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Braised Tofu and Chiles

4.8

(6)

Braised Tofu
Photo by Emma Fishman, food styling by Rebecca Jurkevich, prop styling by Sophie Strangio

Tofu is ready to soak up anything you throw at it with the ferocity of a dehydrated marathoner. A brief hang with soy sauce, mirin, and sherry vinegar, along with a tangle of peppers and fresh chiles, means dinner is on the table in 30 minutes. Seeking out great tofu makes a big difference for the utmost in nutty-sweet taste and superior texture. Search for locally made options when possible, or keep an eye out for Hodo, which is increasingly available in many markets.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    4 Servings

Ingredients

¼ cup vegetable oil
2 red bell peppers, ribs and seeds removed, cut into 1½"-wide strips
4 red chiles (such as cayenne, Fresno,jalapeño, or serrano), halved lengthwise, seeds removed
3 scallions, cut into 1" pieces
6 garlic cloves, lightly crushed
1 1" piece ginger, peeled, finely chopped
2 14-oz. packages firm or extra-firm tofu, cut into 1½" cubes
⅔ cup mirin
½ cup soy sauce
1 Tbsp. sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar
Kosher salt
Cooked rice or rice noodles (for serving)

Preparation

  1. Heat oil in a medium heavy pot over medium-high. Cook bell peppers and chiles, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and softened, about 5 minutes. Add scallions, garlic, and ginger and cook, stirring often, until very fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add tofu, mirin, soy sauce, vinegar, and ¼ cup water. Bring to a simmer and cook, reducing heat as needed to maintain a simmer and basting and turning tofu often, until liquid is reduced by half and coats tofu, 15–17 minutes. Season with salt. Serve with rice.

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