Easy Salt and Pepper Tofu
Salt and pepper tofu is a simple Asian appetizer with a crispy exterior and a tender interior. Lightly seasoned with salt, pepper, and aromatic five-spice powder, it works well as a snack, party appetizer, or a side dish to complement your meal.
- Prep time
- 15 min
- Cook time
- 15 min
- Yield
- 4 servings
- Difficulty
- HARD
Ingredients
- 1+1/2 tsp five-spice powder (homemade). buy store-bought version here.
- 1+1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp white pepper (or black pepper)
- 1+1/2 tsp Knorr chicken broth mix or mushroom powder
- 1 lb extra-firm tofu, sliced into 1.5 inch-pieces
- 1 egg, whisked
- 1 cup potato starch
- 2 tbsp oil (for frying)
- 2 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sweet or yellow onion, diced small
- 2 tbsp cilantro stems, sliced into 1/4-inch pieces
- 1-10 dried red peppers (for garnish). Use as needed
- 1/4 cup fresh spicy peppers, finely diced. Use jalapeños or serranos for heat, or substitute with sweet bell peppers if you prefer a milder option.
Instructions
- 1
In a small bowl, combine the five spice powder, salt, sugar, pepper, and the Knorr chicken broth mix. Mix well, then set aside for later.
- 2
Take extra-firm tofu and press it between kitchen towels with a heavy object or a pan to remove excess moisture. Once it’s firmer, cut it into bite-sized cubes or rectangular pieces—mine were around 1.5x1.5-inch—so they hold their shape during cooking.
- 3
Set up two bowls side by side. In one small bowl, whisk an egg until smooth. In another larger mixing bowl, stir together flour, potato starch, and 1 teaspoon of the seasoning mixture from step 1.
- 4
Dip each piece into the beaten egg, then coat it in the flour-potato starch mixture. Gently shake off any extra coating before frying.
- 5
Carefully place the coated tofu cubes into hot oil. Fry them until they turn a light golden brown, about 2 minutes or less. Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried tofu and let it drain on a baking rack or a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any extra oil. Repeat this process until all the tofu is cooked.
- 6
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a separate frying pan, wok, or skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic, onion, and cilantro stems, and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, toss in the fresh peppers, green onions, and dried chilies, cooking for another minute until tender.
- 7
Add the fried tofu cubes to the pan along with the remaining seasoning mixture. Toss everything until the tofu is evenly coated. Taste and adjust with a little more salt and pepper, if needed.
- 8
Top your crispy salt and pepper tofu with spring onions, green onions, or a sprinkle of chopped green or red peppers for a pop of color. Serve it on its own, as an appetizer, or as a satisfying main dish.