How to Prepare Chinese-style Stir-Fried Tofu with Choy Sum

Chinese-style stir-fried tofu with choy sum is a delightful and nutritious dish packed with flavor and textures. If you're looking to add a healthy, plant-based option to your meal rotation, this recipe is perfect for you. Here’s how to prepare this delicious dish.

Ingredients

1 block of firm tofu
2 cups of fresh choy sum
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, grated
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce (or vegetarian oyster sauce)
1 teaspoon sesame oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Sesame seeds for garnish

Steps to Prepare

Step 1: Prepare the Tofu

Start by draining the firm tofu and pressing it to remove excess moisture. Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels, place a heavy object on top, and let it sit for about 15–20 minutes. This will help the tofu absorb flavors better during cooking.

Step 2: Cut the Tofu

After pressing, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes or triangles, depending on your preference. This helps with even cooking and allows the tofu to get crispy edges when stir-fried.

Step 3: Prepare the Choy Sum

Rinse the choy sum thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Trim the ends and chop the choy sum into 2-inch pieces, ensuring the stems have the same thickness for even cooking.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Tofu

In a large non-stick skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the cubed tofu in a single layer. Fry the tofu until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes on each side. Once done, remove the tofu from the pan and set it aside on a plate.

Step 5: Sauté Aromatics

In the same pan, add a little more oil if necessary, then add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant, making sure not to burn them.

Step 6: Add Choy Sum

Next, add the chopped choy sum to the pan and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until it becomes vibrantly green and just tender. If the vegetables begin to stick, you can add a splash of water to help steam them.

Step 7: Combine Everything

Return the cooked tofu to the skillet, and add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Gently toss everything together, ensuring the tofu is well coated with the sauce and the choy sum is evenly mixed in. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 8: Serve

Once ready, transfer the stir-fried tofu and choy sum to a serving dish. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flavor and texture. This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or noodles.

Tips for Perfect Stir-Fried Tofu

Use firm or extra-firm tofu for the best texture.
Pressing tofu not only improves its texture but also allows it to absorb more flavors.
Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying tofu; this helps achieve a crispy texture.
Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms for a colorful and nutrient-rich meal.

This Chinese-style stir-fried tofu with choy sum is not only easy to make but also a delightful way to enjoy plant-based cuisine. It’s perfect for weekdays or whenever you’re craving something healthy and satisfying. Enjoy your home-cooked dish!