Description
A deliciously easy recipe for crispy salt and pepper tofu, perfect as an appetizer or main dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 block (14 ounces) firm tofu, drained and pressed
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes, about 1-inch thick. Pat the cubes dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a large bowl, combine cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well.
- Toss the tofu cubes in the cornstarch mixture until evenly coated. Shake off any excess cornstarch.
- Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (about 350°F), carefully add the tofu cubes in a single layer. Fry in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
- Fry the tofu for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the tofu to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Once all the tofu is fried, sprinkle with additional salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
- For added flavor, marinate the tofu in soy sauce or sesame oil for 30 minutes before coating with cornstarch.
- Serve the crispy tofu over a bed of rice or mixed greens for a complete meal, or toss it with your favorite stir-fried vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer/Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg