Are you looking for a delicious and healthy way to incorporate more protein into your diet? Look no further than steamed tofu! With its tender texture and versatility, tofu has become a staple in many cuisines around the world. But sometimes, it can be hard to think of new ways to prepare it. That’s why we’ve put together this list of 18 scrumptious steamed tofu recipes that are sure to satisfy your cravings.
From classic combinations like silken steamed tofu with soy sauce and scallions, to more adventurous options like steamed tofu with minced pork and black bean sauce, there’s something for everyone on this list. And the best part? These recipes are all quick, easy, and packed with nutritious ingredients. So why not start your journey to a healthier you today?
Read on to discover our top 18 steamed tofu recipes that will make you fall in love with this protein-packed superfood!
Silken Steamed Tofu with Soy Sauce and Scallions
This simple recipe showcases the creamy texture of silken tofu, elevated by the savory flavors of soy sauce and scallions. Perfect as a side dish or added to noodle dishes for extra protein.
Ingredients:
– 1 block of silken tofu (14 oz)
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions (green onions)
– 2 tablespoons water
Instructions:
1. Cut the tofu into cubes and place them in a heatproof dish.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce and water until well combined.
3. Pour the soy sauce mixture over the tofu, making sure they’re fully coated.
4. Steam the tofu over boiling water for 10-12 minutes, or until it’s heated through and slightly firm to the touch.
5. Remove the dish from the heat and sprinkle chopped scallions on top of the tofu.
6. Serve warm, garnished with additional scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Steamed Tofu with Minced Pork and Black Bean Sauce
A simple yet flavorful Chinese-inspired dish that combines the creaminess of steamed tofu, the savory taste of minced pork, and the boldness of black bean sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 block firm tofu, drained and cut into cubes
– 1/4 cup minced pork
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1/4 cup black bean sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cut the tofu into cubes and place them on a heatproof plate.
2. In a small pan, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced pork and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
3. Add the garlic and ginger to the pan and stir-fry for 30 seconds.
4. Pour the black bean sauce into the pan and stir to combine with the pork mixture. Bring to a simmer.
5. Place the tofu plate on top of the sauce-lined pan, ensuring the tofu is not submerged in the sauce.
6. Steam the tofu over boiling water for 10-12 minutes or until it reaches your desired level of tenderness.
7. Serve the steamed tofu with the savory pork and black bean sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Garlic and Ginger Steamed Tofu
Elevate your tofu game with this simple yet flavorful recipe, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 block of firm or extra-firm tofu, drained and cut into cubes
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and grated
– 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
2. Place the tofu cubes in a steamer basket over boiling water.
3. Pour the marinade over the tofu, making sure each piece is coated.
4. Cover with a lid and steam for 8-10 minutes or until the tofu reaches your desired level of tenderness.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Steamed Tofu with Mushrooms and Bok Choy
This recipe is a simple and flavorful vegetarian dish that combines the creamy texture of steamed tofu, earthy flavor of sautéed mushrooms, and tender crunch of bok choy. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 block firm tofu, drained and cut into small cubes
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1 bunch bok choy, cleaned and chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Fill a large pot with 2 inches of water and bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat to medium-low, place steamer basket in the pot, and add tofu cubes.
3. Steam for 5-7 minutes or until tofu is tender.
4. In a separate pan, sauté mushrooms and garlic in olive oil over medium heat until tender.
5. Add chopped bok choy and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
6. Combine steamed tofu with mushroom-bok choy mixture. Season with soy sauce and salt to taste.
7. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spicy Steamed Tofu with Chili Oil
Elevate your tofu game with this simple and flavorful recipe that combines the creaminess of steaming with a spicy kick from chili oil. Perfect as a quick protein-packed snack or side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 block firm tofu, drained and cut into cubes
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 1/4 cup chili oil (see note)
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large steamer basket, combine tofu, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
2. Steam for 8-10 minutes or until the tofu is tender.
3. While the tofu is steaming, prepare the chili oil by mixing equal parts chili flakes and vegetable oil in a small bowl.
4. Once the tofu is cooked, remove from heat and stir in the chili oil.
5. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Steamed Tofu with Shrimp and Egg Custard
This recipe combines the tender texture of steamed tofu, succulent shrimp, and creamy egg custard for a dish that’s both elegant and satisfying. Perfect as an appetizer or main course.
Ingredients:
– 1 block of firm tofu, drained and cut into small cubes
– 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup of chopped scallions
– 2 cups of water
– 1/2 cup of milk
– 1/2 cup of heavy cream
– 2 large eggs
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a steamer basket with 2 cups of water.
