Chicken Tofu is a delectable culinary creation that combines the flavors and textures of tender chicken and versatile tofu. This delightful dish offers a unique blend of meaty richness and plant-based goodness, appealing to both meat lovers and vegetarians alike. The succulent pieces of chicken are perfectly complemented by the smooth, velvety tofu, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. Each bite offers a delightful contrast, with the chicken imparting a savory, umami taste while the tofu adds a delicate creaminess. The combination of these two ingredients provides a satisfying and nutritious meal option, rich in protein and low in fat. Whether stir-fried, grilled, or simmered in a flavorful sauce, chicken tofu offers a versatile canvas for culinary exploration. Its ability to absorb flavors and adapt to various cooking techniques makes it a versatile ingredient, capable of lending itself to a wide range of global cuisines. From Asian-inspired stir-fries to comforting soups and stews, chicken tofu adds a delightful twist to traditional recipes. Furthermore, its health benefits, including its contribution to muscle growth, weight management, and cardiovascular health, make it a popular choice for those seeking a balanced diet. So, whether you’re a tofu enthusiast, a chicken lover, or simply in search of a delicious and wholesome meal, chicken tofu is sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.
Ingredients for Chicken Tofu
For the Chicken Marinade:
⦁ – 200 grams / 7 ounces Chicken Breast, boneless, skinless – cleaned, pat-dried, thinly sliced into bite-sized pieces
⦁ – ¼ TSP ground White Pepper
⦁ – ½ TSP Sesame Oil
⦁ – ½ TBLS Low Sodium Light Soy Sauce
⦁ – ½ TBLS ShaoXing Rice Wine
⦁ – 1 TSP Potato Starch (or Cornstarch)
For the Sauce:
⦁ – 2 TBLS Hoisin Sauce (I use Lee Kum Kee brand – see note 1)
⦁ – 2 TSP Low Sodium Light Soy Sauce
⦁ – 1 TBLS Shao Xing Rice Wine
⦁ – ½ TBLS Chinkiang Vinegar
⦁ – 1 TSP Sesame Oil
⦁ – 1 TSP Pure Chili Oil (optional – without flakes/seeds)
⦁ – 1 TSP Potato Starch (or Cornstarch)
⦁ – 60ml / ¼ cup Water
For the Hoisin Chicken Stir-fry with Tofu:
⦁ – 1 medium Welsh Onion sliced lengthwise, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
⦁ – 5 Garlic cloves – peeled and thinly sliced
⦁ – 1.5-inch piece of Ginger – peeled and thinly sliced (about 2 tablespoons sliced)
⦁ – 2–10 fresh Red Chilies (Thai Bird’s Eye or any small hot red chilies), to taste – finely chopped
⦁ – 2 squares (130 grams / 4.6 ounces) pressed firm Brown Tofu – thinly sliced
⦁ – 3.5 TBLS Peanut Oil (or any neutral cooking oil with a high smoke point)
⦁ – 1 TBLS Dou Ban Jiang (Chili Bean Paste – Sichuan Pixian Dou Ban Jiang preferred – see note 3)
Steps make Chicken Tofu
Step 1
Begin by heating 3.5 tablespoons of peanut oil in a large wok over high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the thinly sliced, marinated chicken to the wok and spread out the pieces evenly. Allow the chicken to cook undisturbed for about 40 seconds, then stir-fry for an additional 20-40 seconds until the chicken is nearly cooked through. To remove excess oil, hold a fine mesh strainer above the wok and transfer the cooked chicken pieces into it, allowing the oil to drip back into the wok. Transfer the chicken to a clean bowl, and if there are any crispy bits in the wok, remove and discard them.
Step 2
Ensure there is around 3 tablespoons of oil in the wok (add more if needed) and heat it over high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chili bean paste (dou ban jiang), sliced garlic, thinly sliced ginger, and finely chopped fresh red chilies. Sauté these aromatic ingredients for about 1 minute until they become fragrant.
Step 3
Now, add the sliced Welsh onion and thinly sliced tofu to the wok. Stir-fry everything together for about a minute, ensuring the Welsh onion has softened and the tofu has become slightly tender.
