Description
Salt and pepper tofu is a crispy, savory Chinese-inspired dish made with golden fried tofu tossed in aromatic spices and stir-fried vegetables. It’s quick, flavorful, and perfect as a main, side, or appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 lb firm tofu, drained and cut into cubes
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 cup cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon white pepper
- 3 stalks green onion, whites and greens separated
- 2 sweet peppers, diced
- 1 chili pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 4–5 cups vegetable oil, for frying
- Seasoning Mix: ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon white pepper, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon brown sugar, ¼ teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
Instructions
- Mix seasoning ingredients in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Simmer tofu cubes in salted boiling water for 5 minutes. Drain and pat dry.
- Heat oil to 375°F (190°C) in a wok or deep pan.
- Mix cornstarch with salt and white pepper. Dip tofu cubes in beaten egg, then dredge in cornstarch mixture.
- Fry tofu in batches for 4–5 minutes until golden. Drain on a wire rack.
- In a clean wok, heat 2 tablespoons oil. Stir-fry garlic for 30 seconds, then add sweet peppers, chili, and white onion parts. Cook 1 minute.
- Return tofu to the wok, sprinkle seasoning mix, and toss to coat evenly.
- Garnish with green onion tops and serve hot.
Notes
- Use black pepper for a bolder flavor.
- Add chili oil for extra heat.
- Toss in veggies like broccoli or mushrooms for a fuller meal.
- Double-fry tofu for ultra-crispy texture.
- Can be baked or air-fried for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
