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
Scale
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.
