Adobong Sitaw With Crunchy Fried Tofu (Filipino-Inspired)
I am a chef on a luxury world cruise liner. I love to cook and write recipes that are inspired by foods from all over the world.
Adobo is a Filipino marinade that provides the primary flavor of one of the most popular national dishes. Typically, adobo dishes are made with meat or seafood, but I decided to make a vegetable version with sitaw, or string beans, and tofu. Tofu is made by coagulating soy milk and pressing it to form soft or hard white blocks. It is a common ingredient in many Asian cuisines. It's easy to cook, and it's nutritious, too.
I call this dish adobong sitaw with crunchy fried tofu. Let's start cooking!


Ingredients
- 100 grams string beans, trimmed and snapped 3 inches long
- 100 grams tofu
- 1 tablespoon onion, sliced
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon vinegar
- 1/4 tablespoon white sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- a pinch of black pepper
- water, as needed
- crispy fried garlic bits, optional
Utensils
For Preparation:
- 2 medium bowls
- 3 small bowls
- 1 small plate
- measuring spoons
- chopping board
- knife
For Cooking:
- frying pan
- tongs
- strainer
- bowl
- saute pan
- cooking spoon
Instructions
- Heat enough oil in a deep fryer or frying pan. Cook tofu until golden brown. Set aside.
- Mix soy sauce, vinegar, white sugar, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Taste to adjust the seasoning if needed. Set aside.
- In a separate pan, saute onion and garlic.
- Mix in water and the seasonings.
- Add the string beans. Cook until tender.
- Toss in fried tofu.
- Turn off the heat. Serve it with optional crispy fried garlic bits on top.
Step-by-Step Video: Adobong Utong na may Tokwa
Tips and Techniques
- Double the amount of soy sauce, vinegar, white sugar, salt, black pepper, and water to achieve a saucy adobo.
- Mix the seasonings together in a bowl first and taste before adding them. That way, you can make the necessary adjustments.
- Bear in mind that the taste of the seasonings may vary according to brand and type. For example, low-sodium soy sauce is available in the market.
- Try topping the dish with homemade crispy fried garlic bits.
Another Adobo Dish
- How to Make Adobong Bayawak: A Filipino-Inspired Exotic Delicacy
In this simple recipe, I use bayawak, or monitor lizard, to make a tasty Filipino adobo. Step-by-step procedure included.
© 2018 Travel Chef
Comments
Travel Chef (author) from Manila on December 06, 2018:
Hello Liz,
That can be a good title. Straight to the point and somthing interesting.
Liz Westwood from UK on December 06, 2018:
Dishes from my travels?
Travel Chef (author) from Manila on December 05, 2018:
Hi Eric,
I love the mix of your tofu. Raw brown sugar is good as this ingredient will make a fried tofu tastes better. I'll try your simple recipe next time!
Travel Chef (author) from Manila on December 05, 2018:
Hello Liz,
I'm looking forward to that too! LOL I wonder what will be the title of my very first book? Any suggestions? ('',)
Travel Chef (author) from Manila on December 05, 2018:
Hi Mary,
I like to replace any meats with tofu because the texture if well well prepared, it gives similar texture. I guess you have a menu for lunch or dinner today! Thank you for dropping by.
Eric Dierker from Spring Valley, CA. U.S.A. on December 05, 2018:
Count me in. I hope it works OK with a raw brown sugar and mixing less salt with no salt seasoning. Crispy Tofu and Garlic --- yum.
Liz Westwood from UK on December 05, 2018:
I am waiting for your cookery book to get published with all these great recipes.
Mary Norton from Ontario, Canada on December 05, 2018:
I thought about sitaw last night and had a craving for it. I have not tried it with crispy tofu so this is something new to add to our menu selection.