Taiwanese Braised Tofu with Pickled Mustard Greens

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Silky tofu braised in a savory soy-based sauce with tangy pickled mustard greens for a comforting vegetarian dish. This chinese-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs block, cut into 1-inch cubes firm tofu, chopped pickled mustard greens, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 3 Chinese cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add 14 oz firm tofu cubes and pan-fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and slightly crispy. Remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp minced ginger. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1/2 cup chopped pickled mustard greens, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 cup vegetable broth, and 1 tbsp brown sugar. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
  4. Step 4: Return the tofu cubes to the skillet, cover, and simmer on low heat for 8 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  5. Step 5: Stir in the cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water) and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the tofu.
  6. Step 6: Drizzle 1 tsp sesame oil over the dish, garnish with 2 sliced green onions, and serve warm with steamed rice.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Taiwanese Braised Tofu with Pickled Mustard Greens take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Taiwanese Braised Tofu with Pickled Mustard Greens?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep minced garlic cloves from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Taiwanese Braised Tofu with Pickled Mustard Greens?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Taiwanese Braised Tofu with Pickled Mustard Greens for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Taiwanese Braised Tofu with Pickled Mustard Greens vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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