Tofu Omelette (with gravy!)

Make an easier version of this Singaporean zi char classic: tofu omelette! Easy steps with egg, tofu and veggies for a savoury dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.

When it comes to Singaporean cuisine, zi char dishes hold a special place in the hearts of locals and food enthusiasts alike. One standout dish is the Hotplate Tofu Omelette, a mouthwatering blend of eggs, soft tofu, and savoury sauce served sizzling hot! I have a recipe for it right here for Hotplate Egg Tofu Omelette – but this is an easier version of it. It doesn’t use a hotplate or a cast iron pan – I love my cast iron, but I get it – not everyone owns one… and some days I just don’t want to fuss with the cast iron clean up after using it.

What is Hotplate Tofu Omelette?

Hotplate Tofu Omelette is a classic zi char dish that features a perfectly cooked omelette, often combined with egg tofu, and bathed in a rich, umami-filled sauce. Served on a sizzling hotplate, it’s not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes and ears. The dish is versatile, and egg tofu is traditionally used, deep fried first to get a crispy outer layer with silky soft insides.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor Explosion: The combination of eggs, soft tofu, and a savory sauce is SO GOOD!
• Texture Heaven: Enjoy the contrast of egg, soft tofu, and a luscious sauce in every bite.
• Easy to Make: Despite its impressive appearance, this dish is straightforward to prepare with simple ingredients.
• Customizable: Add minced pork, shrimp, or keep it vegetarian—the choice is yours.
• Crowd-Pleaser: The sizzling presentation and delicious taste make it perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a special meal at home.

Key Ingredients for Tofu Omelette

• Egg Tofu: Silky and smooth, egg tofu is the star of the dish, providing a delicate texture that pairs beautifully with the omelette. You can also opt for silky tofu for a different texture.

• Eggs: Essential for that golden omelette base!

• Minced Meat & Shrimp: Added proteins to enhance flavour and fill this dish up even more! Zi Char restaurants would often use a combination of mince meat and shrimp, but I’ve often skipped this.

• Chopped Vegetables: Use chopped vegetables of your choice for colour and added nutrition. I used a combination of red and green bell peppers and carrots, all chopped equally. For even more convenience, use frozen vegetables.

• Onions, Ginger, Garlic & Spring Onions: Aromatics that add depth to the sauce. Finely mince the ingredients – or use paste form! See this post for my how-to guide on making aromatics pastes.

Seasoning for Gravy

• Oyster Sauce & Soy Sauce: The two key components of the savory sauce that ties everything together!

• Dark Soy Sauce: This is totally optional, but I like adding a dash of dark soy sauce for colour and a hint of sweetness to balance out the savoury flavours.

• Chicken Stock or Water: Helps create a rich and flavourful sauce.

• Cornstarch Slurry: A slurry of cornstarch and water to help thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency.

• Ground White Pepper

• Sesame Oil: Drizzled at the end, this imparts so much fragrance to the dish!

Key Steps to Making Hotplate Tofu Omelette

1. Prepare the Ingredients

• Combine the sauce ingredients first and set aside.

• Crack the eggs into a bowl and lightly beat. Set both aside.

2. Saute Aromatics and Vegetables

• Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger until fragrant.

• If using minced meat, add it first and stir-fry until cooked.

• Add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry until tender.

3. Add Shrimps

• Push the ingredients to one side of the pan.

• Add the shrimps and pan-fry for about 1 minute on each side until they turn orange.

• Stir-fry with the vegetables to combine, without cooking the shrimps through.

4. Create the Gravy Sauce

• Pour in all of the seasoning sauce and stir to combine. Let the sauce come up to a boil.

• Once bubbly, pour in the cornstarch slurry.

• Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the sesame sauce and turn off the heat.

5. Cook the Egg Tofu

• In a separate pan over medium heat, add oil.

• Once hot, add the egg tofu discs and pan-fry on each side for 3-4 minutes or until the surface is golden brown.

• Using a spatula, spread the egg tofu discs evenly throughout the pan.

6. Add the Beaten Eggs

• Pour in the beaten eggs into the same pan. Swirl pan to distribute the omelette.

• Once the bottom has solidified, turn off the heat.

• Aim for a half-cooked top, but feel free to cook further to your preference.

7. Serve

• Pour the saucy gravy over the tofu omelette. Garnish with spring onions.

• Serve immediately with rice!

How to Serve Tofu Omelette

Serve your tofu omelette immediately on a serving dish – or straight from the pan!

Pair it with steamed jasmine rice for a complete meal.

Tips and Tricks

• To Prevent Tofu Splatter: To prevent splattering, you can pat the tofu dry with paper towels first. Optional!

• Omelette: Cook omelette to preference; typically we aim for a half-cooked omelette for a custardy top, but feel free to cook it through.

• Sauce Consistency: Adjust the cornstarch slurry to achieve your desired sauce thickness.

• Veggie Customisation: Feel free to add your vegetables of choice like mushrooms, broccoli and cauliflower for added texture and flavor.