Best Chinese Restaurant Virginia Beach

Exploring Chinese Spicy Tofu in Virginia Beach

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John
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Introduction

Chinese cuisine is renowned for its rich flavors, diverse ingredients, and intricate cooking techniques. Among its many celebrated dishes, spicy tofu stands out for its bold taste and versatility. This article delves into the world of Chinese spicy tofu, exploring its origins, variations, and where to find the best versions in Virginia Beach.

The Origins of Spicy Tofu

Tofu, also known as bean curd, has a long history dating back to the Han dynasty in China, around 2000 years ago. It is believed to have been invented by Prince Liu An of Anhui province. Tofu’s spread across East Asia coincided with the spread of Buddhism, as it became a staple in the vegetarian diet of Buddhist monks.

Spicy tofu dishes, particularly those from the Sichuan province, are known for their use of bold flavors such as garlic, chili peppers, and Sichuan peppercorns. One of the most famous spicy tofu dishes is Mapo Tofu, which features soft tofu in a spicy, savory sauce with minced meat and a numbing sensation from Sichuan peppercorns.

Variations of Spicy Tofu

Mapo Tofu

Mapo Tofu is a classic Sichuan dish that has gained international popularity. It typically consists of soft tofu cubes braised in a spicy and savory sauce made with doubanjiang (spicy bean paste), minced meat (usually pork or beef), garlic, ginger, and Sichuan peppercorns. The dish is known for its complex flavor profile, combining spiciness, saltiness, and a unique numbing sensation from the peppercorns.

Spicy Garlic Tofu

Another popular variation is Spicy Garlic Tofu, which emphasizes the use of garlic along with chili peppers. This dish is often milder than Mapo Tofu and can be made with or without meat. The garlic adds a robust flavor, while the chili peppers provide the heat. This version is quicker to prepare and is often served with rice or noodles.

Yu Xiang Tofu

Yu Xiang Tofu, also known as Fish Fragrant Tofu, is inspired by the flavors used in Sichuan fish dishes but does not contain any seafood. The sauce is a blend of soy sauce, black vinegar, doubanjiang, sugar, and chili, cooked with ginger, garlic, and scallions. This dish is known for its bold, sweet, and spicy flavors.

Where to Find the Best Spicy Tofu in Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach boasts a variety of Chinese restaurants that offer delicious spicy tofu dishes. Here are some of the top spots to try:

Judy’s Sichuan Cuisine

Judy’s Sichuan Cuisine is highly rated for its authentic Sichuan dishes, including Mapo Tofu. With a rating of 4.5 and 622 reviews, this restaurant is a favorite among locals for its bold flavors and traditional recipes. The Mapo Tofu here is known for its perfect balance of spiciness and numbing sensation, making it a must-try for spicy food lovers.

Forbidden Palace Chinese Bar & Bistro

Forbidden Palace Chinese Bar & Bistro offers a sophisticated dining experience with a focus on authentic Chinese cuisine. With a rating of 4.5 and 490 reviews, this restaurant is praised for its high-quality ingredients and flavorful dishes. Their Mapo Tofu is a standout, featuring tender tofu in a rich, spicy sauce that captures the essence of Sichuan cuisine.

P.F. Chang’s

P.F. Chang’s is a well-known chain that offers a variety of Asian-inspired dishes. Located at 4551 Virginia Beach Blvd, this restaurant has a rating of 4.4 and 2787 reviews. While not exclusively a Chinese restaurant, P.F. Chang’s offers a delicious version of Spicy Garlic Tofu that is milder and slightly sweeter than traditional Mapo Tofu, making it accessible to a wider audience.

Peter Chang

Peter Chang’s restaurant, located at 3364 Princess Anne Rd, is another excellent choice for spicy tofu dishes. With a rating of 4.4 and 741 reviews, this restaurant is known for its innovative take on traditional Chinese cuisine. Their Mapo Tofu is a popular dish, featuring a spicy and savory sauce that perfectly complements the soft tofu.

