Savory Minced Beef
Tofu Stew
A comforting, protein-packed stew featuring tender minced beef, silken tofu, and sweet carrots in a savory thickened gravy, perfectly served over steamed rice.
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.
Ingredients
- 200 g minced beef
- 1 block soft tofu
- 1 large carrot
- 2 stalks scallions
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp cooking oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 piece ginger
- 200 ml boiling water
- to taste additional soy sauce
- optional cornstarch slurry
Instructions
- 1Marinate the beef

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. - 2Blanch the tofu

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. - 3Brown the beef

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. - 4Sauté the vegetables

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. - 5Combine ingredients

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. - 6Simmer the mixture

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. - 7Season the broth

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. - 8Thicken the 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. - 9Garnish and serve

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.