Craving a light, healthy, and absolutely delicious Japanese dish that will transport your taste buds to Tokyo in just 25 minutes? Get ready to discover the ultimate steamed tofu and vegetable recipe that's not just a meal, but a culinary experience! This simple yet elegant dish combines the silky smoothness of tofu with crisp, vibrant vegetables, creating a perfect balance of texture and flavor that will make you fall in love with Japanese home cooking.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Japanese
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 300g silken tofu
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup carrot, sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and cutting vegetables. Slice carrots into thin diagonal pieces and separate broccoli into small florets.
- Gently remove silken tofu from package and drain excess water. Carefully cut tofu into 1-inch cubes using a soft spatula to prevent breaking.
- Set up a bamboo steamer or metal steamer basket over a pot of boiling water. Ensure water does not touch the bottom of the steamer.
- Line the steamer with parchment paper or a cabbage leaf to prevent sticking. Arrange tofu cubes in a single layer without overcrowding.
- Place sliced carrots and broccoli florets around the tofu cubes, distributing them evenly.
- Cover steamer and steam vegetables and tofu for approximately 8-10 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp and tofu is heated through.
- While steaming, prepare sauce by mixing soy sauce and sesame oil in a small bowl.
- Carefully remove steamer from heat. Transfer tofu and vegetables to a serving plate.
- Drizzle prepared sauce over tofu and vegetables. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for garnish.
- Serve immediately while hot, optionally with steamed rice on the side.
Tips
- Choose high-quality silken tofu for the best texture - it should be soft and delicate.
- Use a sharp knife when cutting tofu to maintain its shape and prevent crumbling.
- Don't overcrowd the steamer; ensure vegetables and tofu have enough space for even cooking.
- Check water levels during steaming to prevent the pot from running dry.
- For extra flavor, try adding minced garlic or ginger to the sauce.
- Use a bamboo steamer if possible, as it provides more even and gentle heat distribution.
- Serve immediately after steaming to enjoy the optimal temperature and texture of the tofu and vegetables.
- If you don't have a steamer, you can use a colander over a pot of boiling water as an alternative.
- Experiment with different vegetables like bok choy or snap peas for variety.
- For a protein boost, consider adding edamame or topping with grilled chicken.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
