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🥡 Chinese · Main · Easy difficulty · Vegan

Steamed Tofu with Ginger

A golden Chinese main built around tofu, seasoned with ginger and spring onions.

Prep time
6 min
Cook time
14 min
Total time
20 min
Servings
4
Calories
307 kcal
Protein
19 g
Carbs
8 g
Fat
22 g
Course
Main

About this Chinese steamed dish

Steamed Tofu with Ginger is a Chinese main built around firm tofu. It takes about 20 min from start to finish, 6 minutes of prep and 14 minutes of cooking, and serves 4.

Cooking method: steamed dish. Difficulty is rated easy. Vegan.

Good for: under 25 minutes, light & low calorie, everyday healthy.

Ingredients

Quantities are for 4 servings. Change the servings in the app to rescale them automatically.

  • 300 g firm tofu, cubed
  • 3 tbsp ginger, julienned
  • 3 spring onions
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • Fresh coriander
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Method

  1. Step 1. Arrange the tofu on a heatproof plate and scatter over the ginger.

    Heat
    Off, no heat yet
    Look for
    Pieces are roughly the same size, so they all finish cooking together.
    Why it matters
    Even pieces cook at the same speed. Prepping everything first (mise en place) stops you scrambling once the pan is hot.
    Avoid
    Cutting pieces of mixed sizes: small ones burn while big ones stay raw.

  2. Step 2. Steam over boiling water for 8 minutes until just cooked through.

    Heat
    Medium, with a steady flow of steam
    Look for
    Food is just cooked through, tender but not collapsing.
    Why it matters
    Gentle, steady heat softens tough fibres and lets flavours blend without drying things out.
    Avoid
    Over-steaming. Check a minute early and keep the water from boiling dry.

  3. Step 3. Heat a little oil until shimmering.

    Heat
    Medium to high
    Look for
    The oil shimmers and flows like water; a drop of water sizzles instantly.
    Why it matters
    Food added to a properly hot pan sears and browns instead of steaming and sticking.
    Avoid
    Adding food to a cold pan: it sticks, turns grey and soaks up oil.

  4. Step 4. Pour the hot oil over the top with the spring onions and soy sauce for an instant sizzle.

    Heat
    Keep the heat steady
    Look for
    The new ingredient is coated and the mixture returns to a gentle bubble.
    Why it matters
    Adding things in order lets each ingredient cook for just the right time.
    Avoid
    Dumping everything in at once: delicate items turn mushy before tougher ones are done.

  5. Step 5. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve with steamed rice.

    Heat
    Warm plates
    Look for
    Hot food on warm plates with a fresh, bright garnish on top.
    Why it matters
    Garnish adds colour, crunch and freshness. Tasting and adjusting salt or acid at the end lifts the whole dish.
    Avoid
    Waiting too long: the dish cools and crisp parts go soft.

Chef's tip

Do not over-steam - check a minute early.

Equipment you will need

  • Steamer or lidded pot
  • Heatproof plate
  • Small pan for oil

Nutrition per serving

Estimated per serving: 307 kcal, 19 g protein, 8 g carbohydrate and 22 g fat. Roughly 25% of the energy comes from protein, 10% from carbohydrate and 65% from fat, using standard energy values.

Nutrition values are estimates from typical ingredient profiles. They are not medical data, and brands and portions vary. Consult a doctor or registered dietitian about your diet.

When to cook Steamed Tofu with Ginger

Substitutions and variations

  • Set food above the water line in a steamer or colander so it cooks by steam, not boiling.
  • Add a few slices of ginger or lemon to the water for subtle flavour.
  • Season lightly before steaming and serve sauce on the side.

Frequently asked questions about Steamed Tofu with Ginger

How long does Steamed Tofu with Ginger take to make?

It takes about 20 min in total: 6 minutes of prep and 14 minutes of cooking. Times are estimates and depend on your stove, pan and how small you cut the ingredients.

How many calories are in one serving?

Each serving has about 307 kcal, with 19 g protein, 8 g carbohydrate and 22 g fat. These are estimates for the recipe's 4 servings.

Is Steamed Tofu with Ginger gluten-free?

It is not marked gluten-free in our data. Use certified gluten-free alternatives for any sauces or stocks if you need to avoid gluten.

Is it suitable for vegetarians or vegans?

Yes, it is vegan. Check labels on stock and curry pastes, which can contain animal products.

How difficult is it to cook?

It is an easy recipe with simple steps and minimal timing pressure, so it suits beginners.

Can I make Steamed Tofu with Ginger ahead or freeze it?

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for 3-4 days. Most baked and saucy dishes freeze well for up to 3 months, but avoid freezing crisp items and salads.

How many servings does it make?

This recipe makes 4 servings. To change the amount, scale each ingredient in proportion. The interactive app's servings control does this automatically.

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