Stir-Fried Tofu with Vegetables and XO Sauce

The third tofu dish I picked out from Betty Saw's Mini Cookbook was Stir-Fried Tofu with Vegetables and XO Sauce. For a healthier choice, deep-frying of the tofu cubes can be omitted. I figured it would taste just as good by skipping Step 2 and stir-frying it together with the vegetables.

(Adapted from Betty Saw's Mini Cookbook)

What You'll Need:

1 1/2 pcs firm tofu, diced into cubes

Cooking oil for deep-frying

1/2 tbsp of cooking oil for stir-frying

160g celery stalk, cut into 1x2.5cm fingers

130g carrot, peeled and cut into 1x2.5cm fingers, parboiled

1 1/2 tbsp XO sauce

1-2 spring onion stalk, cut into 2.5cm lengths

Seasoning:

2 tbsp oyster sauce

1 tsp sesame oil

1 tsp ginger juice

1 tsp sugar

1 tsp cornflour (cornstarch)

Method:

1. Mix tofu cubes with the seasoning and set aside for 15mins.

2. Heat oil in a wok and deep-fry the tofu cubes until light golden. Drain. (skip this step for a healthier choice!)

3. Heat 1/2 tbsp of cooking in a clean wok and stir-fry celery and carrot until soft.

4. Toss in the tofu cubes to the wok, mix well and stir in XO sauce and spring onions. Serve hot.

*Note: You may wish to add a couple of red chillies for a fiery taste!

Good Luck and have fun!

Crisp Fried Tofu Balls

This second tofu dish that Tricia and I tried is extremely easy and we had lots of fun making them. We were like fish ball makers that day. This would not only make a quick and great snack especially for parties but also a good bonding session with your kids; a good exposure for your kids to experiment making/cooking simple dishes.

(Adapted from Betty Saw's Mini Cookbook)
What You'll Need:
1 1/2 long/big firm tofu
3/4tbsp tapioca flour
1/2tsp water
1 egg, lightly beaten
3 big and fresh shiitake mushrooms, chopped
2 thin slices turkey bacon/ham, chopped (optional)
3 red chili, deseeded and chopped
1 stalk spring onion, chopped
1 stalk coriander leaves, chopped
1/4tsp salt

Method:
1. Press tofu through a sieve into a mixing bowl.

2. Add the remaining ingredients to bowl and mix well.

3. Use a small ice cream scoop to scoop up some mixture and shape into balls.

4. Deep-fry them in hot oil at 175deg for 5-6mins or until golden brown. Drain well.

Have fun!

Sesame Tofu

Having always had a thing for tofus/beancurds, Tricia and I got a mini cookboook some time back which contains 35 easy-to-follow tofu recipes by Betty Saw. You'll be able to find a copy of this mini cookbook at Popular or Kino.

The first tofu dish I picked out which indeed makes a good side dish was this deep-fried sesame tofu .

(Adapted from Betty Saw's Mini Cookbook)

What You'll Need:

3 firm tofu (used 3 big/long square tau kua instead; tastier and cut them to give 9pcs in total)

1 egg, lightly beaten and mixed with 1tbsp milk/water

60g (2oz) sesame seeds

50g (1 2/3oz) plain flour, sifted and mixed with 1/4tsp salt and 1/4tsp ground white pepper

cooking oil for deep-frying

What You'll Need for Marination of Tofu:

2 red chilli, seeded and ground

16 garlic cloves, peeled and ground

1 stalk spring onion, finely chopped

2tbsp light soy sauce

5tbsp chinese rice wine (Hua Tiao)

1tsp sugar

1/4tsp salt

1/4 ground white pepper

*Note: Vary the amount of sesame seed used according to your preference.

Method:

1. Arrange tofu slices in a single layer on a flat dish.

2. Combine marinade ingredients in a mixing bowl and pour over tofu. Leave to marinade for a least 15 minutes, turning the tofu slices over occasionally (leaving it overnight or half a day is better so as to get the flavor soaked in).

3. Dip the tofu slices, one at a time, into egg and milk or water mixture. Coat with sesame seeds and flour mixture.

4. Deep-fry the coated tofu slices in hot oil until golden brown. Drain on absorbent kitchen paper, and serve with chilli sauce (Thai sweet chili sauce goes best).

Have fun!