Chinese Food

Introduction

In the realm of comfort food, hearty stews occupy a special place. They evoke memories of cozy evenings spent at home, surrounded by the warm aroma of simmering ingredients. One such stew that stands out is Pork and Tofu Stew—a dish that beautifully blends the savory richness of pork with the delicate, absorbent nature of tofu. This homestyle recipe not only promises a delightful fusion of flavors but also offers a nutritious meal that can be enjoyed by all.

Pork, known for its juicy texture and mild flavor, pairs wonderfully with tofu, which soaks up the surrounding flavors while maintaining its soft, custard-like consistency. Together, they create a dish that is both comforting and satisfying. Moreover, the addition of various spices and vegetables enhances the stew’s complexity, making it a meal that is both filling and flavorful.

In this article, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of making Pork and Tofu Stew, ensuring that you can recreate this homestyle dish with ease. From selecting the right ingredients to mastering the cooking technique, we’ve got all the details covered. So, let’s dive into the world of Pork and Tofu Stew and learn how to make this delightful dish a part of your culinary repertoire.

Ingredients

Before we begin, let’s list down the ingredients you’ll need to make Pork and Tofu Stew:

• Pork Shoulder or Pork Belly: 1 pound (about 450 grams), cut into bite-sized cubes
• Firm Tofu: 1 block (about 14 ounces or 400 grams), cut into 1-inch cubes
• Onions: 2 medium, finely chopped
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
• Ginger: 1 tablespoon, grated
• Green Onions: 2 stalks, chopped (for garnish)
• Fresh Cilantro: 1/4 cup, chopped (for garnish)
• Carrots: 2 medium, peeled and sliced into rounds
• Potatoes: 2 medium, peeled and cubed
• Peas: 1/2 cup (fresh or frozen)
• Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: 3 tablespoons
• Oyster Sauce: 2 tablespoons (optional, for added umami)
• Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon
• Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons
• Brown Sugar: 1 tablespoon
• Rice Vinegar: 1 tablespoon
• Chicken or Vegetable Broth: 4 cups
• Cornstarch Slurry: 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 1/4 cup water (for thickening)
• Salt and Pepper: To taste
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 teaspoon (optional, for a bit of heat)
• Bay Leaf: 1
• Star Anise: 1 (optional, for added depth of flavor)

Preparation

1. Marinate the Pork:
   Begin by placing the cubed pork in a large mixing bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, 1 teaspoon of brown sugar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well to ensure that all pieces of pork are evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the pork to a resealable plastic bag and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight, for maximum flavor infusion.

2. Prepare the Tofu:
   While the pork is marinating, press the tofu to remove excess moisture. This can be done by placing the tofu block on a plate lined with paper towels and placing another plate with a heavy weight (like a can of beans) on top. Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes. After pressing, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes and set aside.

3. Prepare the Vegetables:
   Peel and slice the carrots and potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Chop the onions, mince the garlic, and grate the ginger. If using fresh peas, blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes and then plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.

Cooking Instructions

1. Sear the Pork:
   Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated pork pieces, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Sear the pork until it’s browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove the pork from the pot and set it aside.

2. Cook the Aromatics:
   In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the chopped onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the aromatics are fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

3. Deglaze the Pot:
   Pour in the remaining 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce (if using), 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar. Stir to combine and let it simmer for a minute or two, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. This will add extra flavor to your stew.

4. Add the Broth and Seasonings:
   Pour in the 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth. Add the bay leaf, star anise (if using), and red pepper flakes (if desired). Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.

5. Add the Vegetables and Pork:
   Once the broth is boiling, add the seared pork pieces, sliced carrots, cubed potatoes, and pressed tofu cubes. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook, uncovered, for about 30-35 minutes, or until the pork is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.

6. Add the Peas and Thicken the Stew:
   After 30 minutes, stir in the peas. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch slurry and pour it into the stew, stirring constantly to avoid clumping. Continue to simmer for another 5-10 minutes, or until the stew has reached your desired consistency. The stew should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

7. Taste and Adjust Seasoning:
   Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remember, the soy sauce and oyster sauce already contain salt, so you may not need to add much more.

   

8. Serve:
   Ladle the Pork and Tofu Stew into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro. Serve hot with a side of steamed rice or your favorite bread for a complete meal.

Tips and Variations

• Marinating the Pork: Marinating the pork overnight will yield the best flavor, but if you’re short on time, even a 30-minute marinade will make a difference.
• Pressing the Tofu: Pressing the tofu removes excess moisture, allowing it to absorb more flavors from the stew.
• Vegetarian Option: To make this stew vegetarian, simply omit the pork and increase the amount of tofu and vegetables. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Adding Heat: If you like your stew with a bit of a kick, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
• Serving Suggestions: This stew pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, noodles, or even a crusty loaf of bread. For a more indulgent meal, serve it over mashed potatoes.

Conclusion

Pork and Tofu Stew is a dish that combines the best of both worlds—the rich, savory flavors of pork with the delicate, absorbent nature of tofu. This homestyle recipe is not only easy to follow but also yields a hearty, nutritious meal that can be enjoyed by all. With its blend of tender pork, soft tofu, and an array of vegetables, this stew is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal on a cold winter night or a satisfying dish to feed a crowd, Pork and Tofu Stew delivers on all fronts. So, the next time you’re in the mood for a hearty stew, give this recipe a try. With its rich flavors and simple preparation, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Remember, cooking is an art that requires patience and practice. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to make this stew your own. Enjoy the process and savor the delicious results. Bon appétit!