Hey everyone, April here! Today I’ve got a flavorful and satisfying Asian dish using ingredients that are grocery-friendly and easy to find. This is a dish that’s as easy on the palate as it is on the eyes.
I spotted some nice-looking cream dory fish fillets and firm tofu on sale at the market the other day, so decided to try this Fish and Tofu Saute recipe. I’ve been meaning to make this as I liked the Asian Fish Filet and Tofu Claypot Rice in a Chinese restaurant a few months back. This is almost the same except that this dish is served in a claypot with rice already included in the claypot bowl.
Which is why initially, I thought that this is a Chinese cuisine since I only get to taste this in Chinese restaurants.
But, according to Google, it is identified as simply Asian as its not identified with a specific country. While the use of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil, along with garlic and ginger, are indeed hallmarks of Chinese cooking, the cream dory (also known as Pangasius), a type of catfish, is widely used across Southeast Asia and beyond, including in Filipino and Thai cuisines, due to its mild flavor and tender texture. Similarly, tofu is a staple ingredient in many Asian cuisines, valued for its versatility and protein content. The recipe features a blend of ingredients and cooking techniques that could be found in several Asian cooking traditions, including but not limited to Chinese cuisine.
This recipe could be seen as a fusion or a modern interpretation that borrows elements from Chinese cooking, among others, to create a dish that’s appealing for its simplicity, healthfulness, and flavor. Imagine the delicate, flaky texture of cream dory fish fillet coupled with the silky softness of tofu, all swimming in a savory sauce mixed together with rice. So yummy and it’s bound to make your taste buds sing!
Ingredients
Shopping List:
- 500g fish fillet
- 500g firm tofu
- 1 cup cooking oil
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 egg
- 1 bunch kinchay
- 1 pack tengang daga mushrooms
Pantry Items:
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp Oyster Sauce
- 2 tsp MAGGI Liquid Seasoning
- 2 tsp sugar
- Garlic
- Ginger
Tools:
- Frying pan
- Saucepan
- Spatula
Instructions
- Season fish and tofu with chicken powder and black pepper. Dredge in flour then egg.
- In hot oil, pan fry fish and tofu until browned. Drain on paper towel.
- In saucepan, make sauce by combining oyster sauce, seasoning, sugar and cornstarch in water. Cook until thickened.
- In same pan, sauté garlic and ginger for 30 sec. Add mushrooms and cook 30 more sec.
- Add sauce and bring to a simmer. Add fried fish and tofu, gently tossing to coat.
- Serve atop rice, garnished with kinchay.
Notes
Nutritional Benefits: Lean protein and nutrients from fish and tofu. Sauce adds savory umami flavor.
Tips: Goes well with rice or noodles. For crispy exterior, fry in small batches. Sauce can be made ahead.
Variations: Use different seafood like squid or octopus. Adjust sauce ingredients to taste.
Leftovers: Refrigerate up to 4 days. Reheat covered until hot throughout. Can freeze fillets or prepared dish.
How to prepare Fish Fillet and Tofu
I started by cutting up the Dory fish fillet and tofu in the same sizes. I dried them with paper towels, then seasoning the fish and tofu simply with chicken powder (which is optional) and black pepper to add moisture and flavor without overwhelming them. Dredging in flour and egg created a light crispy coating for pan frying.
For the sauce, I combined oyster sauce, seasoning and sugar then thickened it with a bit of cornstarch dissolved in water. This gave it a glossy, rich texture to coat the proteins. While it simmered, I sautéed garlic and ginger briefly before adding mushrooms, kinchay and lastly, the cooked fish and tofu.
Everything was tossed gently just to warm through and coat with the flavorful sauce. The textures and flavors all came together beautifully. Serving it over rice made it super satisfying and filling.
Why You’ll Love This Fish and Tofu Recipe
- Easy and Quick: Perfect for those days when you want something delicious without the fuss.
- Healthy: Packed with protein and low in calories, it’s a win-win for anyone looking to eat better.
- Flavorful: The subtle flavors of the fish and tofu are a canvas for the rich, savory sauce.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Cream Dory Fillets: Known for their mild flavor and tender texture.
- Firm Tofu: Adds a lovely contrast in texture and soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce, and Sesame Oil: For that umami-packed sauce that ties everything together.
- Garlic and Ginger: The aroma boosters.
- Green Onions and Sesame Seeds: For garnish and an extra layer of flavor.
Let’s Cook!
- Prep the Fish and Tofu: Slice the tofu into thick blocks and the fish into bite-sized pieces. Lightly season with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Tofu: In a non-stick pan, heat a bit of oil over medium-high. Add the tofu blocks and sear until golden on each side. Set aside on a plate.
- Cook the Fish: In the same pan, add a touch more oil if needed and cook the fish fillets until they’re just done. This usually takes a few minutes per side. Remove and set aside with the tofu.
- Sauce Magic: In the same pan, add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking until fragrant. Pour in a mixture of soy sauce, oyster sauce, a splash of water, and a hint of sesame oil. Let it simmer until slightly thickened.
- Combine: Return the tofu and fish to the pan. Gently toss them in the sauce to coat evenly. Cook for another minute to let the flavors meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot with a side of steamed rice or your favorite greens for a complete meal.
I hope you give this recipe a try. It’s so easy to throw together even on busy nights using pantry staples. Let me know how your batch turns out! Don’t forget to sign up for more weekly recipes. Thanks as always for your support.
This dish is all about bringing simplicity and flavor together in one harmonious ensemble. It’s proof that you don’t need a lot of time or ingredients to create a meal that’s nutritious, satisfying, and capable of making a weekday dinner feel a little bit special. Dive in, and let’s make dinner an adventure in taste!
