Steamed Stuffed Tofu with Minced Pork

Why people make this dish

In Chinese food therapy, tofu is considered an outstanding source of high-quality plant protein that is easy to digest and gentle on the body. During menopause, a woman’s metabolic rate naturally slows and the body’s needs shift — rich, fatty foods become harder to process, but the need for good-quality protein stays high. Steaming tofu, rather than frying it, keeps things light while retaining all the nourishment. This dish is genuinely one of the most versatile on the table: comforting for the elderly, appealing to children, and appropriate for anyone managing a sensitive digestion.

Who it suits / who should be cautious

• Suitable for the whole family — menopausal women, the elderly, children, and those with poor appetite or weak digestion
• Those with diagnosed hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) should limit soy products; one serving per week is considered acceptable
• People with soy or gluten sensitivities should adapt accordingly

Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)

• Soft tofu (nen dou fu): A high-quality, easily digested protein source; in food therapy it is described as “broadening the middle” — calming the digestive centre and gently supporting qi
• Minced pork: Provides animal protein and balances the cooling nature of tofu with mild warmth
• Watercress or Chinese cabbage (optional addition): Adds fibre and gentle cleansing properties
• Oyster sauce: Adds umami without adding heaviness; a small amount goes a long way

Ingredients (2–3 servings)

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Soft tofu	1 block (~350–400 g)	Drained well before use
Minced pork	~75 g	May mix in finely chopped watercress or white cabbage
Cornstarch	a small pinch	For dusting inside the tofu pockets
Oyster sauce	to taste	For the sauce
Soy sauce	a little	For marinating the pork
Sesame oil, white pepper	a little	For marinating the pork
Water or stock	2–3 tbsp	For making the sauce

Method

1. Drain the tofu and pat dry. Cut into small rectangular pieces, roughly 4 cm × 3 cm × 2 cm.
2. Using a small spoon, scoop out a shallow hollow in the centre of each piece. Dust the hollow lightly with a pinch of cornstarch — this helps the filling adhere.
3. Season the minced pork with a little soy sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper. If adding watercress or cabbage, chop finely and mix in.
4. Fill each tofu piece with a small mound of seasoned pork, pressing gently so it stays in place.
5. Arrange the stuffed tofu on a heatproof plate. Set up a steamer with boiling water, place the plate inside, and steam over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes.
6. Carefully pour off the liquid that has collected on the plate into a small saucepan. Add oyster sauce to taste, bring to a gentle simmer, and thicken with a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water to form a light glaze.
7. Pour the sauce over the tofu and serve immediately.

Bro Niu’s tips

Soft tofu is delicate and tends to break — buy an extra block if you can. Any pieces that crumble during assembly can be dropped into a quick clear soup with sliced fish — soft tofu fish soup is a lovely, simple dish that makes the most of every scrap. Try not to overfill the pockets, or the filling will fall off during steaming.

Community questions answered (selected)

• Q (TT): Can men eat tofu during their own version of menopause? My father is sleeping poorly lately. Bro Niu: Men do have a menopause of sorts, usually between 55 and 65. Tofu is fine for men and beneficial for health. For poor sleep during this stage, try a simple brew of wheat berries (mai mi), poria mushroom (fu shen), sour jujube seed (suan zao ren), longan flesh, and schisandra berry — simmer in water for 1.5 hours and drink over a few days. This soup is suitable for both men and women.

• Q (B Team Leader): I have a thyroid condition — how much tofu is safe for me? Bro Niu: Those with hypothyroidism should be cautious with soy products because they can interfere with thyroid hormone production. However, one serving once a week is generally fine.

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Published March 28, 2010 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.