Chrysanthemum Tofu Stir-fry: A Delicious and Easy Recipe399

Chrysanthemum tofu, also known as *ju hua dou fu* (菊花豆腐) in Mandarin, is a visually stunning and surprisingly simple dish. Its delicate, floral appearance belies its robust flavor profile, making it a perfect centerpiece for a vegetarian meal or a delightful side dish to accompany richer proteins. This recipe guides you through creating this elegant dish, offering tips and variations to personalize your culinary experience.

The beauty of chrysanthemum tofu lies in its preparation. The name itself is evocative, referencing the flower-like arrangement of the tofu. While you can buy pre-cut chrysanthemum tofu, achieving this shape yourself is a fun and rewarding process. This recipe will cover both methods.

Ingredients:

For this recipe, we'll focus on a classic stir-fry, but you can adapt it to suit your preferences. Feel free to substitute vegetables based on your availability and taste.* Tofu: 1 block (14 oz) extra-firm tofu, pressed
* Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons
* Ginger: 1 tablespoon, minced
* Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
* Scallions: 2, thinly sliced (separate white and green parts)
* Mushrooms: 8 oz (Shiitake, oyster, or cremini work well) sliced
* Bell Pepper: 1 medium, thinly sliced (any color)
* Carrot: ½ medium, julienned
* Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons
* Rice Vinegar: 1 tablespoon
* Sesame Oil: ½ tablespoon
* Cornstarch: 1 teaspoon
* Water: 2 tablespoons
* Sugar: ½ teaspoon (optional, to balance the acidity)
* Chili Garlic Sauce: ½ - 1 teaspoon (optional, for spice)
* Fresh Coriander (Cilantro): 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

Preparing the Chrysanthemum Tofu:

Method 1: Using Pre-cut Tofu: If you've purchased pre-cut chrysanthemum tofu, skip to the "Stir-frying" section.

Method 2: Cutting Your Own Chrysanthemum Tofu: This method requires a bit more patience but is highly satisfying. Press the tofu to remove excess water. Cut the tofu block into 1/2-inch thick slices. Then, make several shallow cuts into each slice, stopping just short of cutting all the way through. This creates the "petals" of the chrysanthemum. Be careful not to cut through completely.

Stir-frying:

1. Heat the oil: In a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the vegetable oil. Add the white parts of the scallions and saute for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

2. Add aromatics: Add the minced ginger and garlic and saute for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.

3. Sauté vegetables: Add the mushrooms, bell pepper, and carrots to the wok. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.

4. Add tofu: Gently add the prepared chrysanthemum tofu to the wok. Be careful not to break the "petals". Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, ensuring the tofu is heated through.

5. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, water, and sugar (if using). Add chili garlic sauce if desired.

6. Combine and simmer: Pour the sauce over the tofu and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.

7. Garnish and serve: Garnish with the green parts of the scallions and fresh coriander. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles. Enjoy!

Tips and Variations:

• Pressing the Tofu: Pressing the tofu is crucial for achieving a crispy texture. Wrap the tofu block in paper towels or a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object (like a book or cast iron skillet) on top for at least 30 minutes. This removes excess moisture.

• Vegetable Substitutions: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like broccoli, snow peas, bok choy, or zucchini. Adjust the cooking time based on the vegetable's firmness.

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce to control the spice level. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.

• Protein Addition: For a more substantial meal, add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu puffs to the stir-fry.

• Sauce Variations: Experiment with different sauces. Hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, or a sweet chili sauce can all add unique flavor profiles.

Chrysanthemum tofu stir-fry is a visually appealing and flavorful dish that is surprisingly easy to make. With a little practice, you’ll be able to create this elegant dish in minutes. Don't be afraid to experiment and adapt the recipe to your own preferences – the possibilities are endless!

2025-05-22

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