Napa Cabbage with Fried Tofu Puffs (白菜油豆腐)

Ingredients

• 300 g Napa Cabbage (stems and leaves separated; stems sliced into thick pieces)
• 150 g Fried Tofu Puffs (torn open by hand to better absorb sauce)
• 100 g Pork Belly (sliced thin)
• 3 Garlic (cloves, smashed)
• 2 Millet Chili (sliced (Xiao Mi La))
• 1 cup Water (or one small bowl)
• 1 tbsp Light Soy Sauce
• 0.5 tsp Dark Soy Sauce (for color)
• 1 tbsp Oyster Sauce
• Salt (to taste)
• 0.5 tsp Chicken Essence (optional bouillon powder)
• 1 tbsp Cornstarch Slurry (water mixed with starch for thickening)
• 2 Green Onions (cut into sections)

Steps

1. 1

   Prepare the napa cabbage by separating the stems from the leaves. Slice the thicker stems into thick pieces and set the leaves aside.

2. 2

   Tear each fried tofu puff open by hand; this allows them to absorb the sauce more effectively during cooking.

3. 3

   Heat a wok or skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced pork belly and stir-fry until the fat renders out and the meat is slightly browned.

4. 4

   Add the smashed garlic and sliced millet chili to the pan. Stir-fry briefly until fragrant.

5. 5

   Add the sliced cabbage stems to the wok and stir-fry until they begin to soften and release their aroma.

6. 6

   Pour in a bowl of fresh water and add the prepared tofu puffs.

7. 7

   Season the mixture with light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, salt, and chicken essence.

8. 8

   Add the cabbage leaves to the pot. Bring the liquid to a boil.

9. 9

   Use a spatula to gently press down on the tofu puffs while simmering, ensuring each one is fully submerged and saturated with the savory broth.

10. 10

    Drizzle in a small amount of cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.

11. 11

    Toss in the green onion sections, give it a final stir, and serve hot with steamed rice.

Notes

Tearing the tofu puffs by hand rather than cutting them with a knife creates a rougher surface area that holds onto the sauce much better. This dish is best served immediately while the tofu is juicy.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• stir-fried
• Chinese
• pork belly
• tofu
• cabbage
• comfort food