Chinese Braised Tofu with Ground Pork

Ingredients:
1 block firm or extra firm tofu
salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tbsp cooking oil
1 pound ground pork, beef, turkey or chicken
1 clove garlic, very finely minced
1 tsp grated fresh ginger
1 cup chicken broth
2 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp soy sauce
1/4 cup cool water
1 tsp cornstarch
1/2 stalk green onion, chopped

Directions:
1. Drain the tofu and place on towels or paper towels. To get rid excess water in the tofu, place another towel on top of the tofu, then place something flat and heavy (like a cutting board or a cast iron frying pan) on top. You can weigh the cutting board down by putting a couple of cans of soup on top. Let sit for 10 minutes. Cut the tofu into several slices 3/4" thick. Season on both sides with salt, pepper.

2. Heat a wok or large saute pan over medium-high heat. When hot, swirl in the cooking oil. Very carefully and slowly slide in the tofu slices in one layer. Fry for 1 minutes, then flip to fry the other side for 1 minute until both sides are browned. Remove the seared tofu to a clean plate.

3. To the same wok, add in the ground meat. Saute until browned, about 2 minutes. Add in the garlic and the ginger and stir fry for 30 seconds.

4. Add in the chicken broth, oyster sauce and soy sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the water and the cornstarch. In the wok, stir in the water and cornstarch mixture and bring everything to a simmer. Lower the heat to medium-low. Let simmer for 5 minutes, until thickened. Mix in green onion. Serve with rice.