2. In a separate pan, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 3-4 minutes. Set aside.
3. In the same pan, add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Then, add tofu and cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes.
4. In a bowl, whisk together milk, cream, eggs, salt, and pepper.
5. Place the steamer basket with tofu and shrimp on top of the egg custard mixture.
6. Steam for 12-15 minutes or until the custard is set.
7. Serve warm, garnished with chopped scallions.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Steamed Tofu with Miso Glaze
Elevate your tofu game with this simple and flavorful recipe, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 block firm tofu, drained and cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons miso paste
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons maple syrup
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
– Sesame seeds and chopped scallions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a steamer basket over boiling water.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together miso paste, soy sauce, maple syrup, and rice vinegar.
3. Add the mixture to the tofu cubes and toss to coat evenly.
4. Place the tofu in the steamer basket and steam for 8-10 minutes, or until tender.
5. Meanwhile, mix the remaining water with the miso glaze ingredients (if using).
6. Remove the tofu from the steamer and brush with the miso glaze (if using). Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped scallions (if desired).
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Steamed Tofu with Pickled Vegetables
A simple and refreshing Asian-inspired dish that pairs the creaminess of steamed tofu with the tangy flavor of pickled vegetables. This recipe is perfect for a quick and healthy meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 block of firm tofu, drained and cut into cubes
– 2 cups of water
– 1/4 cup of rice vinegar
– 1/4 cup of sugar
– 1/2 cup of thinly sliced cucumbers, carrots, and bell peppers
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the tofu and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and steam for 8-10 minutes or until the tofu is tender.
2. While the tofu is steaming, prepare the pickled vegetables. In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Add the sliced vegetables and let them sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Once the tofu is cooked, remove it from the water and pat dry with paper towels.
4. Serve the steamed tofu with the pickled vegetables on top.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Steamed Tofu with Fermented Black Beans
This simple yet flavorful dish is a staple in many Asian cuisines, where the creamy texture of steamed tofu pairs perfectly with the savory and slightly sour taste of fermented black beans. This recipe is quick to prepare and can be served as a side dish or added to various stir-fries.
Ingredients:
– 1 block firm tofu, drained and cut into small cubes
– 2 tablespoons fermented black beans (doubanjiang)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon water
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cut the tofu into small cubes and place them in a steamer basket lined with parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, mix together fermented black beans, garlic, soy sauce, and water.
3. Place the black bean mixture on top of the tofu cubes.
4. Steam the tofu for 8-10 minutes or until it’s cooked through.
5. Serve warm, seasoned with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Steamed Tofu with Lemongrass and Coconut Milk
A refreshing and aromatic twist on traditional steamed tofu, this recipe combines the subtle flavors of lemongrass and coconut milk to create a dish that’s both healthy and flavorful.
Ingredients:
– 1 block firm tofu, drained and cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
– 1 can full-fat coconut milk
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large steamer basket, place the tofu cubes.
2. Add the bruised lemongrass stalks on top of the tofu.
3. Steam the mixture over boiling water for 8-10 minutes, or until the tofu is tender and slightly firm to the touch.
4. Remove the tofu from the heat and stir in the coconut milk and soy sauce (if using).
5. Season with salt to taste.
6. Serve warm, garnished with additional lemongrass leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Steamed Tofu with Edamame and Sesame Dressing
This simple recipe combines the creamy texture of steamed tofu with the natural sweetness of edamame, all tied together with a nutty sesame dressing. Perfect for a quick and healthy meal or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 block firm tofu, drained and cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup fresh or frozen edamame
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt to taste
– Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Place tofu and edamame in a steamer basket over boiling water.
2. Steam for 8-10 minutes, or until the tofu is slightly tender and the edamame are cooked through.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and grated ginger.
4. Remove the tofu and edamame from the steamer and place on a plate.
5. Drizzle the sesame dressing over the top and sprinkle with salt to taste.
6. Garnish with sesame seeds if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Steamed Tofu with Sweet Soy Sauce and Peanuts
This simple yet flavorful dish is a great way to prepare tofu without overpowering its natural taste. The sweet soy sauce and crunchy peanuts add a delightful contrast in texture and flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 block of firm tofu, drained and cut into cubes
– 2 tablespoons of water
– 2 tablespoons of sweet soy sauce (or regular soy sauce with 1 tablespoon of sugar)
– 1/4 cup of roasted peanuts, chopped
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Place the tofu cubes in a steamer basket.
2. Steam the tofu over boiling water for 8-10 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of tenderness.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the sweet soy sauce and water.
