Home cooking

Braised Beef and Tofu

Beef and tofu braised in a savory sauce—tender, saucy, and built for rice.

Total 38 min Skillet Easy 1 servings
Skillet High-protein mealsCooking for one
Braised Beef and Tofu

Use hot-pot beef slices or thin cuts; thicker pieces need up to 20 minutes braising.

Steps

How to make it

Prep 10 min · Cook 28 min

  1. Slice 100 g beef thinly against the grain; cut 1/2 block tofu into cubes and pat dry; shred 1/4 onion; mince 2 garlic cloves.
  2. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium; pan-fry tofu in a single layer until lightly golden on each side (about 1 minute per side); set aside.
  3. In the same pan, stir-fry garlic and beef over high heat until beef changes color; add onion and cook about 2 minutes until translucent.
  4. Return tofu; add 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sugar, and 150 ml water. Cover and braise on low 12–15 minutes.
  5. Uncover when sauce looks slightly thick and beef pierces easily with a chopstick; if sauce tastes salty enough, skip extra salt. Nudge tofu gently and serve.

Tips & storage

Make it easier

  • Keep the heat low and nudge tofu from the edge of the pan so it does not break.
  • Taste before adding salt—soy sauce may be enough.
  • Rest meat for 2–3 minutes before slicing; when pieces vary in thickness, check the thickest center for doneness.

Refrigerate and eat within 1 day; reheat gently and splash in a little water.

Substitutions

Firm tofu

Optional add-ins

+Scallions+Chili+Enoki mushrooms

FAQ

How do I keep the main ingredient from drying out?

Adjust the heat for thickness, rest before slicing, and reheat chilled portions gently after cooling them completely.