Classic Tofu with Black Bean Sauce
MANILA, Philippines — In cooking, there are combinations of ingredients that work and become classic dishes that people turn to when they do not want to experiment and, instead, go for what’s tried and tested.
Tofu and black beans are one such combination. Together, they create a symphony of flavors that you can also add fried fish fillet or bite-sized chicken for variations.
Here’s an old but good Tofu with Black Bean Sauce recipe from The Maya Kitchen to pull from its "30-Minute Express Cooking" cookbook published back in 2013. It has inspired many to try their hands at cooking.
Tofu with Black Bean Sauce
Ingredients:
1 block firm tofu
1/4 cup Maya All-Purpose Flour
1 cup cooking oil, for frying
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pc. red onion, chopped
1 tbsp. fresh ginger, grated
1 pc. siling haba (green finger chili), sliced
2 tbsps. tausi (black beans), rinsed and drained
1 1/4 cups water
1 tbsp. patis (fish sauce)
2 tbsps. soy sauce
1 tbsp. sugar
1/4 tsp. fine salt
2 tbsps. Maya Cornstarch, dissolved in 2 Tbsps. cold water
Dash of sesame oil
2 tbsps. chopped spring onion, for garnish
Procedure:
1. Heat cooking oil in a wok or pan for deep-frying.
2. Drain liquid from the tofu package. Pat tofu block dry on all sides with paper towels and cut into cubes.
3. Lightly dredge tofu cubes in Maya All-Purpose Flour. Set aside.
4. Deep-fry tofu for 7 to 8 minutes over medium heat until golden on all sides.
5. When it's ready, set deep-fried tofu on paper towels to remove excess oil.
6. Pour out most of the oil left in the wok, leaving only 1 to 2 tbsps. for sautéing.
7. Toss in garlic, onion, ginger, and green finger chilies. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, then add black beans, water, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and salt. Mix well.
8. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, then add cornstarch slurry.
9. Mix together until sauce thickens, then add fried tofu cubes.
10. Add a dash of sesame oil just before serving.
11. Garnish with chopped spring onion and serve with rice.
Makes 6 to 8 servings.
RELATED: Try this vegetarian dish: Ginger Tofu
