Vegetarian
Chili Garlic Firm Tofu
An original savory with adjustable heat Firm Tofu recipe adapted for Filipino ingredients, family portions and an ordinary home stove.
This original Sarap Recipe version of Chili Garlic Firm Tofu is designed for a regular Filipino family kitchen. It uses chili and garlic to make a savory with adjustable heat dish that works well with steamed rice.
Ingredients
- 600 g firm tofu, drained and cut into cubes
- 7 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 red chilies, sliced, or to taste
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cane vinegar
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- Black pepper and salt, only as needed
How to cook it
- Press the tofu between clean towels for 10 minutes, then cut it into cubes.
- Measure and prepare every sauce ingredient before heating the pan. This keeps the aromatics from burning while you work.
- Sauté garlic and chili over medium-low heat so the garlic does not burn. Combine soy sauce, vinegar, sugar and 1/3 cup water.
- Pan-fry until golden on several sides before adding the sauce.
- Add the sauce and toss until evenly seasoned. Keep extra chili at the table for diners who want more heat.
- Taste the finished dish with rice before adjusting salt, soy sauce or fish sauce. Rest for 3 minutes before serving.
Why this method works
Preparing the sauce first gives the seasoning time to dissolve and prevents rushed measuring over a hot pan. Cooking the main ingredient separately from the final reduction protects its texture, while gradual seasoning accounts for differences between brands of soy sauce, patis and oyster sauce.
- Use a wide pan so moisture can evaporate instead of making the dish watery.
- For a less salty result, start with only three-fourths of the soy sauce or fish sauce and adjust at the end.
- Cool leftovers within two hours, refrigerate in a covered container and reheat until steaming.
How to serve
Serve hot with steamed rice. A side of sliced cucumber, tomatoes or blanched leafy vegetables balances the rich sauce. Offer calamansi and chili separately so each person can adjust the flavor.
Original recipe prepared for Sarap Recipe readers. Cooking time varies with ingredient size, cookware and stove heat.