Steamed Shrimp and Zucchini Tofu Patties (A Healthy Meal Replacement)
Enjoy this delicious steamed dish of shrimp, zucchini, and tofu as a healthy alternative to rice! It’s truly incredibly tasty.
Try this steamed dish of shrimp, zucchini, and tofu as a light and satisfying meal replacement! It’s especially helpful for those on a diet or managing their food intake. The combination is wonderfully delicious and can be a guilt-free option for a healthy lifestyle.
Main Ingredients
- 1 medium zucchini
- 1/2 medium carrot
- 1/2 block firm or medium tofu
- 5 shrimp (peeled and deveined)
Seasoning & Other Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp minced garlic
- Salt to taste
- 2 Tbsp starch (corn or potato starch)
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp minced garlic
- Salt to taste
- 2 Tbsp starch (corn or potato starch)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the zucchini thoroughly and thinly julienne it, focusing on the skin side. Then, thinly julienne the carrot to a similar thickness as the zucchini. Ensuring the julienned vegetables are of uniform thickness will help them cook evenly.
Step 2
Sprinkle 1/2 tsp of salt over the julienned zucchini and carrot, and let them sit for about 5-10 minutes. This process draws out excess moisture, making the vegetables firmer and helping them absorb flavors better.
Step 3
Prepare the tofu: either steam the half block for 2-3 minutes until slightly firm, or wrap it in cheesecloth and squeeze out excess water by hand, or mash it through a sieve. Lightly season the mashed tofu with 3-4 pinches of salt. This enhances the tofu’s flavor and ensures it’s seasoned throughout.
Step 4
Finely mince the 5 shrimp after peeling and deveining them. Mincing the shrimp adds a delightful texture and boosts the overall flavor of the dish. If using pre-cooked cocktail shrimp, thaw them, pat them dry, and then mince.
Step 5
Once the zucchini and carrot have rested, squeeze out as much moisture as possible with your hands. Similarly, squeeze any excess water from the mashed tofu using cheesecloth. Properly draining the ingredients is key to preventing the mixture from becoming too wet and allows for easier shaping. Combine the drained zucchini, carrot, tofu, and minced shrimp in a mixing bowl.
Step 6
Add 1 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp sesame oil, 1/2 tsp minced garlic, and 2 Tbsp of starch to the bowl. Mix everything thoroughly, kneading the mixture until it becomes cohesive and slightly sticky. This ensures all ingredients are well incorporated and creates a good binding consistency.
Step 7
Shape the mixture into small, flattened patties using your hands. Line your steamer basket with damp cheesecloth or parchment paper and arrange the shaped patties on top. Start steaming over high heat, then reduce to medium heat once steam is generated, and cook for approximately 15 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into a patty comes out clean. Enjoy these delicious steamed patties warm, or let them cool slightly before serving.
