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Filipino Tofu Adobo (Adobong Tokwa)

Filipino Tofu Adobo (Adobong Tokwa)

Ingredients
 

  • 1 block extra-firm tofu pressed, drained, and cut into cubes
  • cup soy sauce
  • ½ cup white vinegar
  • cup hot water
  • 2 teaspoons Better Than Bouillon No Chicken Base
  • 1 medium russet potato peeled and diced
  • 6 tablespoons vegetable oil divided
  • 4-6 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 teaspoon whole peppercorns
  • 4 bay leaves
  • teaspoons granulated sugar
  • Cooked white rice for serving

Instructions
 

  • Press and drain your tofu for about 30 minutes. Once most of the water has been pressed out, cut the tofu into bite-size squares. Set aside until ready to use.
  • Create the marinade by combining the soy sauce, white vinegar, hot water, and Better Than Bouillon No Chicken Base in a large bowl. Mix to combine, ensuring the broth paste has fully dissolved.
  • Add the cubed tofu to the marinade, making sure each piece is covered in the sauce. Cover the bowl and allow the tofu to marinate for 30 minutes.
  • Drain the tofu over a strainer and reserve the sauce. The sauce is the main component—don't throw it out!
  • Heat the oil in a wok or large sauté pan with high sides over medium-low heat.
  • Fry the tofu when the oil is hot and glistening. Cook on one side for about 3-4 minutes until browned, then continue until most sides are nicely browned. Be careful, as the tofu will splatter when it hits the oil, so have your splash guard ready.
  • Add aromatics - garlic, peppercorns, and bay leaves to the pot. Cook to open up the aromatics, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Add the potatoes, reserved sauce, and sugar. Mix to combine. Bring it up to a boil, cover the pan and turn down the heat to medium-low.
  • Simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until the potatoes are soft.
  • Serve over a bed of freshly cooked white rice and enjoy!

Tips from Lola's Kitchen

  • Double-press your tofu for best results. After the initial press, cut the tofu, then press again between paper towels for an extra 10 minutes to remove any remaining moisture.
  • Don't skimp on the oil - it replaces the richness that would naturally come from animal fat in traditional adobo.
  • Toast your peppercorns in a dry pan for 1-2 minutes before adding them to the dish for an even deeper flavor.
  • Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to meld together even more.
  • Make it a day ahead if possible - like many stewed dishes, adobo tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had time to develop.
  • Cook in a cast iron pan if you have one, as it helps develop a beautiful caramelization on the tofu.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!