Steamed Tofu with Aromatic Chili Oil

This Steamed Tofu with Aromatic Chili Oil and Rice is a simple yet flavourful dish, perfect for a quick and healthy meal. The dish brings together soft tofu, fragrant garlic, ginger, and chili, topped with a rich, aromatic oil, soy, and oyster sauce. Garnished with sesame seeds and radish slices, it’s a beautiful and balanced meal full of rich flavours and textures.

INGREDIENTS

1 portion of rice
50 g tofu
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
1 teaspoon chopped red chili pepper
1 tablespoon chopped ginger
1 tablespoon chopped red onion
3 tablespoons neutral oil (vegetable or sunflower)
A pinch of salt
A pinch of sugar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon oyster sauce
Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Thinly sliced radish (for garnish)

METHOD

1. Steam the tofu:

Start by steaming the tofu for 10 minutes. Steaming softens the tofu, making it more tender and ready to absorb the rich flavours from the aromatic oil and sauces.

2. Prepare the aromatic paste:

While the tofu is steaming, use a mortar and pestle (or a small bowl) to combine the chopped garlic, red chili pepper, ginger, red onion, salt, and sugar. Mash everything together until it forms a coarse paste. This will be the base for your aromatic oil.

3. Heat the oil:

In a small pan, heat 3 tablespoons of neutral oil over medium-high heat until it begins to fume slightly. This hot oil will help release the full fragrance and flavours of the aromatics.

4. Pour oil over aromatics:

Carefully pour the hot oil over the aromatic paste you made earlier. The sizzling oil will release the fragrant flavours from the garlic, chili, ginger, and onion, creating a powerful and flavourful base. Stir the mixture to combine.

5. Assemble the dish:

Place your cooked rice on a plate or in a bowl.

Arrange the steamed tofu on top of the rice.

Drizzle the aromatic oil over the tofu.

Pour soy sauce and oyster sauce evenly over the dish.

6. Garnish:

Sprinkle sesame seeds on top and garnish with thinly sliced radish for added texture and visual appeal.

Final Thoughts:

This Steamed Tofu with Aromatic Chili Oil and Rice is a flavourful and wholesome meal. The tofu absorbs the rich aromas of garlic, ginger, and chili while the combination of soy and oyster sauces brings an umami depth to every bite. Topped with crunchy sesame seeds and refreshing radish slices, this dish offers a harmonious blend of textures and flavours. Perfect for a healthy, satisfying lunch or dinner!