Salt and Pepper Tofu is a classic appetizer found in many Asian cuisines, and this recipe is a simple and quick take on it. The tofu is fried until crispy, then tossed with a fragrant seasoning blend of salt, pepper, and a touch of heat. This dish is perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own with some rice or noodles.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• For Tofu:

  • 16 oz firm tofu

  • 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)

  • 1 tbsp oil

  • 1 jalapeno (chopped)

  • 2 stalks green onion (chopped)

  • 1 tbsp minced garlic

• Salt Water Brine:

  • 2 cups filtered water

  • 1 tbsp salt

• Batter:

  • 1 cup cornstarch

  • 1 tsp salt

• Seasoning Blend:

  • 1/2 tsp salt

  • 1/2 tsp white pepper

  • 1/2 tsp sugar

  • 1/2 tsp MSG

• Garnishes:

  • Green onion

  • Fried garlic

Directions

1. Prepare the tofu: Cut the tofu into 1-inch squares. Soak the tofu in the saltwater brine for 10-15 minutes to improve texture, remove moisture, and enhance flavor.

2. Coat the tofu: Discard the saltwater and pat the tofu dry using a paper towel. In a mixing bowl, combine cornstarch and salt. Coat the tofu pieces in the cornstarch mixture, shaking off any excess. Lay the coated tofu on a baking tray and refrigerate uncovered for 10 minutes to set the coating.

3. Fry the tofu: Heat oil in a pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F. Fry the tofu in batches for 3-5 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Drain the tofu on a paper towel-lined plate.

4. Make the seasoning blend: In a small bowl, mix salt, white pepper, sugar, and MSG.

5. Cook the aromatics: In a separate pan, add 1 tbsp of oil and sauté the chopped green onions and minced garlic until fragrant. Add the diced jalapenos and cook for 1-2 more minutes.

6. Combine tofu with seasoning: Add the fried tofu to the pan and toss to coat with the seasoning blend. Stir well to ensure an even coating.

7. Garnish and serve: Plate the tofu and garnish with extra green onions and fried garlic. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: Approximately 250

• Protein: 10g

• Carbohydrates: 16g

• Fat: 16g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sodium: 700mg

The Secret to Perfect Tofu: Saltwater Brine and Cornstarch Coating

The key to achieving crispy, flavorful Salt and Pepper Tofu lies in the preparation process. First, the tofu is cut into small cubes and soaked in a saltwater brine for 10-15 minutes. This brining step is essential for two reasons: it helps to improve the tofu’s texture by removing excess moisture, and it enhances the tofu’s ability to absorb the seasoning, resulting in a deeper flavor. The brine also helps firm up the tofu, preventing it from falling apart when fried.

After soaking, the tofu is coated in a cornstarch mixture with a pinch of salt. This coating is crucial for achieving the crispy texture that makes the tofu so irresistible. Once coated, the tofu cubes are chilled for 10 minutes to allow the batter to set, ensuring that it stays intact during frying. This step helps the tofu achieve a delicate crispness that contrasts beautifully with its soft interior.

Frying the Tofu: Achieving the Perfect Crispy Texture

To fry the tofu, the oil must be heated to 350°F (about 175°C). Medium-high heat ensures that the tofu fries quickly and evenly, resulting in a golden-brown exterior without overcooking the inside. Frying the tofu in batches allows each piece to have enough space to cook properly, ensuring that it becomes evenly crisped without overcrowding the pan. Depending on the size of your pot or frying pan, this typically takes around 3-5 minutes per batch.

Once the tofu is golden and crispy, it is drained on a paper towel-lined plate to remove any excess oil, ensuring that it stays light and crispy. At this point, the tofu is already delicious on its own, but the best is yet to come!

The Aromatics: Adding Depth and Fragrance

In a separate pan, green onions, garlic, and jalapenos are sautéed in a little bit of oil. This mixture of aromatics adds layers of flavor that elevate the dish. The garlic releases a savory fragrance as it cooks, while the green onions provide a mild, fresh flavor that balances the richness of the fried tofu. The jalapenos bring just the right amount of heat, infusing the dish with a gentle spice that enhances the overall flavor profile without overpowering it.

Cooking the aromatics for just 1-2 minutes allows them to release their flavors without burning, ensuring that they stay fragrant and vibrant. This step is essential for infusing the tofu with the aromatic components of the dish.

Seasoning the Tofu: The Perfect Blend of Salt, Pepper, and Spice

Once the tofu is fried and the aromatics are ready, it’s time to add the seasoning blend. The seasoning is a simple but potent mixture of salt, white pepper, sugar, and MSG. The white pepper provides a sharp, subtle heat, while the sugar adds a touch of sweetness to balance the saltiness. MSG (monosodium glutamate) is often used in Asian cooking to amplify the savory umami flavors, making this dish especially mouthwatering.

The fried tofu is tossed in the pan with the aromatics and seasoning blend, ensuring an even coating on each piece. This step allows the tofu to absorb all the fragrant spices and heat, resulting in a dish that is full of bold, savory flavor in every bite.

Garnishing and Serving: A Finishing Touch

Once the tofu is well-coated with the seasoning and aromatics, it is ready to be garnished. A sprinkling of green onions and fried garlic adds both flavor and texture. The crispy garlic brings an extra layer of crunch, while the green onions provide a fresh, vibrant pop of color. These simple garnishes elevate the dish, making it look as good as it tastes.

Salt and Pepper Tofu is best served immediately while the tofu is still crispy. It can be enjoyed on its own as a snack or appetizer, or paired with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or indulging on your own, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings for something savory, crispy, and flavorful.

Conclusion: A Crispy, Flavorful Delight

Salt and Pepper Tofu is a simple yet delicious dish that showcases the versatility of tofu. The crispy fried exterior and soft interior, combined with the aromatic seasoning blend, make this dish a flavorful delight that’s hard to resist. Whether you serve it as an appetizer, side dish, or main course, it’s sure to please both tofu lovers and those new to the ingredient. The combination of salt, pepper, garlic, and heat brings out the best in the tofu, creating a dish that’s both savory and satisfying. With its quick preparation and bold flavors, Salt and Pepper Tofu is a must-try recipe that’s perfect for any occasion.