Savory Braised Pork and Tofu Skillet

Looking for a new weeknight dinner hero? You’ve just found it. This dish is the perfect answer to the “what’s for dinner” dilemma when you want something incredibly flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen. In fact, this one-pan wonder comes together in about 10 minutes of active cooking time and is beautifully simple to prepare, even for beginner cooks. The magic lies in a quick braising method where tender slices of pork and firm, savory tofu simmer together in a light, aromatic sauce. The result is a wonderfully comforting meal that’s salty, savory, and has just a hint of warmth from garlic and chili. Its approachable flavor and easy preparation make it a guaranteed hit for a satisfying and speedy meal.

To get started, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients. The star of the show is a special type of tofu that is key to the dish’s texture. Don’t worry if you can’t find the exact kind; common supermarket alternatives work beautifully.

Ingredients:

• For the Main Event:
  • 9 oz (about 250g) Pressed Spiced Tofu (also known as xiang gan). This tofu is firm, dense, and often has a brownish hue from being pressed and braised in spices. If you can’t find it at an Asian market, smoked tofu is an excellent and widely available substitute. In a pinch, you can also use extra-firm tofu that has been pressed for at least 30 minutes to remove as much water as possible.
  • 7 oz (about 200g) Lean Pork Loin or Tenderloin, very thinly sliced.
• Aromatics:
  • 2 cloves Garlic
• For the Marinade and Sauce:
  • 1 tsp Cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp Light Soy Sauce, plus a little extra for cooking (use all-purpose soy sauce, not dark soy sauce)
  • ½ tsp Salt
  • A pinch of Chili Powder or red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
  • A pinch of Chicken Powder (this is essentially chicken bouillon powder; feel free to use a small amount of powdered chicken bouillon or a crushed stock cube as a substitute)
  • 1 tbsp Neutral Cooking Oil (like canola, vegetable, or avocado oil)
  • ½ cup Water

Let’s get cooking! This process is fast, so it’s a good idea to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you turn on the stove.

Instructions:

1. First, prepare the tofu. Slice the pressed tofu into domino-sized pieces, about ¼ inch (or 5mm) thick. Set them aside.
2. Finely mince your garlic cloves and set them aside as well.
3. Now, marinate the pork. In a small bowl, combine the thinly sliced pork with 1 teaspoon of cornstarch and a dash of light soy sauce. Mix thoroughly to ensure every piece is lightly coated. This simple step helps keep the pork tender and flavorful. Let it rest for about 20 minutes while you prepare everything else.
4. Place a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add the cooking oil. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the minced garlic. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until it becomes wonderfully fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn, as it can turn bitter.
5. Add the marinated pork slices to the skillet. Spread them into a single layer if possible and let them sear for a moment before you begin to stir-fry. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pork is just cooked through and no longer pink.
6. Toss in the sliced tofu. Give everything a quick stir to combine.
7. It’s time to build the sauce! Drizzle in the tablespoon of light soy sauce, sprinkle in the pinch of chicken powder, the half teaspoon of salt, and the pinch of chili powder for a gentle warmth.
8. Stir everything together until the pork and tofu are evenly coated with the seasonings. Pour in about half a cup of water, enough to create a shallow simmering sauce. Bring the liquid to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let everything simmer for 5 minutes. This final step is where the magic happens—the tofu absorbs all the savory flavors of the sauce, becoming incredibly delicious. After 5 minutes, the sauce should have slightly thickened. Give it one last stir, and you’re ready to serve!

I made this last night, and it was a huge success. The entire dish came together so quickly, filling my kitchen with the most amazing, savory aroma. The texture of the pressed tofu is fantastic—it has a satisfying, slightly chewy bite that holds up perfectly without falling apart, and it acts like a sponge for the garlicky, savory sauce. Paired with the tender pork, it’s a truly comforting combination. We enjoyed it served hot over a fresh bowl of steamed jasmine rice, which was perfect for soaking up every last drop of the delicious sauce. It’s a recipe that feels special but is easy enough for any night of the week. I highly encourage you to give this a try! Let me know in the comments how it turns out or if you discover any fun new twists. Happy cooking