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Steamed Silken Tofu with Soy Garlic Sauce Recipe

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4.1 from 3 reviews

This Steamed Silken Tofu with Soy Garlic Sauce is a simple, flavorful, and healthy dish featuring delicate silken tofu gently steamed to perfection and topped with a savory soy garlic sauce. Perfect as a light side dish or starter, it pairs wonderfully with rice, noodles, or congee. The sauce blends soy sauce, black vinegar, sesame oil, vegetarian oyster sauce, and a touch of sweetness and spice to enhance the tofu’s creamy texture.

  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Steaming
  • Cuisine: Asian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Tofu

  • 1 lb block silken tofu (450 g)

Sauce

  • 2-3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp black vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp vegetarian oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp sugar (adjust depending on desired sweetness)
  • 1/2 tbsp chili oil (optional for spice)

Garnish

  • Chopped spring onions or green onions
  • Chopped coriander/cilantro

Instructions

  1. Prepare the tofu: Drain any excess water from the tofu packaging. Carefully remove the tofu by flipping it onto a heatproof plate suitable for steaming. Use a footed dish if possible to allow steam circulation.
  2. Slice the tofu: Cut the tofu into thick slices about 1/2 to 1 inch (1.25 to 2.5 cm). Set aside while you prepare the sauce.
  3. Make the sauce: In a bowl, thoroughly mix minced garlic, soy sauce, black vinegar, sesame oil, vegetarian oyster sauce, sugar, and optional chili oil. This generous sauce is meant to soak the tofu well.
  4. Drain excess liquid: Remove any additional water that seeps from the sliced tofu to avoid diluting the sauce.
  5. Set up the steamer: Use a pan with water and place the footed dish with tofu on top, ensuring the dish does not touch the water. Cover the pan and bring the water to a boil to create steam.
  6. Steam the tofu: Steam the tofu for 8-10 minutes until heated through and tender.
  7. Remove from heat: Using kitchen mittens, carefully take out the hot dish. Drain any water that has collected around the tofu.
  8. Serve: Pour the prepared soy garlic sauce over the hot steamed tofu. Garnish with chopped spring onions and coriander. Serve immediately as a side, starter, or with rice, noodles, or congee.

Notes

  • Use a footed heatproof plate to allow proper steaming and catch any excess water.
  • Adjust sugar in the sauce to balance sweetness according to your taste.
  • Chili oil is optional; omit for a mild version or increase for more heat.
  • This dish is best enjoyed fresh and hot.
  • Vegetarian oyster sauce is used here to keep the recipe vegetarian friendly.

Find it online: https://cheftinaskitchen.com/steamed-silken-tofu-with-soy-garlic-sauce-recipe/