Step 4
Give the sauce a quick stir with a spoon to loosen up the potato starch that may have settled at the bottom. Next, add the partially cooked chicken back into the wok and pour the sauce over the ingredients. Stir-fry everything for about 1 minute until the sauce thickens and coats all the ingredients well. Once done, switch off the heat.
To serve, transfer the Hoisin Chicken Stir-fry with Tofu to a serving plate or dish, and if desired, garnish it with chopped spring onion. This delicious dish is best enjoyed immediately with warm steamed rice.
Nutrition Facts
⦁ – Calories: 300 Cal
⦁ – Carbohydrates: 15g
⦁ – Protein: 20g
⦁ – Fat: 18g
⦁ – Saturated Fat: 3g
⦁ – Trans Fat: 0g
⦁ – Cholesterol: 40mg
⦁ – Sodium: 550mg
⦁ – Potassium: 400mg
⦁ – Fiber: 3g
⦁ – Sugar: 5g
⦁ – Vitamin A: 400IU
⦁ – Vitamin C: 8mg
⦁ – Calcium: 100mg
⦁ – Iron: 3mg
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Steps to avoid while preparing Chicken Tofu
1. Overcooking the chicken: Be cautious not to overcook the chicken during the initial cooking stage. Follow the recommended cooking times to ensure the chicken remains tender and juicy. Overcooking can result in dry and tough chicken pieces.
2. Insufficient oil for sautéing the aromatics: Make sure you have an adequate amount of oil in the wok when sautéing the aromatics. Insufficient oil can lead to sticking and burning, affecting the flavor of the dish. Adjust the amount of oil if needed, ensuring that the ingredients are properly coated and cooked.
3. Overcrowding the wok: It’s essential to give the ingredients enough space in the wok to properly cook and maintain their textures. Overcrowding the wok can result in uneven cooking and steaming instead of stir-frying. Cook in batches if necessary or use a larger cooking vessel to ensure proper heat distribution.
4. Neglecting to stir the sauce before adding it to the wok: Before pouring the sauce into the wok, give it a quick stir to evenly distribute the potato starch or cornstarch that may have settled at the bottom. This step helps prevent clumping and ensures a smooth and consistent sauce texture.
FAQ
1. Q: What is Chicken Tofu?
A: Chicken Tofu is a dish that combines thinly sliced chicken breast and firm tofu in a flavorful sauce. It is often stir-fried with vegetables and served over rice or noodles.
2. Q: How do I make Chicken Tofu?
A: To make Chicken Tofu, you will need thinly sliced chicken breast, firm tofu, and a sauce of your choice. Sauté the chicken and tofu in a hot pan, add the sauce, and cook until everything is well-coated and heated through.
3. Q: Can I use any type of tofu for Chicken Tofu?
A: It is best to use firm or extra-firm tofu for Chicken Tofu. These varieties hold their shape well during cooking and provide a nice texture to the dish.
4. Q: What are some popular sauce options for Chicken Tofu?
A: There are various sauce options for Chicken Tofu, such as soy-based sauces like teriyaki or hoisin sauce, spicy sauces like chili garlic sauce or sriracha, or even a simple combination of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic.
5. Q: Can I make Chicken Tofu gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can make Chicken Tofu gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and ensuring that the other ingredients, such as the marinade and sauce, are gluten-free as well.
6. Q: What vegetables can I add to Chicken Tofu?
A: You can add a variety of vegetables to Chicken Tofu, such as bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, snow peas, or mushrooms. Choose vegetables that you enjoy and that complement the flavors of the dish.
7. Q: Is Chicken Tofu a healthy dish?
A: Chicken Tofu can be a healthy dish, especially if you use lean chicken breast and include plenty of vegetables. Tofu is a good source of plant-based protein and is low in saturated fat.
8. Q: Can I meal prep Chicken Tofu?
A: Yes, Chicken Tofu can be a great option for meal prep. You can prepare a batch of Chicken Tofu with vegetables and portion it into containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
9. Q: What is the best way to cook Chicken Tofu?
A: Chicken Tofu is commonly stir-fried in a hot pan or wok. The high heat helps to cook the chicken and tofu quickly while retaining their moisture and flavor.
10. Q: Can I use other meats instead of chicken in Chicken Tofu?
A: Yes, you can customize Chicken Tofu by using other meats such as pork, beef, or shrimp if you prefer. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the meat is cooked through.