Craving a flavorful and healthy weeknight meal? Look no further than this quick and easy recipe for Braised Fish with Tofu! This delightful Chinese-inspired dish combines tender, flaky fish with silken tofu in a savory, umami-rich sauce. It's a surprisingly simple recipe that packs a powerful punch of flavor, perfect for those busy evenings when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. The delicate balance of textures and tastes makes this a truly satisfying meal, whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice.
Forget complicated techniques and long ingredient lists! This recipe prioritizes speed and simplicity while maintaining authentic flavors. The result is a restaurant-quality dish you can easily replicate at home. Ready to create this culinary masterpiece? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions to guide you through this incredibly easy and satisfying recipe.
Tools Needed
Ingredients
- Firm Tofu: 220g
- Whole Egg: 1
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Hot Pepper: a few dashes
- Corn Flour: 1/2 tbsp + 1 tbsp
- Water: 1 tbsp
- Batang Fish: 280g
- Water: 40ml
- Spring Onion (white part): 1
- Young Ginger: 5g
- Pepper: a few dashes
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Corn Flour: 1 tbsp
- Oyster Sauce: 1 tbsp
- Light Soy Sauce: 1 tbsp
- Dark Soy Sauce: 1 tbsp
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon
- White Pepper: a few dashes
- Sesame Oil: 1/2 tbsp
- Cooking Oil
- Ginger (for sauce): 20g
- Garlic: 7 cloves
- Spring Onion (whole): 1
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients
- Whisk together one whole egg, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and a few dashes of hot pepper.
- Mix 1/2 tbsp corn flour with 1 tbsp water to prevent clumping. Add this mixture to the egg mixture and whisk well.
- Add the tofu to the egg mixture, ensuring it's fully coated. Set aside.
- In a bowl, combine 40ml of water, the white part of one spring onion, 5g of finely julienned young ginger, and mix well. Squeeze to release juices and remove the ginger and spring onion, squeezing them dry.
- Add a few dashes of pepper, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 tbsp of corn flour to the fish, mixing gently.
- In a bowl, combine 200ml water, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tbsp light soy sauce, 1 tbsp dark soy sauce, 1 tsp sugar, a few dashes of white pepper, 1/2 tbsp corn flour, and 1/2 tbsp sesame oil. Mix well and set aside.
Step 2. Cook Tofu and Fish
- Heat a pan with oil over medium heat. Add the tofu, browning lightly on both sides. Set aside.
- Scramble the leftover egg mixture and set aside.
- Add more oil to the pan, then add the fish, browning for about 1-2 minutes per side until lightly golden brown.
Step 3. Assemble and Braise
- Heat a clay pot or wok. Add oil, then add 20g sliced ginger and 7 cloves of garlic, frying until fragrant. Add the spring onion (white part), tofu, fish, scrambled egg, and marinated ginger.
- Pour the sauce over the ingredients, cover, and cook for 5 minutes.
Step 4. Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with the remaining spring onion and serve.
Read more: Vegan Braised Lotus Root (Yeongeun Jorim): Easy Korean Recipe
Tips
- Use any firm or egg tofu; you can even use other types of fish (excluding those from the macro family) as long as they don't have many bones.
- The marinating step helps reduce any fishiness.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of fish?
Yes! Firm, white-fleshed fish like cod, tilapia, or snapper work well. Avoid overly flaky fish that might fall apart during braising.
2. What can I substitute for the tofu?
Firm or extra-firm tofu is best. If you don't have tofu, you could try adding extra vegetables like mushrooms or bok choy for a similar texture and heartiness.
This Quick Braised Fish with Tofu recipe is a testament to the fact that healthy and delicious meals don't have to be complicated. Enjoy the satisfying flavors and textures of this simple yet elegant dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. We hope you enjoy making – and eating – this recipe as much as we do!