The Secret to Crispy-on-the-Outside, Tender-on-the-Inside Fried Tofu

To achieve the perfect crispy tofu dish, start by selecting high-quality tofu blocks. The best tofu is usually ivory-colored, mildly fragrant, soft, and slightly bouncy to the touch.

Once you’ve purchased your tofu, soak it in a brine solution (ratio: 1 bowl of hot water to 1 teaspoon of salt) for about 30 minutes. The brine helps draw out excess moisture from the tofu’s surface, and the salt enhances the color, resulting in a sharper golden hue when fried. The hot water also helps retain moisture within the tofu, preventing it from turning mushy.

Fried Tofu

Frying Tofu

Next, prepare a clean pan with a good non-stick coating. To prevent the tofu from sticking to the pan, rub the surface gently with a slice of fresh ginger before adding oil. This creates a smooth layer that keeps the tofu from adhering to the pan.

After rubbing the pan with ginger, add oil and heat it up. For the tofu to fry properly and taste delicious, the oil must be hot enough and deep enough to submerge the tofu blocks. Insufficient oil will result in longer cooking times, and the oil is more likely to be absorbed, making the tofu greasy and less flavorful.

After soaking the tofu in brine, pat it dry with a clean cloth and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Add these pieces to the hot oil and allow them to fry for about 2-3 minutes before turning them over. Once the underside is golden and firm, gently flip the tofu with chopsticks to ensure even cooking on all sides.

When the tofu is about 70% done, remove it from the oil and rinse it under cold running water or soak it in a bowl of iced water. This process helps seal the outer layer, retaining moisture within. Then, pat the tofu dry again and fry it for a second time.

Frying the tofu twice is the key to achieving an extra crispy texture and a beautiful golden color. For the second fry, use a deep pan and heat the oil until it bubbles before adding the tofu. When the surface starts to crackle, and the inside remains soft and nutty, your tofu is ready to be enjoyed.

The Benefits of Tofu

Research from the US, UK, and Singapore has shown that consuming soy milk and tofu may reduce the risk of breast cancer. Here are some notable health benefits associated with tofu:

Heart Health: Tofu, derived from soybeans, contains isoflavone, which helps lower bad cholesterol (LDL) levels in the body, thereby promoting cardiovascular health and reducing the risk of heart disease.

Blood Sugar Control: Soy products, including tofu, can assist in managing blood sugar levels, offering particular benefits to individuals with diabetes.

Menopause Relief: Tofu is rich in calcium and isoflavones, which help balance estrogen levels in perimenopausal women. Regular consumption can alleviate uncomfortable symptoms like hot flashes and also prevent osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Anti-Aging Properties: One of the significant benefits of eating tofu regularly is its ability to slow down the aging process. Tofu helps maintain skin elasticity and firms the facial muscles, preventing signs of aging. Additionally, tofu can be used as a facial mask, promoting healthy and supple skin.

Hair Loss Prevention: Human hair is primarily made up of keratin, a type of protein. Tofu provides the necessary protein to nourish the hair, keeping it strong and preventing hair loss.

Frequently asked questions

The key is to remove the excess moisture from the tofu before frying. This can be done by pressing the tofu between towels or using a tofu press. Once the tofu is dry, coat it in a light layer of cornstarch or arrowroot powder before frying in hot oil.

Sticking can occur when the tofu is not dry enough or when the pan is not hot enough. Ensure that you press the tofu to remove moisture and that your oil is hot enough before adding the tofu. You may also want to use a non-stick pan or add a bit more oil to the pan to prevent sticking.
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