How to Make Fried Tofu Puffs (w/ Peanut Dipping Sauce)
Try these amazing crispy fried tofu puffs that are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. Throw them into your favorite dishes like stews, stir-fries, soups, or curries, or simply enjoy them as a tasty snack. You only need 2 Ingredients: tofu and oil. That's it!
- Prep time
- 5 min
- Cook time
- 15 min
- Yield
- 17 servings
- Difficulty
- MEDIUM
Ingredients
- 1 packet of tofu. 14-19 ounces packets are fine. The bigger the packet, the more oil you'll need. Use medium to extra firm tofu. The firmer the tofu, the better the result.
- 2-3 cup oil for deep frying. Use as much as needed for deep frying for your particular pan.
- 3 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp chili flakes. Use more or less as preferred
- 2+1/2 tbsp water
- 2 tbsp crushed peanuts
- 1 1/ 2 teaspoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- 1
Opt for at least a medium-fir tofu to use for the best results. I test my recipes on medium and extra-firm tofu; both are great, so it's up to your preference.
- 2
Slice the tofu into cubes, rectangles, or triangular shapes! I sliced mine into triangle shapes to use with my Moo Palo recipe. (The classic look for this Thai stew pork belly recipe. Pat the tofu dry with paper towels. For an extra step, press the fresh tofu gently but firmly with the paper wrapped around to squeeze out any liquid.
- 3
In a large pot or deep fryer, heat oil to medium-high heat. If you have a temperature probe, make sure it's heated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Or use a chopstick to test the temperature of the oil by dropping one of the chopsticks into the hot oil. If small bubbles form, the oil is hot and ready for deep frying.
- 4
Carefully place the tofu cubes into the hot oil using a slotted spoon or long-handled wire mesh skimmer. Fry until golden brown, ensuring they cook evenly on all sides. Fry anywhere from 4-7 minutes. Cooking time depends on the size of your tofu and the pan used. The larger the pieces, the longer they will take. Watch for the golden, crispy edges.
- 5
Transfer the fried tofu puffs to a plate lined with kitchen paper towels using the slotted spoon. Allow them to drain, and let the paper absorb excess oil.