Craving a quick, flavorful, and satisfying weeknight meal? Look no further than this incredibly simple Pork Belly Tofu with Chinese Cabbage recipe! This one-pan wonder takes just eight minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious and healthy dinner on the table fast. Forget complicated stir-fries and lengthy cooking times; this recipe delivers big on taste without sacrificing your precious time. The tender tofu mimics the richness of pork belly surprisingly well, while the sweet and slightly bitter cabbage provides a perfect counterpoint.
This recipe is not only incredibly efficient but also incredibly adaptable. Feel free to experiment with different spices and sauces to suit your palate. Ready to dive into this unbelievably easy and delicious meal? Let's get started with the step-by-step instructions below!
Tools Needed
Ingredients
- Chinese Cabbage: 3-4 outer leaves (approx. 1/4 of a whole cabbage)
- Pork Belly: 150g, thinly sliced
- Grilled Tofu: 1 block (approx. 350g)
- Soy Sauce
- Sake
- Sugar
- Water
- Green Onions
- Shichimi Togarashi
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients & Broth
- Cut the Chinese cabbage. Separate the stem and leaves. Cut the stem into thick pieces for a larger cross-section. Cut the leaves into large pieces.
- Cut the grilled tofu into bite-sized pieces.
- Cut the pork belly into approximately 10cm long pieces.
- combine soy sauce, sake, sugar, and water. (No dashi needed).
Step 2. Sear Pork & Layer Ingredients
- Add the pork belly to the cold pan and break it apart to prevent hardening.
- Add the cabbage stem, mixing it with the pork.
- Add the tofu to the center of the pan, creating space for it without overlapping.
- Place the cabbage leaves on top, covering the ingredients like a lid to trap the steam and flavor.
Step 3. Cook & Finish
- Cover the pan and cook over medium heat for 8 minutes, or until boiling.
- After 8 minutes, gently flip the cabbage leaves to ensure even cooking.
- Garnish with green onions and shichimi togarashi.
Step 4. Serve
- Serve and enjoy!
Read more: Shojin Ryori: Delicious Buddhist Vegetarian Recipes
Tips
- Using grilled tofu reduces moisture, resulting in more flavorful tofu.
- Pork belly is recommended for its flavorful oil, but other meats like beef or pork loin can be used.
- The order of adding ingredients is crucial for even cooking and flavor absorption.
- Adding the meat to a cold pan prevents it from hardening.
- The layered steaming method using the cabbage leaves helps trap moisture and flavor.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of tofu?
Yes! Firm or extra-firm tofu works best. Avoid silken tofu as it's too soft for this recipe.
2. What if I don't have Chinese cabbage?
Napa cabbage or even regular green cabbage can be substituted. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious!
This eight-minute Pork Belly Tofu with Chinese Cabbage recipe proves that healthy and delicious meals can be incredibly quick and easy to prepare. Enjoy this flavorful dish as a satisfying weeknight dinner or a light lunch. We hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do!