Tofu Manchurian and More: Tasty Tofu Dishes

(Updated Version)

I’m all about that tofu life! What about you? If you're as much of a tofu enthusiast as I am, you're in for a treat with the tofu recipes I'll be sharing, starting with the crowd-favorite Tofu Manchurian. Funny thing is, I’ve whipped up this dish a few times without realizing it had such a fancy name - I used to call it 'masala tofu' or 'spicy tofu' or whatever came to mind. But now, I proudly embrace its rightful name: Tofu Manchurian.

For those who don’t know, Tofu Manchurian is a star in Indo-Chinese cuisine, a vegetarian twist on the classic Chicken Manchurian, born from the fusion of Chinese and Indian flavors back in the 1970s, courtesy of Chinese immigrants in Kolkata. It’s a culinary blend that’s become a beloved staple across India. But here’s the twist - my version has a Malaysian flair. How’s that for a fusion?

While we're on the topic, my go-to tofu recipe is Turmeric Tofu - simple yet divine: turmeric-dusted and shallow-fried tofu, a real treat for tofu lovers like me. Cut it into smaller pieces, toss in some tomato slices, green chilies, salad leaves, a sprinkle of roasted sesame seeds, and salt, and voilà - Manchurian Tofu Salad, anyone? I say yes! 

And speaking of recipes, let's kick things off with Tofu Manchurian.

Ingredients

1 block of white firm tofu, cut into small squares

15 French beans, strings removed and sliced to 1/4 inch

4 shallots, chopped

1/4 inch ginger, chopped

1 1/2 tsp curry powder

1 tsp cumin seeds

2 cinnamon sticks

3 cloves

1 star anise

2 sprigs coriander leaves, sliced

4 tbsp oil

Salt to taste

 

Method

Heat the oil and fry the tofu squares until browned on both sides. Set aside.

In the same oil, fry ginger, shallots, and spices for 1-2 minutes.

Add curry powder and French beans. Stir and sprinkle some water.

Cook until the beans soften.

Add in the fried tofu squares, salt, and coriander leaves.

Stir well and remove from heat.

Now, here come the other two tofu recipes.

Tofu French Beans

First, add oil and then add the tofu pieces.

Let them be lightly fried before adding chopped garlic, beans, and salt, and stir-fry everything together.

Tofu Turmeric Mustard Leaves

After sautéing cumin seeds, add tofu and mustard leaves.

Season with salt and cook until the mustard leaves reach your preferred texture.