Description
Salt and Pepper Tofu is a deliciously crispy and flavorful vegan dish featuring extra-firm tofu coated in a spiced cornstarch blend, pan-fried to golden perfection, and tossed with garlic, green onions, and chili for a classic Chinese-inspired main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Tofu and Coating
- 1 block (14 oz) extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
For Frying and Garnish
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 small chili (like red Thai chili), finely sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Press the tofu: Press the tofu for at least 20 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut it into 1-inch cubes to ensure they fry evenly and achieve optimal crispiness.
- Prepare coating mix: In a bowl, mix together cornstarch, salt, black pepper, white pepper, garlic powder, and chili flakes. This blend will season and help create a crunchy crust on the tofu cubes.
- Coat the tofu: Toss the tofu cubes gently in the cornstarch mixture until each piece is evenly coated for a crispy texture after frying.
- Heat oil: Warm the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, readying the pan for frying the tofu.
- Fry the tofu: Place the coated tofu cubes in a single layer in the hot oil and fry for about 2–3 minutes per side, turning carefully until all sides are golden brown and crispy.
- Add aromatics: Add the minced garlic, green onions, and sliced chili to the pan with the tofu and stir-fry for an additional 1–2 minutes until fragrant, infusing the dish with bold flavors.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately while the tofu is hot and crisp for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, try using an air fryer or double-frying the tofu.
- White pepper adds an authentic flavor to the dish but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Adjust the amount of chili flakes and fresh chili to suit your preferred spice level.
