Crispy Salt and Pepper Tofu

  

Delightfully Crispy Salt and Pepper Tofu: A Simple, Flavorful Vegan Recipe

Are you looking for a delicious, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for those cutting back on meat or following a vegan lifestyle? Look no further than this Salt and Pepper Tofu recipe. With its crispy exterior and flavorful seasoning, this dish will impress your taste buds, even with its simplicity. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just starting to explore plant-based options, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Why Salt and Pepper Tofu?

Tofu is a versatile ingredient that takes on the flavors of the seasonings and marinades it's paired with, making it an excellent choice for a variety of dishes. In this recipe, we’re taking the humble tofu and elevating it with a crispy coating and a blend of aromatic spices. Salt and Pepper Tofu is a popular dish in many Asian cuisines, known for its crunchy texture and the perfect balance of salty and spicy flavors.

Recipe video:

This dish is also ideal for those who want to reduce their meat consumption or are following a vegan diet. It’s packed with protein, low in calories, and free from any animal products, making it a healthy and satisfying option for any meal.

Ingredients:

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather the ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 500g soft tofu
• 3 cups water
• 1/2 tsp. sea salt
• 1/3 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp. black peppercorn
• 1/2 tsp. Sichuan peppercorn
• 1/2 tsp. sea salt (for seasoning)
• 1/2 tsp. ground white pepper
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp. spring onion, chopped
• 1/2 tbsp. red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 tbsp. green bell pepper, diced
• 2 pcs. chili, sliced (adjust to taste)

Instructions:

1. Preparing the Tofu

Start by draining the tofu and patting it dry with paper towels. Soft tofu is delicate, so handle it gently to avoid breaking it apart. Once the tofu is dry, cut it into bite-sized cubes.

In a medium-sized pot, bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Add 1/2 tsp. sea salt and gently slide the tofu cubes into the boiling water. Boil for about 2 minutes. This step helps to firm up the tofu slightly, making it easier to handle and fry. After boiling, carefully drain the tofu and set it aside to cool.

2. Preparing the Coating

In a mixing bowl, combine the cornstarch, baking soda, and garlic powder. The cornstarch will give the tofu its crispy texture, while the baking soda adds a lightness to the coating.

Gently toss the boiled tofu cubes in the cornstarch mixture until they are evenly coated. Make sure each piece of tofu is well-covered to achieve a perfect crunch.

3. Frying the Tofu

Heat a generous amount of oil in a frying pan over medium heat. You want enough oil to submerge at least half of the tofu cubes while frying. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated tofu cubes in batches. Fry them until they turn golden brown and crispy on all sides. This should take about 3-4 minutes per batch.

As each batch is done, transfer the tofu to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

4. Preparing the Spice Mix

While the tofu is frying, prepare the spice mix. In a mortar and pestle, combine the black peppercorns, Sichuan peppercorns, and sea salt. Grind them into a coarse powder. This spice mix is the heart of the Salt and Pepper Tofu, providing a bold and aromatic flavor.

Once ground, mix in the ground white pepper. Set the spice mix aside.

5. Sautéing the Aromatics

In the same frying pan, remove any excess oil, leaving just a small amount to sauté the aromatics. Over medium heat, add the chopped garlic, spring onion, red and green bell peppers, and sliced chili. Sauté for about 2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant and the bell peppers are slightly softened.

6. Bringing It All Together

Return the fried tofu to the pan with the sautéed aromatics. Sprinkle the spice mix evenly over the tofu, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Toss everything together for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the tofu to absorb the flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Your Salt and Pepper Tofu is now ready to be served! This dish is best enjoyed fresh from the pan, while the tofu is still crispy. Serve it as a main dish with a side of steamed rice or as an appetizer alongside other Asian-inspired dishes.

For an extra touch, garnish with additional chopped spring onions or a squeeze of lime juice for a zesty finish.

Why This Recipe Works

What makes this Salt and Pepper Tofu recipe so special is its simplicity and the careful balance of flavors. The crispiness of the tofu, combined with the bold peppery seasoning and the subtle heat from the chilies, creates a dish that is both satisfying and exciting to eat. Plus, with only a handful of ingredients, it’s an accessible recipe that doesn’t require much time or effort to prepare.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to be a hit. It’s also a great way to introduce tofu to those who might be hesitant to try it, as the flavors are familiar and the texture is delightfully crispy.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a quick, tasty, and healthy dish to add to your recipe collection, give this Salt and Pepper Tofu a try. It’s perfect for meatless Mondays, vegan dinners, or whenever you’re in the mood for something light yet flavorful. Plus, it’s so simple to make that you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again.

Happy cooking, and enjoy every crispy, flavorful bite!