Description
Salt and Pepper Tofu is a crispy, flavorful vegan dish featuring perfectly pan-fried tofu cubes seasoned with a blend of salt, black and white pepper, and optional Chinese five spice. This easy-to-make recipe offers a delicious balance of heat and aromatic spices, making it a perfect main course for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Tofu
- 14 oz block of firm tofu, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
For Cooking and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 small chili (optional), thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon Chinese five spice powder (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the tofu: Pat the tofu dry thoroughly to remove excess moisture and cut it into 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking.
- Coat the tofu: In a mixing bowl, toss the tofu cubes with cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and white pepper until each piece is evenly coated, which helps create a crispy texture when cooked.
- Pan-fry the tofu: Heat vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Place the tofu cubes in a single layer and cook them for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and crispy. Then, remove the tofu from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same pan, add a little more oil if necessary. Sauté the minced garlic, sliced green onions, and thinly sliced chili (if using) for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Combine and season: Return the crispy tofu to the pan and sprinkle with Chinese five spice powder if desired. Toss everything together gently so the flavors blend well. Cook for an additional minute before serving hot.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, consider air frying or deep-frying the tofu instead of pan-frying.
- Serve the tofu over steamed rice or enjoy it as an appetizer.
- Adjust the amount of chili and pepper to control the heat level according to your preference.