4. Remove the tofu from the steamer and brush with the sweet soy sauce mixture.
5. Sprinkle chopped peanuts over the tofu and season with salt to taste.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Steamed Tofu with Kimchi and Gochujang
A flavorful and spicy twist on traditional steamed tofu, this recipe combines the creamy texture of silken tofu with the bold flavors of kimchi and gochujang.
Ingredients:
– 1 block silken tofu
– 2 tablespoons kimchi, chopped
– 2 teaspoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cut the tofu into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together kimchi, gochujang, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
3. Place the tofu in a heatproof steamer basket.
4. Pour the kimchi-gochujang mixture over the tofu, making sure each piece is coated.
5. Steam the tofu for 8-10 minutes, or until heated through.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Steamed Tofu with Seaweed and Bonito Flakes
This recipe combines the tender texture of steamed tofu with the savory flavors of seaweed and bonito flakes, creating a delightful and nutritious meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 block of firm tofu, drained and cut into cubes
– 2 tablespoons of wakame seaweed sheets, rehydrated in water
– 1 tablespoon of bonito flakes
– 1 tablespoon of soy sauce (optional)
– 1/4 teaspoon of sesame oil
Instructions:
1. Cut the tofu into small cubes and place them on a heatproof plate.
2. Steam the tofu for 8-10 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
3. Meanwhile, rehydrate the wakame seaweed sheets by soaking them in water for about 5 minutes.
4. Drain the seaweed sheets and cut them into smaller pieces.
5. Mix the bonito flakes with soy sauce (if using) and sesame oil.
6. Assemble the dish by placing the steamed tofu on a plate, topping it with rehydrated wakame seaweed, and sprinkling the bonito flake mixture evenly over the top.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Steamed Tofu with Chinese Five-Spice Powder
This classic Chinese-inspired recipe is a simple yet flavorful way to prepare tofu, perfect for adding to stir-fries, salads, or serving as a main dish. The addition of Chinese Five-Spice Powder gives the dish a unique and aromatic flavor profile.
Ingredients:
– 1 block firm tofu, drained and cut into cubes
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 tablespoon Chinese Five-Spice Powder
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a steamer basket, place the tofu cubes.
2. Steam the tofu over boiling water for 10-12 minutes, or until tender.
3. While the tofu is steaming, mix the vegetable oil and Chinese Five-Spice Powder in a small bowl.
4. Remove the tofu from the steamer and toss with the oil mixture to coat.
5. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Steamed Tofu with Tomato and Basil
This simple yet flavorful recipe combines the creamy texture of steamed tofu with the sweetness of tomatoes and the brightness of basil. Perfect as a side dish or light lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 block firm tofu, drained and cut into cubes
– 2 medium tomatoes, diced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your steamer basket with boiling water.
2. Place the tofu cubes in a heatproof dish or plate that fits the steamer basket.
3. Steam the tofu for 8-10 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of tenderness.
4. While the tofu is steaming, heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the diced tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they start to release their juices.
5. Stir in the chopped basil leaves and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve the tomato-basil mixture on top of the steamed tofu.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Steamed Tofu with Pumpkin Puree
A comforting and nutritious dish that combines the creaminess of pumpkin puree with the softness of steamed tofu.
Ingredients:
– 1 block firm tofu, drained and cut into cubes
– 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt to taste
– Optional: fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer.
2. Place the tofu cubes in a steamer basket. Steam for 8-10 minutes, or until the tofu is tender and slightly firm.
3. In a small saucepan, warm the pumpkin puree over low heat.
4. Remove the tofu from the steamer and place it on a plate. Drizzle with the warmed pumpkin puree and sprinkle with salt to taste.
5. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Steamed Tofu with Avocado and Lime Dressing
A refreshing and healthy dish that combines the creaminess of avocado with the tanginess of lime, served atop steamed tofu. Perfect as a light lunch or dinner option.
Ingredients:
– 1 block firm tofu, drained and cut into cubes
– 2 ripe avocados, diced
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Steam the tofu cubes until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine avocado, lime juice, garlic, and salt. Blend until smooth.
3. With the blender or food processor still running, slowly pour in the olive oil through the top. Continue blending until well combined.
4. To assemble, place steamed tofu on a plate, drizzle with the avocado-lime dressing, and garnish with cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes (steaming time) + 2 minutes (assembly)
Summary
Discover the versatility of steamed tofu with these 18 mouthwatering recipes. From savory to sweet, and from classic to innovative, this collection offers something for everyone. Enjoy silken tofu with soy sauce and scallions or try it with minced pork and black bean sauce. Other highlights include garlic and ginger steamed tofu, spicy tofu with chili oil, and many more. Whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan, or just looking for healthy options, these recipes are sure to inspire your next meal.
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