Tofu is a versatile ingredient that can be stewed, deep-fried, boiled, or used in vegetarian dishes. One of the most popular ways to cook tofu is by frying it.
Frying tofu is simple, but achieving a golden, crispy exterior with a soft, fragrant interior takes skill. Many people struggle with their tofu sticking to the pan, breaking apart, or losing its delicious, creamy texture and flavor.
So, how can you create a restaurant-quality fried tofu dish? According to an experienced chef, the secret to perfect tofu is to blanch or steam it before frying.
This technique helps to firm up the surface of the tofu. It also removes any beany flavor and draws out excess moisture, resulting in a drier tofu that will fry up crisp and golden, with a soft, spongy texture.
Additionally, keep in mind these four simple tips for the best fried tofu:
1. Choose the Right Tofu
The first step to delicious fried tofu is selecting the right type. Opt for tofu with a firm texture that feels slightly hard. This will ensure it doesn’t fall apart or break during frying.
2. Soak Tofu in Salted Water
Once you’ve purchased your tofu, rinse it and soak it in salted water for about 10 minutes. The salt water will draw out the moisture from the tofu through osmosis, resulting in a firmer texture that’s less likely to break during frying.
3. Dry the Tofu
Cut the tofu into bite-sized pieces and pat them dry with paper towels. Heat oil in a pan, and carefully place the tofu pieces in the hot oil to begin frying.
Note that using too little oil can result in tofu that’s not crispy and is more likely to stick to the pan. For best results, use a non-stick pan.
4. Control the Heat
Avoid frying tofu over high heat, as it may cause it to deflate. Instead, use medium heat and fry the tofu slowly. Once the underside of the tofu turns golden brown and crispy, flip it over and fry the other side until both sides are evenly cooked.
Pay attention to the corners of the tofu and ensure they’re golden before flipping. Be careful not to flip too early, as this can cause the tofu to break.
Frying tofu in this manner results in a crispy exterior and a soft, fragrant interior. You can serve it with a spicy dipping sauce for a perfect dish.
In addition to these tips, you can also dip the tofu in beaten egg and coat it with flour before frying. The protein in the egg will form a protective layer, resulting in crispier tofu.
For leftover tofu, allow it to cool and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you want to keep it for a longer period, freeze it, and simply thaw it when needed.
Try out this delicious spicy stir-fried tofu recipe that’s easy to make and sure to be a family favorite.
SPICY STIR-FRIED TOFU RECIPE
This spicy stir-fried tofu dish is simple to prepare and doesn’t require any complicated steps. With just a few basic ingredients and easy techniques, you’ll have a tasty and satisfying meal on the table in no time.
Ingredients
– Fried tofu
– Fresh chili peppers
– Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons
– Minced garlic
– Pepper
– Oyster sauce: 3 tablespoons
– Salt
– Pork belly: 250g
– MSG
Instructions
1. Cut the tofu into bite-sized pieces.
2. Peel and mince or slice the garlic.
3. Slice or cut the chili peppers into sections to allow the spicy flavor to infuse the tofu easily.
4. Slice the pork belly thinly, adjusting the thickness as desired. Thicker slices will help prevent the chili peppers from disintegrating.
5. Heat oil in a pan and add the pork belly. Since pork belly already contains fat, there’s no need to add additional oil.
6. Add soy sauce and oyster sauce, and continue to stir-fry.
7. Add the tofu and turn the heat down to low. Stir-fry gently to allow the tofu to absorb the flavors.
8. Add the chili peppers and garlic, stirring continuously.
9. Season with a pinch of salt and MSG to enhance the flavors.
10. Adjust the heat to low to prevent burning.
11. Serve the stir-fried tofu on a plate and enjoy.
This spicy stir-fried tofu recipe is easy to make and goes well with rice. It’s sure to be a hit with the entire family.
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