Generally speaking, cooking fish and tofu together takes about 15-20 minutes for a perfect texture. Here are some tips for making fish stew with tofu:
Ingredients: Choose fresh fish and tender tofu for a better texture. Clean the fish and cut the tofu into cubes.
Cooking Steps:
First, pan-fry the fish until cooked through. Be sure to remove any starch from the pan to avoid affecting the color of the broth.
Pour in boiling water; don't overdo it; two or three bowls per fish is enough. This will ensure a white broth.
Simmer over high heat for about five minutes to firm the fish and prevent it from becoming mushy.
Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the fish and tofu to absorb the broth and become more flavorful.
Controlling the Heat: This dish is best prepared in a clay pot, which distributes heat evenly. Be careful not to overcook the broth or burn the ingredients.
It's important to note that the phrase "boil tofu a thousand times and fish ten thousand times" is merely a descriptive term, not a specific unit of measurement. It doesn't mean that the longer you cook the tofu and fish, the better. Overcooking them can actually cause the ingredients to become tough and woody. Therefore, when cooking fish and tofu, it's important to manage the cooking time appropriately to ensure the best taste and nutritional value.