Soaking Tofu in Salt Water:
Soak the tofu in salted water
Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in a bowl of hot water, then soak the tofu for about 30 minutes. The salt water reduces surface moisture, helping the fried tofu develop a crisp, golden crust. The hot water also ensures the tofu remains firm, retaining its creamy texture within.
Blanch the tofu in boiling water
For extra crispness, cut the tofu into blocks and blanch in a sieve over boiling water for about 20 seconds. This technique helps the tofu retain its shape and produces a satisfyingly crunchy texture. Adding a pinch of salt to the water can enhance this effect.
Ensure your wok or pan is clean
A clean wok or pan is essential to prevent the tofu from sticking and breaking. This is a crucial step in achieving the perfect crispy tofu. Ideally, use a non-stick wok or pan that is free of scratches. Alternatively, you can thoroughly clean the wok or pan by boiling water in it and then discarding the water, allowing it to dry.
Rub ginger on the wok or pan
Before adding oil to the wok or pan, cut a few slices of fresh ginger and rub them evenly over the base and sides. This is a traditional technique to prevent sticking and impart a delightful aroma to your tofu dish.
Use ample hot oil
When frying tofu, always ensure your oil is hot and abundant enough for deep-frying. This ensures a golden, crispy exterior with a moist and tender interior. Using less oil requires longer frying times, which can result in dry tofu that absorbs too much oil, leading to a greasy and heavy dish.
The Ultimate Crispy Tofu Recipe
Ingredients
3 blocks of firm tofu, Spring onions, shallots, chili peppers
Seasonings: Fish sauce, sugar, ground black pepper, cooking oil
Method
Step 1: Rinse the tofu and cut into 1cm cubes or rectangular pieces. Finely chop the spring onions.
Step 2: Peel and slice the shallots, and finely chop the chili peppers. In a bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of fish sauce, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper, 3 tablespoons of water, the chopped spring onions, and chili peppers.
Step 3: Heat oil in a wok or deep pan over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and carefully add the tofu, frying until golden and crisp. Remove the tofu with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Step 4: Pour out most of the oil from the wok or pan, leaving just enough to fry the shallots until golden and fragrant. Add the fish sauce mixture and bring to a boil, then remove from the heat.
Step 5: Arrange the tofu on a serving plate and pour the sauce over it, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Alternatively, serve the sauce on the side as a dipping sauce.