Bean Curd With Broccoli Recipe

Press and cube tofu

Wrap the tofu in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and place a weighted cutting board or a heavy skillet on top for 15–20 minutes to press out excess water. After pressing, cut the tofu into 3/4- to 1-inch cubes.

Prepare broccoli

Wash and cut broccoli into bite-sized florets. If stems are thick, peel and slice them thinly so they cook evenly.

Pan-fry tofu

Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add tofu cubes in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Fry without moving for 3–4 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown, then turn and cook another 2–3 minutes until all sides are evenly golden. Transfer browned tofu to a plate lined with paper towels.

Stir-fry broccoli

In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and sesame oil. Add broccoli florets and stir-fry for 2 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons of the broth (from the Sauce ingredients) or water, cover the pan, and let steam for 2–3 minutes until broccoli is bright green and just tender-crisp. Uncover and cook off remaining liquid if any.

Combine tofu and broccoli

Return the browned tofu to the skillet with the broccoli and toss gently to combine before adding the sauce.

Make sauce mixture

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster (or mushroom) sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, minced ginger, and the remaining broth (about 1 ounce left after using 2 tablespoons earlier).

Prepare cornstarch slurry

In a separate tiny bowl, stir the cornstarch into the cold water until dissolved to make a smooth slurry.

Add sauce to skillet and thicken

Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the tofu and broccoli. Stir gently to coat. Bring to a simmer over medium heat for about 1 minute, then give the cornstarch slurry a quick stir and slowly drizzle it into the simmering sauce while stirring. Cook 30–60 seconds until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, coating the tofu and broccoli. Taste and adjust seasoning — add a pinch of salt or a splash more soy sauce if needed.

Turn off heat. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) over the dish. Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.