Guangdong Taste

Guangdong Taste, located at 3497 Holland Rd, offers a variety of authentic Chinese dishes. With a rating of 4.4 and 878 reviews, this restaurant is praised for its flavorful and well-prepared dishes. Their spicy tofu dishes, including Mapo Tofu, are highly recommended for their bold flavors and authentic taste.

Recipes to Try at Home

For those who prefer to cook at home, here are some recipes for different variations of spicy tofu:

Authentic Mapo Tofu

Ingredients:

  • 1 (450g) package soft tofu, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 green onions, divided
  • 2 dried chilies, crushed
  • 80g minced chicken, pork, beef, or finely chopped mushrooms
  • 1 1/2 tbsp doubanjiang (spicy bean paste)
  • 1 cup chicken stock or water
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce or soy sauce
  • 1/2 tsp each dark soy sauce, sugar, and ground Sichuan pepper
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for the slurry)
  • 1 tsp sesame oil

Instructions:

  1. Heat oil in a wok over medium heat. Add garlic, white parts of green onion, and dried chili, and cook for 30 seconds or until fragrant.
  2. Add minced meat and cook for about 2 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spatula.
  3. Add doubanjiang and fry for another minute, stirring well to combine.
  4. Add chicken stock and season with oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, and ground Sichuan pepper. Stir to combine and cook for 2 minutes.
  5. Add cornstarch slurry and stir continuously until thickened. Carefully stir in the tofu. Cook for about 2 minutes until the tofu is heated through.
  6. Season with salt to taste if needed, and finish with sesame oil.
  7. Transfer to a bowl, sprinkle with reserved green onions, and serve immediately over a bowl of steamed rice.

Spicy Garlic Tofu

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon oil (any neutral oil, such as vegetable or canola)
  • 10 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 4 oz. ground pork
  • 2 medium shallots, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon spicy bean sauce (doubanjiang)
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken stock (or vegetable stock)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed into a slurry with 1 tablespoon water)
  • 1 pound firm tofu, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
  • 1 scallion, chopped

Instructions:

  1. Heat the oil in your wok over medium heat. Stir in the garlic, and cook for about 30 seconds, or until the garlic begins to turn golden at the edges.
  2. Add the ground pork, and stir-fry until browned, about 1-2 minutes. Increase the heat to high, and add the shallots. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until the shallots begin to turn translucent.
  3. Stir in the Shaoxing wine, hoisin sauce, and spicy bean paste, and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
  4. Add the chicken stock, white pepper, sugar, and sesame oil. Bring the sauce to a simmer. Mix the cornstarch slurry, and pour it into the sauce. Simmer for 30 seconds, until the sauce has thickened.
  5. Gently stir in the tofu cubes, and allow it to simmer for 1-2 minutes, stirring often. Stir in the scallions, and serve with steamed rice.

Yu Xiang Tofu

Ingredients:

  • 550g extra firm tofu
  • Neutral oil
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp Chinese black vinegar or Chinkiang vinegar
  • 1/2 – 1 tbsp doubanjiang
  • 1/2 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/2 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tbsp neutral oil
  • 1-3 tsp chili powder or flakes
  • 2 tsp minced ginger
  • 2 tsp minced garlic
  • 1 scallion, sliced
  • Chopped scallions and cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Dry the tofu by wrapping it in towels and placing a plate on top until excess liquid is absorbed. Cut into 1-inch strips or cubes.
  2. Heat oil in a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the tofu and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
  3. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, black vinegar, doubanjiang, sesame oil, water, and sugar.
  4. Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a wok over medium heat. Add chili powder, ginger, and garlic, and cook until fragrant.
  5. Add the sauce mixture and bring to a simmer. Add the tofu and stir to coat. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  6. Garnish with chopped scallions and cilantro, and serve with rice or noodles.

Conclusion

Chinese spicy tofu is a versatile and flavorful dish that has captured the hearts of food lovers around the world. Whether you prefer the traditional Mapo Tofu, the garlicky Spicy Garlic Tofu, or the bold Yu Xiang Tofu, there are plenty of options to explore. Virginia Beach offers a variety of restaurants where you can enjoy these delicious dishes, or you can try making them at home with the provided recipes. Enjoy the rich flavors and the delightful heat of Chinese spicy tofu!