Home cooking

Garlic Cabbage Tofu Braise

Cabbage and tofu simmered with garlic and a touch of soy—comforting and filling for weeknights.

Total 20 min Stockpot Easy 2 servings
Stockpot Budget-friendly meals10-minute meals
Garlic Cabbage Tofu Braise

Simmering is forgiving; tofu soaks up cabbage sweetness and eats well on its own.

Steps

How to make it

Prep 8 min · Cook 12 min

  1. Slice cabbage 220 g; cube tofu 1 block; mince 3 garlic cloves. Have 1.5 tsp soy sauce and a pinch of salt ready.
  2. Heat 1 tsp olive oil in a stockpot over medium heat; sauté garlic 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add cabbage and stir-fry 2 minutes until slightly softened and edges turn translucent.
  4. Add tofu, drizzle with soy sauce and 2 tbsp water; bring to a boil over high heat.
  5. Cover and simmer over low heat 8–10 minutes until cabbage releases sweetness and tofu absorbs flavor.
  6. Uncover and reduce over medium heat 1–2 minutes; season with salt. Cabbage should be soft but not mushy; tofu intact.

Tips & storage

Make it easier

  • Pan-fry tofu first for a firmer bite.
  • Drain vegetables well before cooking; excess water steams them and softens the texture.

Refrigerate up to 1 day; reheat gently so tofu does not break.

Substitutions

Add mushrooms for umami.

Optional add-ins

+Shredded pork+Shrimp+Shiitake mushrooms

FAQ

Must I use garlic?

Optional, but it rounds out the flavor.

Serve with rice?

Yes—the broth is great over rice.

What should I do if the vegetables release water?

Drain them well and cook in batches so the pan stays hot instead of turning the vegetables soft and watery.