Steam Tofu And Egg: A Quick, Delicious Dish

Tofu and egg is a delicious and healthy dish that is simple to make and can be adapted in many ways. The basic recipe involves steaming tofu and eggs together to create a silky, smooth texture, with the option to add ingredients like prawns, broccoli, or meat for a more substantial meal. This dish is a great source of protein and can be served with rice or vegetables for a well-rounded and tasty meal. With its versatility and ease of preparation, tofu and egg is a fantastic option for those seeking a nutritious and satisfying dish.

Choosing the right tofu

Tofu, or bean curd, is a significant part of many Asian cuisines and is now common in Western kitchens too. It is made by pressing the curds of coagulated soy milk into blocks and is high in protein, calcium and iron, and low in calories.

There are several types of tofu, each with its own unique characteristics and uses. Here is a guide to help you choose the right tofu for your steamed tofu with egg dish:

Soft Tofu

Soft tofu is not pressed but is made using a thicker coagulant. It has a delicate, creamy texture and a mild, milky flavour. It is a great alternative to dairy and eggs in desserts and baked goods and also works well in savoury dishes. It can be blended into smoothies, pureed, or used as a replacement for eggs or dairy. Soft tofu is not suitable for shallow-frying due to its high water content, but it can be battered and deep-fried.

Medium Tofu

Medium-firm tofu has a rougher texture and visible curds, but it will still crack with handling. It has moderate moisture content and is a good choice for dishes that don't require much manipulation, like braising or boiling. It may break up during stir-frying or pan-frying due to its higher whey content. Medium tofu is often used in soups, dressings and dips.

Firm Tofu

Firm tofu is incredibly versatile and is a good option for tofu beginners. It has tight, visible curds and a solid texture. It holds up well to frying and grilling and can be used as a meat alternative. It can be stir-fried, pan-fried, deep-fried, baked, scrambled, or boiled.

Extra Firm Tofu

Extra-firm tofu is the firmest and has the least water content. It is suitable for heartier dishes and can be used as a meat replacement due to its "meatier" consistency. It can be prepared in a similar way to firm tofu and is great for stir-fries, pan-frying, deep-frying, baking, boiling, and grilling.

Silken Tofu

Silken tofu is made in a similar process to regular tofu, but the soy milk is coagulated without curdling, and it is left unpressed, resulting in a smooth and silky texture. It is delicate and can fall apart if handled too much. It is often used in saucy recipes such as dressings, smoothies, and egg or yogurt substitutions.

For a steamed tofu and egg dish, it is recommended to use silky or normal tofu for the best texture similarity to the steamed egg. Avoid using hard-pressed tofu as it is too firm.

Preparing the tofu

Firstly, you'll need to carefully slice your tofu. The recommended thickness varies depending on how you plan to cut it. If you're slicing it into coins or rings, aim for about 1/2 inch thickness. If you're cutting it into cubes, avoid making them smaller than half an inch, or they may crumble. Gently push the tofu out of its plastic casing and slice or cube it according to your preference. Remember to be gentle, as tofu has a soft texture and can easily crack or break apart.

Once your tofu is sliced, arrange it in your steaming dish. Some recipes suggest layering the tofu in thick slices in the middle of a deep plate, while others recommend carefully laying the tofu in a stepped circle around the inside of a round baking dish so that each piece overlaps the next.

Now it's time to prepare the egg mixture that will be steamed with the tofu. In a mixing bowl, gently combine the eggs with water and a pinch of salt. The ratio of eggs to water is important for achieving the right texture; the recommended ratio is one egg to one or 1.2 portions of water. You can experiment with the ratio to find your preferred texture. Be careful not to create too many bubbles in the mixture, as this can affect the smoothness of the steamed eggs. If bubbles do form, use a piece of kitchen paper to brush them away.

Once your egg mixture is smooth, it's ready to be poured over the tofu in the steaming dish. Completely cover the tofu with the egg mixture. Now you're ready to start steaming!

