Steamed Tofu with Garlic Soy Dressing

Steamed Tofu with Garlic Soy Dressing – a healthy and delicious side dish to go with rice. Only 12 minutes to prepare using the microwave.

Tofu is very versatile and can be prepared in many ways. Its mild flavor makes it a wonderful addition to stir-fries, soups, and other dishes. The texture can vary from very soft to super firm and this normally determines the way it is prepared. Silken tofu is best steamed or added to soups while firm tofu is used in stir-fries and braised dishes.

I absolutely love tofu and incorporate it in some form or other in my daily cooking. At least once a week, I will prepare Steamed Tofu with Garlic Soy Dressing as a side dish on its own. I always have several blocks of tofu in the refrigerator and this dish is a no-brainer as it can be placed on the table in about 10 minutes.

Many of us grew up with some variation of this steamed tofu dish but I like this version best. Mirin is added to the dressing to give it a slightly sweet flavor. Preparation is minimal and no cooking is done on the stove. Using the microwave is quick, easy, and fuss-free.

5 from 1 vote

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Steamed Tofu with Garlic Soy Dressing

Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

7 mins

Total Time

12 mins

 

Steamed Tofu with Garlic Soy Dressing - a healthy delicious side dish to go with rice. Can be prepared in under 15 minutes in the microwave.

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Chinese, Fusion

Servings: 4

Calories: 132 kcal

Author: Linda Ooi

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp mirin
• 1 container silken tofu or medium firm tofu (about 14 oz or 400g)
• 1 green onion (finely sliced)

Optional Toppings

• Katsuobushi (dried bonito shavings)
• Sesame seeds (toasted)
• Shichimi togarashi (seven flavor chili pepper)

Instructions

1. Place vegetable oil and garlic in a small microwave safe dish. Microwave on high for 1½ minutes.

2. Remove from microwave. Add soy sauce and mirin. Stir to combine.
   

3. Remove tofu from container. Drain and place tofu in a separate microwave safe dish. Cover with a piece of wax paper. Place the tofu in the microwave.

4. Cook for 5 minutes at 80% power. Reducing the power level prevents tofu from "bursting" or "exploding" during cooking. Alternatively, you can steam tofu in a steamer for 5 minutes.

5. Remove tofu from the microwave and drain off excess liquid. Transfer to a serving dish, if preferred.

   

6. Spoon dressing over tofu. Garnish with spring onions and optional toppings (if using).

   

This dish may be served family style placed in the center or in individual portions as shown here. It is delicious with steamed rice. Do give it a try.

This is a sesame seed grinder and it is a really handy tool to have in the kitchen. Sesame seeds impart a better flavor when toasted and crushed or shaved.

NOTE: This post was updated on March 10th, 2012 with new write-up and pictures. The video was added on April 17th, 2014.

Enjoy…..and have a wonderful day! 😎