Salt and Pepper Tofu / Dau Hu Chien Muoi Ot
Salt and pepper tofu is a classic Chinese appetizer, but variations can be found throughout Asia, with every region having slight tweaks to the seasoning blend and accompaniments. Salt and Pepper Tofu is one of my favorite appetizers to share, but every once in a while, I'll have the urge to eat a whole block
- Prep time
- 20 min
- Cook time
- 10 min
- Yield
- 2 servings
- Difficulty
- MEDIUM
Ingredients
Quantities are shown as originally provided.
- 16 oz Firm Tofu
- 1 cup Vegetable Oil for Frying
- 1 tbsp Oil
- 1 Jalapeno
- 2 stalks Green Onion
- 1 tbsp Minced Garlic
- 2 cups Filtered Water
- 1 tbsp Salt
- 1 cup Cornstarch
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp White Pepper
- 1/2 tsp Sugar
- 1/2 tsp MSG
- Green Onion
- Fried Garlic
Instructions
- 1
Tofu:
- 2
Cut tofu into one-inch squares, and then let the tofu soak in a mixture of salt and water for 10 minutes
- 3
Discard salt water, and using a paper towel, pat the tofu dry and set aside
- 4
In a mixing bowl, combine cornstarch and salt. Gently toss the tofu in the dry batter and coat it in a thin layer. Shake away excess starch. Place coated tofu on a baking tray with parchment paper and let it sit in the fridge uncovered for 10 minutes
- 5
Add oil to a pot on medium-high heat, and bring oil up to 350F. Fry tofu in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry tofu for 3-5 minutes or light golden blonde
- 6
Set tofu on a plate with a paper towel to absorb excess oil
- 7
Seasoning Blend:
- 8
In a small bowl or container, combine equal parts salt, white pepper, sugar, and MSG. Mix well
- 9
Cooking:
- 10
In a pan, add a splash of oil and sauté chopped green onions and minced garlic until fragrant. Add diced Jalapenos, and cook for another 1-2 minutes
- 11
Add fried tofu, and season to taste with seasoning blend; toss and make sure tofu is evenly coated
- 12
Serve:
- 13
Add fried tofu to a plate. Garnish with more green onions and fried garlic. Enjoy!