Savory Tomato Beef over Silken Tofu

If you’re searching for a meal that hits all the right notes—quick, incredibly flavorful, and wonderfully light—then you’ve just found your new favorite recipe. This dish is an absolute game-changer for weeknight dinners. Imagine tender, savory ground beef and juicy tomatoes simmered into a rich, tangy sauce, all gently steamed over a bed of melt-in-your-mouth tofu. The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity and the steaming technique, which locks in moisture and flawlessly melds the flavors together without adding heavy oils. It’s a dish that takes about 30 minutes from start to finish and is so easy to prepare, making it perfect for both seasoned cooks and kitchen newcomers. The result is a comforting, nutritious meal that feels both wholesome and gourmet.

To get started, let’s gather our ingredients. The list is short and features items that are easy to find, but I’ve also included some handy notes and substitutions to make your shopping trip a breeze.

For the Dish:

• 1 large ripe tomato
• 100g (about 1/4 lb) lean ground beef (Ground pork or even ground chicken would also be delicious.)
• 150g (about 1/2 a standard block) silken or soft tofu (This is key! Look for tofu labeled “silken” or “soft.” Its delicate, custard-like texture is perfect for this dish. Medium-firm tofu can work in a pinch, but you’ll miss out on that signature creamy mouthfeel.)
• 1 scallion (also known as a green onion), for garnish

For the Marinade and Sauce:

• A pinch of salt
• 2g (about 1/2 tsp) sugar (This helps balance the acidity of the tomato.)
• 1g (about 1/4 tsp) ground white pepper (White pepper has a more earthy, subtle heat than black pepper. If you only have black pepper, use it sparingly.)
• 1 tbsp light soy sauce (Sometimes just labeled “soy sauce” in Western supermarkets. Avoid dark soy sauce, as it’s thicker and will alter the flavor profile.)
• 1/2 tbsp cornstarch

Now for the fun part! This recipe comes together in just a few simple steps. Following them in order will ensure your beef is tender and your final dish is perfectly steamed.

1. First, let’s get our prep done. Gently cube the silken tofu and set it aside. For the tomato, I highly recommend peeling it first (a quick blanch in hot water makes the skin slip right off) as this creates a smoother sauce. Finely dice the peeled tomato. Have your ground beef ready to go in a small bowl.
2. In the bowl with the ground beef, add a pinch of salt, the sugar, white pepper, a small splash of the light soy sauce (about 1 teaspoon), and the cornstarch. Mix everything together until well combined. Set it aside to marinate for about 15 minutes. This simple step is the secret to incredibly tender and flavorful beef.
3. Heat a teaspoon of neutral oil in a non-stick pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated ground beef and stir-fry, breaking it up with your spatula, until it has just changed color. This should only take a minute or two.
4. Add the diced tomato to the pan. Sauté for a few minutes, allowing the tomato to soften and release its wonderful juices. Pour in about 1/4 cup (60ml) of water and the remaining light soy sauce. Stir everything together and let it simmer for another minute to create a beautiful, savory sauce.
5. Now, assemble your steaming dish. Choose a shallow, heatproof bowl or plate with a rim to hold the sauce. Arrange the cubed silken tofu in a single, even layer at the bottom. Carefully pour the hot tomato and beef mixture right over the tofu.
6. Bring water to a boil in a steamer (or a large pot with a steaming rack). Carefully place the dish inside, cover with a lid, and steam for 20 minutes. During this time, the tofu will become infused with all the delicious flavors of the sauce. Once done, remove a carefully from the steamer and garnish with freshly chopped scallions for a pop of color and freshness. The aroma alone is worth it!

The final result is a stunningly simple yet elegant dish. Each spoonful offers a perfect harmony of textures and tastes: the rich, savory-sour tomato and beef gravy, the delicate and creamy tofu that practically melts in your mouth, and the fresh bite of the scallions. It’s light on the stomach but deeply satisfying to the soul. This dish is absolutely divine served hot over a bowl of steamed jasmine rice, which eagerly soaks up every last drop of the wonderful sauce. It’s a complete and balanced meal that your whole family will love. I truly hope you give this recipe a try; it’s one of those comforting dishes that I find myself making again and again. If you do make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out in the comments below