If you’ve been craving a dish that bursts with bold, comforting flavors and satisfyingly crispy texture, you’re going to adore this Salt and Pepper Tofu Recipe. It’s that perfect blend of light, crunchy tofu cubes seasoned to perfection with salt, an uplifting hint of white and black pepper, and a subtle kick from garlic and chili. Whether you’re diving in as a longtime tofu fan or just discovering its magic, this recipe brings out tofu’s best while being delightfully simple to prepare. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll find a permanent spot in your kitchen rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are both simple and critical to getting that authentic, crave-worthy flavor and texture in the Salt and Pepper Tofu Recipe. Each one plays a crucial role, from creating the perfect crispy coating to layering fragrant spices that make the dish sing.
- 14 oz extra-firm tofu: The sturdy foundation perfect for pressing and developing crispy edges.
- 1/4 cup cornstarch: Ensures the tofu gets a golden, crunchy crust that’s irresistible.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Brings out the natural flavors in the tofu and spices.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper: Adds that classic subtle heat and aromatic spice.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a sharper peppery bite for balance.
- 1/4 teaspoon Chinese five spice (optional): Adds a warm, fragrant depth to elevate the flavor profile.
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil: For frying the tofu to golden perfection without smoking.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with bold, savory aroma.
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced: Offers freshness and a mild onion crunch.
- 1 small red chili, finely chopped (optional): Brings a hint of heat that you can adjust to your liking.
- 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil: Provides a rich, nutty finish that rounds out the flavors.
How to Make Salt and Pepper Tofu Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the tofu
Start by pressing your extra-firm tofu for at least 15 minutes to squeeze out excess moisture—this step is key to getting that coveted crispy texture when frying. After pressing, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes so they cook evenly.
Step 2: Coat with seasoning and cornstarch
In a large bowl, gently toss the tofu cubes with cornstarch, salt, white pepper, black pepper, and if you like, the Chinese five spice. This coating not only helps achieve a golden crust but also infuses every bite with layered flavors.
Step 3: Pan-fry the tofu
Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a wide nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes in a single layer and let them crisp undisturbed for a few minutes before carefully turning. Fry until each side is beautifully golden and crunchy, which takes about 10 to 12 minutes total. Remove the tofu and set it aside for now.
Step 4: Sauté garlic, scallions, and chili
In the same pan, add a small drizzle of oil if needed, then quickly sauté the minced garlic, sliced scallions, and chopped red chili until fragrant—this usually only takes 1 to 2 minutes. This step awakens the spices and brings a fresh punch to the dish.
Step 5: Combine and finish with sesame oil
Return the golden tofu cubes to the pan, drizzle with toasted sesame oil, and gently toss everything together for another 1 to 2 minutes. This final step marries all the flavors, giving you that perfect balance of crispiness and aromatic richness.
How to Serve Salt and Pepper Tofu Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Salt and Pepper Tofu Recipe truly shine, sprinkle extra chopped scallions or thinly sliced fresh chili on top for color and a burst of freshness. Toasted sesame seeds can also add a delightful texture and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This crispy and flavorful tofu pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or noodles for a comforting, complete meal. Lightly sautéed greens such as bok choy or snap peas add a crisp, vibrant contrast that balances the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd or a fun family dinner, consider serving the tofu over a bed of shredded lettuce or alongside cucumber ribbons for a refreshing crunch. You could also turn it into a vibrant rice bowl topped with avocado and a drizzle of soy or chili sauce for an extra kick.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Salt and Pepper Tofu Recipe stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The tofu retains its crispy texture surprisingly well, making it an excellent option for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, place the tofu on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid before transferring it to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen tofu should be used within 1 month for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To keep that delicious crisp, reheat the tofu in a hot skillet or oven rather than the microwave. A few minutes at 350°F in the oven or a quick stir-fry over medium-high heat will revive the crunch and freshen up the spices beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use soft tofu for this Salt and Pepper Tofu Recipe?
Soft tofu is not ideal for this recipe because it holds more water and tends to fall apart during cooking. Extra-firm tofu is best to achieve the crispy texture central to this dish.
What if I don’t have Chinese five spice?
It’s totally fine to skip the Chinese five spice if you don’t have it on hand. The salt and pepper seasoning alone brings fantastic flavor, but the five spice adds a lovely aromatic depth if you want to experiment.
Can I make this recipe oil-free or use less oil?
The oil is important to get that crispy golden crust, but you can reduce the amount or try air frying the tofu for a lighter version. Air frying at 400°F for 12 to 15 minutes works beautifully and uses little to no oil.
Is this tofu recipe spicy?
The heat level is completely adjustable! The small amount of chopped red chili adds a gentle kick, but you can leave it out or add more depending on your spice preference.
How do I press tofu if I don’t have a tofu press?
You can press tofu easily at home using heavy books or a weighted plate placed on top of the wrapped tofu. Just let it sit for at least 15 minutes to squeeze out moisture and improve texture.
Final Thoughts
This Salt and Pepper Tofu Recipe is hands down one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug in every crunchy, flavorful bite. It’s simple to make, wonderfully adaptable, and packed with the kind of bold flavors that keep everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with friends, give it a try—you might just find your new favorite weeknight meal.
Print
Salt and Pepper Tofu Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Salt and Pepper Tofu recipe features crispy, pan-fried tofu cubes seasoned with a blend of white and black pepper, garlic, scallions, and a hint of Chinese five spice for an authentic Chinese flavor. Perfect as a flavorful vegan main course, it’s easy to prepare and delivers a delightful combination of crunchy texture and aromatic spices.
Ingredients
Tofu and Coating
- 14 oz extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon Chinese five spice (optional)
Cooking and Seasoning
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced
- 1 small red chili, finely chopped (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
Instructions
- Press and Cube Tofu: Press the tofu for at least 15 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut it into 1-inch cubes to ensure they crisp evenly during cooking.
- Coat the Tofu: In a large bowl, toss the tofu cubes with cornstarch, salt, white pepper, black pepper, and optional Chinese five spice until they are well coated, creating a flavorful crust.
- Pan-Fry the Tofu: Heat the vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes in a single layer and pan-fry, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden and crispy, about 10 to 12 minutes.
- Sauté Aromatics: Remove the crispy tofu from the pan and set aside. In the same pan, add a small drizzle of oil if needed and sauté the minced garlic, sliced scallions, and finely chopped red chili for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Toss and Finish: Return the tofu to the pan with the aromatics, drizzle with toasted sesame oil, and toss everything together to combine the flavors, cooking for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. Serve immediately for best texture.
Notes
- For extra crispy tofu, air fry the cubes at 400°F for 12–15 minutes instead of pan-frying.
- Adjust the amount of chili to taste or omit it for a milder version.
- Serve over steamed rice or noodles to make a complete meal.
