Tofu Stew

Picture yourself savoring a warm, aromatic bowl of tofu stew, where each spoonful is a comforting blend of flavors and textures.

This delightful dish is incredibly easy to prepare, making it a go-to for cozy weeknight dinners.

As the simple ingredients simmer together, they transform into a nourishing, flavorful stew that feels like a hug in a bowl.

Let’s bring this delicious tofu stew to life and enjoy every comforting bite.

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 large pot
• 1 cutting board
• 1 knife
• 1 wooden spoon
• 1 measuring cup
• 1 measuring spoon set

Ingredients

• 400 grams tofu, firm, cubed
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon miso paste
• 1 cup spinach leaves
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Tofu Stew, follow this timeline:

1. Reading & Preparation (5 minutes):
   • Read through the entire recipe and gather all the ingredients and equipment needed.
2. Prep Work (15 minutes):
   • Minute 0-5: Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
   • Minute 5-10: Grate the ginger and slice the carrots.
   • Minute 10-15: Cube the tofu and measure out all the liquid ingredients (vegetable broth, soy sauce, sesame oil).
3. Cooking (30 minutes):
   • Minute 0-5: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion until translucent.
   • Minute 5-6: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute.
   • Minute 6-9: Add the sliced carrots and sauté for 3 minutes.
   • Minute 9-11: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
   • Minute 11-13: Stir in the soy sauce and miso paste until well combined.
   • Minute 13-28: Add the cubed tofu and simmer for 15 minutes.
   • Minute 28-29: Stir in the spinach leaves and cook until wilted.
   • Minute 29-30: Drizzle sesame oil before removing from heat, season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Resting (5 minutes):
   • Allow the stew to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Adjust the timing as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.

Recipe Instructions

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.

Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute.

Add the sliced carrots and sauté for 3 minutes.

Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.

Stir in the soy sauce and miso paste until well combined.

Add the cubed tofu and simmer for 15 minutes.

Stir in the spinach leaves and cook until wilted.

Drizzle sesame oil before removing from heat.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Let the stew rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Serving Tips

• Steamed Rice: A classic accompaniment that soaks up the flavorful broth, making each bite more satisfying.
• Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping into the stew, adding a delightful crunch to the meal.
• Quinoa: A nutritious grain option that complements the stew’s hearty ingredients.
• Noodles: Add cooked udon or soba noodles to the stew for a more filling, noodle-soup style dish.
• Pickled Vegetables: Serve on the side for a tangy contrast that enhances the stew’s savory flavors.

Storage

Store tofu stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat gently on the stove. Add a splash of broth if needed to maintain consistency.

Freezing

To freeze tofu stew, cool it completely.

Transfer to airtight containers, and leave space for expansion.

Label with date.

Consume within three months for ideal flavor and texture retention.

Reheating

To reheat tofu stew, use a stovetop on low heat.

Stir occasionally to maintain texture.

Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short intervals.

This helps to avoid overcooking the tofu and spinach.

Final Thoughts

Tofu stew is a versatile and comforting dish. It combines robust flavors and nutritious ingredients perfect for any occasion.

Preparing this stew allows for creativity, as you can adjust the seasoning or add your favorite vegetables to suit your taste.

Make sure the tofu is firm and well-drained to maintain its texture during cooking.

Avoid overcooking the spinach to keep its vibrant color and nutritional value intact.

This dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also provides a wholesome meal for you and your loved ones.

Enjoy the delightful balance of flavors in every spoonful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Silken Tofu Instead of Firm Tofu?

You shouldn’t use silken tofu instead of firm tofu. Silken tofu’s delicate texture can break apart during cooking. Stick with firm tofu to maintain the stew’s consistency. If you want creaminess, blend silken tofu separately and add later.

What Can Be Substituted for Miso Paste?

You can substitute miso paste with tahini and a splash of soy sauce for a similar umami flavor. Consider adding a bit of nutritional yeast or a dash of tamari to enhance depth and complexity.

Is Tofu Stew Suitable for a Gluten-Free Diet?

Yes, tofu stew can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce and miso paste. Verify each ingredient aligns with gluten-free standards to maintain the dish’s integrity, providing a flavorful, hearty meal without gluten concerns.

How Can I Make the Stew Spicier?

To spice up your stew, add diced chili peppers or a teaspoon of chili paste. Consider sprinkling in cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. These will elevate the heat while preserving the dish’s balance and flavor.

Can I Add Protein Sources Other Than Tofu?

Yes, you can enhance protein by adding chickpeas, tempeh, or seitan. They’ll complement the stew’s flavors beautifully. Remember, adjust cooking times accordingly to guarantee each protein source absorbs the broth’s rich taste without overcooking.

Tofu Stew

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Resting Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Main

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4 servings

Equipment

• 1 Large pot
• 1 Cutting board
• 1 Knife
• 1 Wooden spoon
• 1 measuring cup
• 1 measuring spoon set

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 400 grams tofu firm, cubed
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger grated
• 2 carrots sliced
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon miso paste
• 1 cup spinach leaves
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
• Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute.
• Add the sliced carrots and sauté for 3 minutes.
• Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
• Stir in the soy sauce and miso paste until well combined.
• Add the cubed tofu and simmer for 15 minutes.
• Stir in the spinach leaves and cook until wilted.
• Drizzle sesame oil before removing from heat.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Let the stew rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

When cooking tofu stew, ensure that the tofu is firm and well-drained to maintain its texture during cooking. It’s also important to not overcook the spinach to retain its vibrant color and nutritional value. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, and feel free to add other vegetables or spices to make the dish your own.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Cynthia Weatherford

Cynthia Weatherford is a seasoned chef and culinary enthusiast who serves as the Recipe creator of Somonday. With decades of experience in the kitchen and a passion for exploring diverse cuisines, Cynthia brings a blend of creativity and technique to every dish. Known for transforming simple ingredients into show-stopping meals, Cynthia believes that cooking is an art form anyone can master. Dedicated to inspiring home cooks, Cynthia shares approachable recipes, pro tips, and culinary wisdom to make every meal memorable.