Tofu Ginseng Steak
(My Tofu Ginseng Steak, Don’t Touch It!)
Craving a steak but find expensive meat a bit too much? Try making a fantastic steak with tofu, often called ‘the meat from the field’! While tofu alone might lack a certain texture, this recipe enhances it by adding bacon, fresh vegetables, and precious Korean ginseng. This Tofu Ginseng Steak, with its delightful chewiness and harmonious blend of healthy ingredients, is a satisfying meal perfect for revitalizing your appetite during the summer.
Main Ingredients
- 100g Bacon
- 1/2 block Firm Tofu (approx. 200g)
- 1 Korean Ginseng root
- 1 Bell Pepper (using various colors makes it more visually appealing)
- 50g Cabbage
- 2 Tbsp Chopped Green Onion
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
Steak Sauce
- 2 Tbsp Oyster Sauce
- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Corn Syrup (or other liquid sweetener)
- 120ml Water
- 2 Tbsp Oyster Sauce
- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Corn Syrup (or other liquid sweetener)
- 120ml Water
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, thoroughly wash and prepare all the ingredients for the steak. Finely chop the vegetables and adjust the size of the ginseng pieces according to your desired texture.
Step 2
Finely chop the 100g of bacon. Bacon not only supplements the protein often lacking in tofu but also plays a crucial role in enhancing the steak’s texture by adding a savory flavor and satisfying chewiness when cooked.
Step 3
Place half a block of tofu (about 200g) into a large bowl. Using your hands or a spoon, mash the tofu until it’s smooth and lump-free. It’s important to drain as much excess water as possible while mashing. Too much moisture can make the steak mixture too wet.
Step 4
Add the finely chopped bacon to the mashed tofu and mix well.
Step 5
Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and 2 tablespoons of chopped green onion. If you have leftover vegetables in your fridge (like onion or carrots), finely chop and add them for an even richer texture and flavor. For this recipe, finely chopped cabbage and bell pepper were added.
Step 6
Finely chop the cleaned Korean ginseng root and add it to the mixture. If you enjoy the distinct flavor and chewiness of ginseng, chop it into slightly larger pieces. If you prefer a more subtle aroma, chop it as finely as possible. The Korean ginseng will lend a unique flavor and healthy boost to your steak.
Step 7
Now it’s time to season the mixture. Add 1/2 tablespoon of salt and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Gently mix all the ingredients until well combined. (Adjust the saltiness to your preference.)
Step 8
Using your hands, knead the combined ingredients thoroughly until the mixture becomes cohesive and slightly sticky, similar to making mochi dough. This will help the steak patties hold their shape well when forming them.
Step 9
Let’s make the delicious steak sauce. In a small saucepan, combine 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of corn syrup. Add 120ml of water (about 1/2 standard cup). Adjust the amount of water or sauce based on your preference for thickness; too much water can make the sauce bland. Heat over medium-low heat and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook until slight bubbles appear, then remove from heat. Avoid overcooking, as it can thicken too much.
Step 10
Shape the prepared tofu mixture into round, flattened patties, similar to hamburger steaks. Heat a frying pan over low heat, add a little oil, and place the tofu patties in the pan. Cook for about 7-10 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. It’s important to achieve a crispy exterior and a moist interior.
Step 11
Arrange the well-cooked Tofu Ginseng Steaks attractively on a plate. Garnish with fresh vegetables like bell peppers and cabbage. Drizzle generously with the warm steak sauce to finish. Serving with vegetables like bell peppers, which are rich in vitamins and minerals, balances the nutritional content of the steak. Enjoy a special meal with this Tofu Ginseng Steak that perfectly combines taste and health!
