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Tofu Bistek

A delicious and lighter alternative to traditional bistek, featuring firm tofu marinated and cooked in a flavorful sauce.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Filipino
Keyword: Healthy Dinner, Plant-Based Meal, Tofu Bistek, Tofu Stir-Fry, Vegetarian Filipino Recipe
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 210kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 block firm tofu Not silken type to avoid a tofu explosion.
  • 5-6 tablespoons soy sauce Regular soy sauce recommended for better flavor.
  • 6-8 pieces calamansi fruits Or use half a lemon if calamansi is unavailable.
  • 2 pieces onions Sliced into half moons.
  • 3 cloves garlic Minced.
  • 1 teaspoon sugar Adds important flavor balance.
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper To taste.
  • as needed none oil for frying For cooking tofu.
  • as needed none spring onions For topping.

Instructions

Preparation

  • Pat the firm tofu dry and slice it into thick slabs.
  • Heat oil in a pan and fry tofu until golden on both sides, then set aside.
  • In the same pan, sauté the sliced onions until they soften, then add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.

Cooking

  • Add soy sauce, calamansi juice, black pepper, and sugar to the pan. Let it bubble for a few minutes.
  • Add the fried tofu slices and spoon the sauce over them. Simmer for a couple of minutes.
  • Remove from heat and top with spring onions before serving.

Notes

For best texture, press the tofu for at least 15 minutes to remove excess moisture. Use a hot pan to create a golden crust on the tofu.