Savory Minced Beef
Tofu Stew

By DishFrames
0
0/5 (0)

A comforting, protein-packed stew featuring tender minced beef, silken tofu, and sweet carrots in a savory thickened gravy, perfectly served over steamed rice.

↓ The ingredients ↓ The steps

This homestyle beef and tofu stew is a staple for a reason: it is deeply satisfying, easy to prepare, and incredibly versatile. The combination of delicate tofu and savory ground beef creates a texture that is both smooth and hearty, making it a favorite for family meals. It is a wonderful example of how simple, fresh ingredients can come together to create a warming, aromatic dish that pairs beautifully with a simple bowl of rice.

A hearty bowl of fluffy white rice topped with a savory minced beef, tofu, and carrot stew, garnished with fresh green scallions.
A hearty bowl of fluffy white rice topped with a savory minced beef, tofu, and carrot stew, garnished with fresh green scallions.
Prep20 mins
Cook25 mins
Total45 mins
Yield2 servings
DifficultyEasy
Calories350 kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 1Marinate the beef
    Minced beef in a white bowl mixed with soy sauce, cooking oil, and cornstarch, garnished with ginger slices.

    In a bowl, combine the minced beef with soy sauce, cooking oil, and cornstarch. Mix well and let it marinate for fifteen minutes to ensure the meat is tender and flavorful.

    Tip: Marinating helps the beef stay juicy and enhances its flavor absorption during cooking.
  2. 2Blanch the tofu
    Small cubes of soft tofu being blanched in a pot of simmering water.

    Gently blanch the cubed soft tofu in a pot of boiling water for a short time to remove any raw taste. Once blanched, carefully remove the tofu and set it aside.

    Tip: Blanching tofu helps it hold its shape better during stir-frying and gives it a cleaner taste.
  3. 3Brown the beef
    Minced beef being stir-fried with ginger slices in a pan until browned.

    Heat a pan with a small amount of oil. Add the marinated minced beef along with ginger slices. Stir-fry over medium-high heat until the beef is browned, then remove the ginger slices and set the beef aside.

    Tip: Removing the ginger after browning ensures the beef flavor remains clean without overpowering aromatics.
  4. 4Sauté the vegetables
    Diced carrots and chopped scallions sautéing in a pan with hot oil.

    Using the same pan with remaining oil, add the chopped scallions and sauté until fragrant. Then, add the diced carrots and stir-fry until they begin to soften.

    Tip: Sautéing the scallions first releases their aroma, providing a flavorful base for the dish.
  5. 5Combine ingredients
    Tofu cubes, cooked minced beef, and sautéed carrots combined together in a pan.

    Add the prepared blanched tofu cubes and the previously cooked minced beef back into the pan with the sautéed carrots. Gently toss all ingredients together.

    Tip: Mix gently to avoid breaking the delicate cubes of soft tofu.
  6. 6Simmer the mixture
    Hot water being poured into the pan containing tofu, beef, and carrots to simmer.

    Pour an appropriate amount of boiling water into the pan to cover the ingredients. Allow the mixture to simmer until the flavors meld and the ingredients are cooked through.

    Tip: Using boiling water helps maintain the cooking temperature, ensuring the dish cooks quickly and evenly.
  7. 7Season the broth
    Soy sauce being added to a simmering mixture of minced beef, tofu, and carrots in a pan.

    Once the ingredients are simmering well, add a spoonful of soy sauce to the pan to enhance the flavor of the broth.

    Tip: Adjust the amount of soy sauce to suit your taste, keeping the balance of savory flavors.
  8. 8Thicken the stew
    Cornstarch slurry being poured into the pan of simmering beef and tofu stew.

    Drizzle a prepared cornstarch slurry into the simmering stew while stirring gently. This will help the broth thicken to a smooth, appetizing consistency.

    Tip: Stir continuously as you add the slurry to prevent any lumps from forming.
  9. 9Garnish and serve
    Freshly chopped green scallions being sprinkled over the finished beef and tofu stew in the pan.

    Finally, sprinkle a handful of freshly chopped green scallions over the bubbling, thickened stew. Give it a quick stir and serve while hot.

    Tip: Fresh scallions add a bright color and a necessary aromatic finish to the dish.

Storing Leftovers

Refrigerator
2 days
Store in an airtight container. Note that the texture of the tofu may soften further upon reheating.
Reheating
5 min
Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge.

Burn It Off

Brisk Walking
~70 minutes at a steady pace (~5 km/h).
House Cleaning
~85 minutes of active housework.
Yoga
~1 hour and 45 minutes of mindful practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely. Ground pork is a classic alternative that works perfectly with the soft tofu and carrot base, offering a slightly sweeter flavor profile.
Blanching removes the faint raw soy taste and helps the tofu hold its shape when tossed with the beef and sauce, preventing it from turning into mush.
Always mix your cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water to create a smooth slurry before adding it to the pan, and stir the stew gently as you drizzle it in.
No ratings yet

How would you rate this recipe?