Hello! How is everyone? We're halfway through summer here in the Philippines and it has already begun to rain sometimes at night signaling that rainy season is soon approaching. I can't wait for this warm weather to be over.
Anyway, before I get occupied for Mother's Day let me share another tofu recipe I am loving now and did not regret trying. It's the Tofu Ala King!
As far as I know, the original Ala King recipe uses chicken meat. And last Palm Sunday, my sister sent me a link about Tofu Ala King. I still have one pack of tofu left in the fridge so I thought of reserving it for this dish. The last time I made an Ala King dish was around two years ago that's why making it again and using tofu this time makes me excited.
We've always known tofu as a meat alternative. It's made from soybeans and a great source of protein. Tofu is often found on Asian dishes which made me grateful to be Asian because tofu can be easily found in the market. Not everyone likes Tofu and I feel sad for them. Lol.
The Ala King dish is made of a savory cream sauce with bits of carrots and corn kernels in it which is poured on a fried meat, usually chicken. This time, let's try something different but equally delish!
Photos of some of the ingredients...
Left the butter out of the fridge a bit long last time I used it. Now it's melted and looks sad. 😔
All-purpose flour which I think is enough for making the sauce so I no longer transferred it to a tiny cup.
#1 First, boil the four eggs. Cool down, peel the eggs, and set aside. I know you can see five eggs on the photo. That's because I got distracted and forgot to separate one egg for the breading, instead, I put everything in the pot and boiled them all. I only realized it when I was about to peel the eggs.
#2 Slice the tofu blocks in half an inch thick. The pack of tofu I buy has two blocks of tofu in it and a block makes six slices. In total, I have 12 slices of tofu.
#3 Prepare the all-purpose flour, breadcrumbs, and egg on separate containers or bowls. Don't forget to beat the eggs. You can also add a pinch of salt and pepper for added taste on the tofu. Also, don't forget to mix them so the salt and pepper will be equally distributed on the flour, breadcrumbs and egg.
#4 To bread the tofu, you can follow my sequence: Flour ➡️ Egg ➡️ Breadcrumbs. If you have other methods then you can always follow yours. Make sure to coat every corner of the tofu.
#5 Then heat the pan and pour enough oil to submerge at least half of the tofu. You can also deep fry it if it's what you prefer. Wait for the oil to heat up before laying the tofu.
Cook the first side on medium heat and reduce the temperature to low when you flip it. You'll know it's cooked when the breading has turned golden brown. Let the cooked tofu rest on a paper towel so it absorbs the excess oil.
If you are using one pan just like me, remove the oil and wipe off the burnt breadcrumbs residue on the pan with a paper towel. You can also wash the pan to make it completely clean. For me, I chose to just wipe off the residue to keep the pan coated with oil.
#6 When the pan is ready, heat it again and put the butter.
#7 Then saute the garlic and onion until aromatic and onion has become glossy. I know there has been a debate which to saute first between onion and garlic. You know, let's stop the fight and just put them together at the same time!
#8 Drain the mushroom and saute it for around two minutes. You can also use button mushroom but I preferred shiitake this time.
#9 Then add in the carrots. Saute for at least two minutes.
You can add more butter if you think it's becoming too dry.
#10 Then add the flour. Mix until the flour has been well-incorporated with the other ingredients.
#11 Add the all-purpose cream and mix.
#12 Then add the milk next. I used fresh milk for my recipe because I don't want to open the evaporated milk just to get three tablespoons from it.
#13 Wait for the mixture to heat up before adding the chicken cube or chicken bouillon. Mix until the bouillon gets dissolved.
#14 Then don't forget to add your salt and pepper. Taste the mixture and adjust the taste to your preference.
#15 Add the corn kernels. Mix.
#16 And last, add the scallions. Mix.
Now, we're done with the sauce!
To assemble the Tofu Ala King, put three pieces of the breaded tofu on a plate.
Then pour the sauce on top. Remember, the more sauce, the better it will taste! Last, place the egg on the side.
You can also sprinkle some dried parsley on top for some green and aesthetic.
Take a bite size slice from the tofu with enough sauce and a small slice from the egg. Put them all together on your spoon with warm rice and eat it. Whew! Good thing I still have one serving left because writing this post made me hungry.
This recipe makes 4 servings with three slices of breaded tofu for each servings. Also, divide the sauce into four so each serving will have enough sauce.
Also, don't throw away the excess beaten egg you used for breading the tofu. You can still make a small omelette out of it. :)
That's all. I have to end this post right here because I'm honestly getting hungry now. I love tofu. It's cheap but healthy and definitely a versatile food.
Do you like tofu? Or have tried the Tofu Ala King before?
