Nutritious Tofu Japchae: A Wholesome Delight
Healthy Side Dish: Tofu Japchae Made with Vegetables and Mushrooms
Discover our healthy Tofu Japchae, a nutritious side dish crafted with an abundance of fresh vegetables, savory mushrooms, and wholesome tofu. It’s a lighter, healthier take on traditional Japchae that makes for a satisfying meal or a hearty accompaniment.
Main Ingredients
- 1/2 block Tofu (approx. 210g)
- 1/4 Carrot (julienned)
- 1/2 Onion (julienned)
- 1 handful Mushrooms (e.g., shiitake, oyster mushrooms; torn or sliced as desired)
- A little Cooking Oil (for pan-frying and stir-frying)
- A pinch of Salt (for seasoning tofu)
Seasoning
- 1.5 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Cooking Syrup (or corn syrup/honey)
- 0.5 tsp Sesame Oil
- A sprinkle of Toasted Sesame Seeds (for garnish)
- 1.5 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Cooking Syrup (or corn syrup/honey)
- 0.5 tsp Sesame Oil
- A sprinkle of Toasted Sesame Seeds (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the star of our Tofu Japchae: the tofu. Gently press the tofu with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then cut it into bite-sized pieces. Lightly seasoning it with a pinch of salt will enhance its flavor. Heat about 1 teaspoon of cooking oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Pan-fry the seasoned tofu on both sides until golden brown and slightly crispy. This step ensures a pleasant texture and prevents the tofu from breaking apart.
Step 2
Next, let’s stir-fry the vegetables and mushrooms that will add depth and aroma to the Japchae. Julienne the carrot and onion finely. Prepare the mushrooms by cleaning them, removing tough stems, and thinly slicing shiitake mushrooms or tearing other types like oyster mushrooms. Heat a little cooking oil in the pan. Start by stir-frying the carrots, as they are denser, then add the onions and mushrooms. Sauté until the vegetables are tender-crisp, retaining their fresh texture and vibrant colors. Be careful not to overcook, as this can release excess water.
Step 3
Now it’s time to bring all the ingredients together and season them. Add the golden-brown fried tofu to the pan with the sautéed vegetables and mushrooms. Pour in the key flavoring agents: 1.5 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of cooking syrup for a touch of sweetness. Stir-fry everything briskly to ensure the seasoning coats all the ingredients evenly. Continue to cook for about 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Just before turning off the heat, drizzle in 0.5 teaspoon of sesame oil for a nutty aroma and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for a beautiful finish.
Step 4
Voilà! Your delicious Tofu Japchae is ready. Serve it generously for a visually appealing and wonderfully flavorful healthy dish. You can enjoy it as is, or get creative and customize it further. For instance, add thinly sliced bell peppers or zucchini for extra crunch, or if you enjoy a heartier dish, stir-fry some thinly sliced beef (like bulgogi cut) or fish cakes along with the vegetables for an even more satisfying Tofu Japchae experience. Create a delightful and healthy meal for your entire family!
