Craving a flavorful, satisfying, and surprisingly budget-friendly meal? Look no further than this easy Meat Tofu with Pork Belly recipe! This dish cleverly combines the hearty texture of pork belly with the unique, meaty quality of meat tofu, creating a delicious and surprisingly filling experience. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner, impressing your family or friends without breaking the bank or spending hours in the kitchen. The rich flavors of the pork belly beautifully complement the slightly firm yet tender meat tofu, resulting in a dish that's both comforting and exciting.
Forget complicated recipes and long ingredient lists! This recipe focuses on simplicity and maximum flavor. We use readily available ingredients to create a dish that's both delicious and easy to prepare. Ready to discover how to make this incredibly tasty and affordable meal? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions and create a culinary masterpiece together!
Tools Needed
- Frying pan or pot
- Colander
- Kitchen scissors
- Chopsticks
- Aluminum foil (or kitchen paper)
Ingredients
- Thinly sliced pork belly
- Momen tofu
- Shirataki noodles
- Green onions
- Water
- Soy sauce
- Sake (no salt)
- Mirin
- Sugar (cane sugar preferred)
- Miso (combination miso with dashi recommended)
- Mushrooms (optional)
- Onions (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prep the Ingredients
- Cut off the root and slice diagonally into 1cm wide pieces. Wash thoroughly.
- Cut into bite-sized pieces.
- If necessary, boil for 1 minute, rinse, and cut into pieces with kitchen scissors.
- Tear the tofu into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2. Cook the Pork Belly and Tofu
- Bring water to a boil in a pan. Add the pork belly and lightly fry until it becomes frosty to remove excess oil and odor. Remove and strain.
- Add the pork belly, tofu, shirataki noodles, and green onions.
- Add water, sake, mirin, and sugar.
- Simmer until the tofu is firm.
Step 3. Simmer and Season
- Pour soy sauce over the ingredients and simmer for 20 minutes, covered with foil or kitchen paper to avoid burning.
- Dissolve miso in some broth and pour over the ingredients. Simmer for 2 minutes.
Step 4. Serve
- Serve and enjoy!
Read more: Shojin Ryori: Delicious Buddhist Vegetarian Recipes
Tips
- Use any type of meat you like (beef is also good).
- Blanching the meat removes unpleasant odor and excess oil.
- Tearing the tofu allows the flavor to seep in more easily.
- Use any type of miso you prefer; a combination miso with dashi is recommended.
Nutrition
- Calories: 500-700
- Fat: 35-50g
- Carbs: 20-35g
- Protein: 25-35g
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the pork belly with another protein?
Yes! Chicken thighs or even firm tofu would work well as substitutes. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
2. How can I make this recipe even quicker?
Pre-cook the pork belly (e.g., by boiling or pressure cooking) before adding it to the stir-fry to significantly reduce overall cooking time.
This Easy Pork Belly Meat Tofu recipe offers a delicious and satisfying meal without the fuss. The combination of textures and flavors is sure to become a new family favorite. Enjoy this budget-friendly and quick recipe, perfect for busy weeknights!