| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 237 | 15g | 3g | 11g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3g | 2g | 22g | 0.89g |
Why I Love Chinese Vegetarian Fermented Black Bean Tofu
I remember the very first time I cooked the Vegetarian Fermented Black Bean Tofu – a medley of aromatic fermented black beans and savory tofu, wrapped in a flavorful sauce. And I must admit, I was instantly smitten by the depth of flavors each bite offered. It was a step away from the flavors I usually wield in my Tex-Mex infused kitchen, but the spirit of trying unique, diverse recipes keeps my culinary journey exciting.
A Gourmet Adventure
There’s a part of me that’s hopelessly in love with the robustness of true Texas fare – the smoky barbecue, hearty chili, and the delectable bursts of flavor in every Tex-Mex dish. Yet, the part of me that found joy in blending diverse flavors felt an urge to explore Asian cuisine, a distinctive universe known for its balance of tastes.
The Vegetarian Fermented Black Bean Tofu was an exquisite find during one of these culinary voyages: a delightful dish that is traditionally Chinese but resonates with the universal language of gastronomy. As the creation of the acclaimed chef Martin Yan, whose passion for Chinese cuisine sparked my own, it stood as a tangible symbol of my culinary evolution.
The Harmony of Contrasts
What I love most about this dish is its harmony of contrasts – the firm yet soft tofu and the punchy black beans. The taste of ginger and garlic, simmered in a soy sauce-infused broth, with a light crunch of bell peppers and green onions, culminates into a delectable symphony on your palate. It’s arguably similar to the Ma Po tofu with its balance of textures and flavors, yet it stands out with its unique vegetarian twist.
It’s the kind of dish that pairs brilliantly with classic fried rice or a simple bowl of steamed jasmine rice. And for those of us who sustain a healthy, vegetarian lifestyle, it’s a wholesome offering that validates our culinary choices. Cooking this delicacy brings an epicurean pleasure that fuels my passion for crafting vibrant, flavorful dishes.
So, embark on this journey of making Vegetarian Fermented Black Bean Tofu and let your kitchen be filled with an amalgamation of delightful aromas. As for me, my Tex-Mex inclinations will always find new ways of merging with the flavors from beyond my home turf, in the spirit of a truly global culinary adventure.
What You’ll Need
- 2 blocks of firm tofu (14 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons of fermented black beans
- 1/4 cup of vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon of ginger, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons of sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
Method
Step One
Start by draining the tofu and patting it dry with a towel. Cut the tofu into bite-sized pieces and set them aside.
Step Two
Next, rinse the fermented black beans under running water to remove any excess salt. Use a mortar and pestle to crush the beans into a paste, then set it aside.
Step Three
In a small bowl, mix together the vegetable broth, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ginger. Stir well to combine.
Step Four
Now, dissolve the cornstarch in some cold water, and add it to the soy sauce mixture. This will help thicken the sauce. Stir well to ensure there are no lumps.
Step Five
Heat the sesame oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the tofu pieces, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the tofu until it is golden brown on all sides, then remove it from the pan and set it aside.
Step Six
In the same pan, heat the vegetable oil. Add the green onions and red bell pepper, and sauté for a few minutes until they start to soften.
Step Seven
Add the black bean paste to the pan, and fry for a minute to release its flavor. Then, pour in the vegetable broth mixture, and stir well to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer, and let it cook for a few minutes until it thickens.
Step Eight
Finally, add the fried tofu back into the pan, and toss it in the sauce to coat. Let it cook for a few more minutes so that the tofu absorbs the flavors of the sauce. Serve your Vegetarian Fermented Black Bean Tofu hot, and enjoy!
