Shaking Tofu: A Vegan Twist on a Vietnamese Shaking Beef

The Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients, and inventive cooking techniques. One such technique is the shaking method used in the beloved dish "shaking beef”, which involves quickly cooking beef in a wok over high heat with a vigorous shake. But what if you're a vegan or simply looking for a meatless alternative? Enter "Shaking Tofu" – a delightful twist on the traditional recipe that promises all the flavor without the beef.

The concept of "Shaking Tofu" is simple yet ingenious. By substituting beef with deep-fried tofu, vegans and vegetarians can enjoy a dish that's both satisfying and reminiscent of the original. The tofu, with its golden, crispy exterior and soft, chewy interior, absorbs the flavors of the marinade and sauce, creating a dish that's as delicious as it is nutritious.

The process begins with selecting the right type of tofu. Medium firm tofu is ideal for this recipe as it holds its shape well while still being tender. Once the tofu is drained and cut into cubes, it's coated in cornstarch, which helps achieve that desirable crispiness when deep-fried.

The sauce is another critical component, mirroring the flavors of the traditional beef marinade. A combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce (vegan versions are available), ketchup, sugar, black pepper, and mushroom powder creates a rich, umami-packed sauce that complements the tofu perfectly. The addition of water helps to thin the sauce, allowing it to coat the tofu and vegetables evenly.

For the vegetables, tri-color peppers and sweet white onions add not only a pop of color but also a sweet and slightly tangy taste that balances the savory sauce. Minced garlic infuses the dish with its aromatic essence, elevating the overall flavor profile. "Shaking Tofu" is more than just a recipe; it's a celebration of adaptability and creativity in the kitchen. It's a testament to the fact that with a few simple tweaks, traditional dishes can be transformed to suit a variety of dietary preferences without compromising on taste.

So, whether you're a long-time vegan or just exploring meatless options, "Shaking Tofu" is a must-try dish that brings the essence of the Vietnamese cuisine to your table. Serve it hot with a side of cooked rice, and enjoy a meal that's as nourishing for the soul as it is for the body. 

Ingredients:

14 oz. medium firm tofu

Tri-color pepper, about 2 cups cut into 1-inch cubes

1/2 white onion, cut into 1-inch cubes

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 tbsp cornstarch

 Oil for deep-fried tofu and cooking

Sauce ingredients:

1 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp oyster sauce

1 tsp ketchup

1 tsp sugar

1/4 tsp black pepper

1 tsp mushroom powder

1 /4 cup water

Other options:

Scallions and cilantro for garnish

Directions:

Drain the tofu and cut it into 1-inch cubes.

Sprinkle the cornstarch all over the tofu.

In a deep sauté pan, add 1 cup oil and deep-fry the tofu. Drain on a paper towel to absorb some oil. Reserve 2 tbsp oil for cooking later.

In a small bowl, combine the sauce ingredients and set aside.

Heat the reserved oil and add garlic. Stir until fragrant.

Add the tri-color pepper, the white onions, and deep-fried tofu. Shake the pan vigorously to make sure the tri-color and tofu are well cooked. Add the sauce; bring to a boil and cook until the sauce is thickened. Adjust the seasoning at this point to your liking. Turn off the heat and top with green scallions and cilantro.

 Serve with hot cooked rice.