The Secret to Crispy, Mouth-Watering Fried Tofu

12 November, 2024

Soaking Tofu in Brine for a Crispy Treat

Soaking tofu in brine

One way to achieve that crispy, golden tofu is to soak it in a brine solution. Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a bowl of warm water and let the tofu sit in this mixture for about 30 minutes. This process reduces surface moisture, ensuring a crispier exterior with a vibrant golden color. The hot water also helps maintain the tofu’s shape and texture, keeping it firm yet creamy on the inside.

Blanching tofu in boiling water

According to nutrition experts, another secret to perfect crispy tofu is to cut it into blocks and blanch them in a strainer over a pot of boiling water for 20-30 seconds. This technique helps the tofu retain its shape and gives it a beautiful, golden hue. Adding a pinch of salt to the water can enhance this effect.

A clean pan is essential to prevent the tofu from sticking and falling apart. This is one of the most important tips for achieving crispy and delicious tofu. It’s best to use a non-stick pan that hasn’t been scratched. To ensure a pristine cooking surface, boil some water in the pan and then discard it before adding oil.

Rubbing ginger on the pan before frying

Before adding oil to the pan, it’s crucial to rub the bottom and sides with fresh ginger slices. This traditional technique is an excellent way to prevent sticking.

Using ample hot oil for frying

When frying tofu, it’s essential to use enough hot oil to submerge the tofu fully. This ensures a golden, crispy exterior with a soft interior. Using less oil requires longer frying times, which can dry out the tofu and make it greasy and unappetizing.

Frying tofu to perfection

Ingredients: Scallions, shallots, chili

Seasonings: Fish sauce, sugar, pepper, cooking oil

Instructions:

Step 1: Rinse the tofu and cut it into 1cm squares or rectangles, depending on your preference. Finely chop the scallions, slice the shallots, and mince the chili.

Step 2: In a bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of fish sauce, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground pepper, 3 tablespoons of water, chopped scallions, and chili (adjust the amount of chili to your desired spiciness).

Step 3: Heat oil in a pan over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and add the tofu, frying until golden and crispy. Ensure the oil level is halfway up the tofu to achieve a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft. Remove the tofu from the oil and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Step 4: Remove most of the oil from the pan, leaving just a thin layer. Fry the shallots until golden and fragrant, then pour in the sauce mixture from the bowl. Bring it to a boil, adjusting the seasoning to your taste. Simmer for about 10 seconds, then remove from the heat. Arrange the tofu on a plate and pour the sauce over it, or serve the sauce on the side for dipping.