
Method
Step One
Start by draining the firm tofu and cut it into bite-sized cubes. Then, pat the tofu dry using a clean kitchen towel.
Step Two
In a wok or a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the tofu. Fry until the tofu pieces are golden on all sides. Once done, transfer the tofu to a plate and set aside.
Step Three
In the same wok or skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Add the minced garlic and finely chopped ginger. Stir-fry for about a minute or until fragrant.
Step Four
Add the thinly sliced red and green bell peppers to the wok. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, until they just begin to soften.
Step Five
Now, add the Chinese mallow into the wok. Season with salt and sugar, making sure to stir well to evenly distribute the seasonings. Continue to stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes, or until the Chinese mallow is tender.
Step Six
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch with a little bit of water to form a slurry. Pour this slurry into the wok and stir well to combine. This will create a velvety sauce that coats the tofu and vegetables.
Step Seven
Return the fried tofu to the wok and stir well to coat the tofu in the sauce. Allow everything to cook for another minute or so, just to make sure the tofu absorbs the flavors.
Step Eight
To finish, add the chopped scallions and give everything a final stir. Adjust the seasoning, if necessary, before transferring the stir-fry to a serving dish. Enjoy your Stir-Fried Chinese Mallow with Tofu hot out of the wok!