Preparing the eggs

Firstly, you will need to gather your ingredients. For the eggs, you will need two large eggs, a pinch of salt, and some water. You can adjust the number of eggs according to your preference, but it is important to maintain a ratio of one egg to around 1.2 parts water for the best results.

Next, crack the eggs into a mixing bowl and add a pinch of salt. Use a whisk or a fork to beat the eggs until they are well combined with the salt. Now, slowly add the water to the eggs. It is recommended to use lukewarm water, and you can experiment with the amount of water to achieve your desired level of silkiness in the steamed eggs. Once you have added the water, continue to mix until you have a smooth and well-combined egg mixture.

At this point, you may want to sift or strain the egg mixture to remove any bubbles that have formed. This step is important as it ensures your steamed eggs have a smooth and silky texture without any air pockets. You can use a fine-mesh strainer to gently pour the egg mixture through, catching any bubbles and removing the egg white membrane.

Finally, carefully pour the egg mixture over the tofu, which should already be arranged in your steaming dish or bowl. Make sure the egg mixture completely covers the tofu. You can now proceed to the steaming step, following the instructions provided in the previous response.

Cooking the tofu and eggs

The key to achieving the perfect silky texture for your steamed tofu and eggs lies in the preparation and cooking technique. Here is a detailed guide to help you cook tofu and eggs to perfection:

Preparing the tofu

Start by carefully slicing your tofu into thick slices or slabs. You can use a soft silken tofu or any fresh tofu of your choice. If you are using egg tofu, which is a type of tofu made from water, eggs, and soy milk, simply cut it into 1/2-inch rings or slices. Arrange the tofu slices in a deep plate or a round baking dish. For a more aesthetic presentation, you can carefully lay the tofu slices in a stepped circle, overlapping each piece with the next.

Preparing the eggs

In a separate mixing bowl, crack and whisk two to three eggs, depending on your preference. Add an equal amount of water to the eggs, preferably lukewarm or warm water. A pinch of salt can also be added at this stage for seasoning. Mix the ingredients gently, taking care to create as few bubbles as possible. If bubbles do form, use a piece of kitchen paper to brush them off gently. For an even smoother texture, sift the egg mixture through a fine mesh strainer or a sieve to remove any remaining bubbles and the egg white membrane.

Combining tofu and eggs

Once your tofu is arranged in the dish, carefully pour the egg mixture over it, completely covering the tofu. You can also add some oil to the egg mixture and stir gently before pouring it over the tofu.

Steaming

To steam your tofu and eggs, you will need a steamer basket or a wok filled with boiling water. Place the dish of tofu and eggs into the steamer basket and cover it with a lid. If using a wok, carefully place the dish into the wok, ensuring that the water level is at least one-third to halfway up the sides of the dish. Place the steamer basket directly on top of the wok. Cover and steam over medium-low heat for 15 to 20 minutes. The ideal texture of the eggs should be similar to a panna cotta or a thin, wobbly jelly. If it seems watery in the middle, continue steaming for a couple of minutes more.

Seasoning

To enhance the flavour of your dish, you can add various seasonings. A simple combination of light soy sauce, toasted sesame seeds, sesame oil, and chopped spring onions can be sprinkled on top. You can also heat some oil and spring onions in a small saucepan over medium heat until the spring onions sizzle, and then pour this mixture over the dish. Additionally, you can drizzle sweetened soy sauce on top by mixing soy sauce with sugar until the sugar dissolves.

Seasoning and serving

This dish is a great base for adding extra seasoning and flavour. You can add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, a drizzle of sesame oil, and some chopped spring onion or scallions. A dash of soy sauce is also a great addition, and be sure to use a high-quality brand. You can also heat some oil and spring onions in a pan and pour this over the tofu and eggs before serving.

If you want to add a little more heat, a drizzle of chilli oil can be added, or a little minced garlic. You can also serve this with stir-fried vegetables and steamed rice on the side.

For a more substantial meal, you can add prawns and broccoli to the dish, or even braised minced meat in a savoury sauce.

Frequently asked questions