| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 356 | 16g | 2.5g | 40g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 6g | 7g | 18g | 1.96g |
Why I Love Chinese Vegetarian Tofu Hot Pot
Vegetarian Tofu Hot Pot: Cooking Beyond Borders
I’m excited to introduce you to the Vegetarian Tofu Hot Pot, a Chinese classic that I’ve come to cherish. As a seafood maven from the coastal New England, diving into other cuisines has always been my favourite culinary exploration. This recipes aberration from my usual course has turned into a family favourite, and I’m elated to share the spotlight today with this delightful meatless savoury dish.
A Fusion of Flavours
Fusing myriad flavours in an elegant concoction, the tofu hot pot is as congenial as it is robust, enlightening our palettes with umami undertones. While tofu is the star of this dish, the vegetables offer their unique essence, blending harmoniously to create a symphony of taste. The fresh ginger and garlic lift the culinary game, playing an essential role to give this hot pot that extra ‘oomph’. And to top it all, the chili oil adds that optional zing. With ingredients as diverse yet entwined as these, it’s no wonder why each serving feels like an excursion into an undiscovered territory of gastronomy.
Perhaps the inspiration for this recipe originated from Ken Hom, whose mastery in Chinese culinary art is renowned and whose recipes never fail to inspire.
Versatile and Pairing Well
It’s fascinating how versatile this dish is, making it a beautiful addition to any meal. You might find it bringing the same warmth and comfort to your table as a hearty New England Clam Chowder would do on a breezy Atlantic coast evening. The Vegetarian Tofu Hot Pot mirrors those stew-like textures and savoury aspects best associated with chowders or bisques. Therefore though miles away from its Chinese origins, it wouldn’t feel out of place alongside a seafood platter or, a staple in my home, Maine lobster roll.
Whether you are a vegetarian or not, a lover of tofu or not, the Vegetarian Tofu Hot Pot is a recipe that invites you to step out of your comfort zone and venture into a new realm of flavours. And who knows, like my family, you too, might find it becoming a regular at your dinner table.
What You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 block of firm tofu (about 14 ounces), cut into cubes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 8 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
- 2 medium carrots, thinly sliced
- 1 small head of bok choy, cleaned and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup bamboo shoots
- 1 can baby corn
- 1/2 block of rice noodle (about 4 ounces)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions, for garnish
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro, for garnish
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Chili oil to taste, for serving (optional)
Method
Step One
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the cubed tofu. Brown the tofu on all sides, this should take about 10 minutes. Once the tofu is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside.
Step Two
In the same pot, add the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté until they become aromatic, which should take about 1 -2 minutes.
Step Three
Add the vegetable broth and soy sauce to the pot. Bring the liquid to a boil.
Step Four
Once the broth is boiling, add the red bell pepper, carrots, bok choy, sliced shiitake mushrooms, bamboo shoots and baby corn. Stir well to combine and reduce the heat to low.
Step Five
Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Step Six
While the pot is simmering, soak the rice noodles in hot water for about 10 minutes, then drain. Set the noodles aside.
Step Seven
Once the vegetables are tender, add the tofu and the soaked rice noodles to the pot. Stir well.
Step Eight
In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch with water until a slurry forms. Gradually stir this slurry into the hot pot to thicken the soup. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Step Nine
Stir in the sesame oil, then remove the pot from the heat.
Step Ten
Garnish the hot pot with chopped green onions and cilantro.
Step Eleven
Serve the Vegetarian Tofu Hot Pot warm, adding chili oil to taste if desired. Enjoy your meal!
