Hello there! I'm back with another tofu recipe! This time it's some crispy salt and pepper tofu that's inspired by the salt and pepper dishes I used to enjoy in Chinese restaurants. Instead of deep frying the tofu, I opted to pan fry them which still yielded really light and crisp tofu!
The secret here is really the spice mix. It's a simple mix of basic ingredients, that the tofu absorbs as it cooks. This dish is called salt and pepper for a reason--it's a little salty and peppery at the same time. But it's perfect to snack on as-is or with some rice or noodles, as I'd like to have it!
Check out the full recipe below.
P.S. The recipe yields tofu enough for 2 people but you can also of course enjoy it all by yourself!
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CRISPY SALT AND PEPPER TOFU
Serves 2 people
3 blocks extra firm tofu (around 250g each)
1 small onion, diced (around 1/4 cup diced)
1/2 large bell pepper (around 1/4 cup diced)
1/4 cup spring onion, chopped + more for garnishing
1 red chili, seeds removed and finely chopped (optional)
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp coconut or brown sugar
1 cup canola oil, for frying
1-2 tbsp canola oil, for sautéing
Spice mix:
1/3 cup cornstarch
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp coconut or brown sugar
3/4 tsp black pepper
Drain excess water from the tofu. I like to do this by wrapping them in paper towels and placing them on a flat surface before putting a plate or flat heavy surface on top. You can also opt to use a tofu press.
Slice into rectangular shapes or cubes.
In a tray, mix all the ingredients for the spice mix. Roll each tofu cube into the spice mix and coat well. Set aside while you coat the remaining cubes.
Heat 1 cup of canola oil in a non-stick frying pan. Once hot, add in the tofu. Depending on the size of your pan, you may need to do add more oil and cook the tofu in 2 batches.
Cook each side of the tofu over medium heat until golden brown and crisp, around 3-5 minutes on each side.
Set the cooked tofu aside. You can place these on a plate lined with some paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
Add more oil in the same pan, as needed. Sauté the onions, bell peppers, and chili in a pan. Season with the salt and sugar. Mix well.
Once cooked through, add in the cooked tofu and mix well. Turn off heat.
Garnish with additional spring onions, if desired. Enjoy while hot and crisp over some rice or noodles.
