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Easy tofu recipes for beginners

Silky Tofu in Garlic-Ginger Broth

vegetarianweeknightcomfortingasian
10 minPrep15 minCook2Serves

Ingredients

  • 14 ouncesfirm tofu
  • 4 clovesgarlic
  • 1 tablespoonfresh ginger
  • 2 cupsvegetable broth
  • 3 tablespoonsoy sauce
  • 1 teaspoonsesame oil
  • 2green onions
  • 1 tablespoonvegetable oil

Prep

  1. 01

    Mince 4 cloves garlic and 1 tablespoon fresh ginger.

  2. 02

    Slice 2 green onions, separating white and light green parts from darker green tops; set tops aside for garnish.

Method

  1. 01

    Pour the vegetable broth into a medium pot and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

  2. 02

    While the broth heats, add the minced garlic and ginger to the pot and stir well. Simmer for 2 minutes until fragrant.

  3. 03

    Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil, stirring to combine.

  4. 04

    Gently slice the tofu into 1/2-inch slabs (a serrated knife works best). Carefully slide the tofu into the simmering broth — it doesn't need to be perfect; any irregular pieces are fine.

  5. 05

    Simmer gently for 5–7 minutes, just to warm the tofu through and let it absorb the flavors. Do not boil hard.

  6. 06

    Ladle the tofu and broth into bowls. Top each with sliced green onions and serve warm.

Spice Tips

For mild warming spice, add a small pinch of white pepper or a few red pepper flakes. If you like heat, a dab of chili-garlic paste (sambal oelek) stirred into the broth adds punch. A squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end brightens the whole bowl.

This recipe celebrates the delicate texture of tofu — the key is gentle simmering, never a hard boil. Leftovers taste even better the next day as the tofu absorbs more flavor. For a heartier meal, add 1 cup of spinach or bok choy in the last minute of cooking.

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