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Chinese Salt And Pepper Tofu Recipe

Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside! This incredibly flavorful Chinese Salt and Pepper Tofu recipe is easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a tasty appetizer. Get ready to experience the delightful crunch of perfectly seasoned tofu with a simple yet addictive sauce. This recipe is ready in under 90 minutes!

Prep Time 25 mins
Cook Time 78 mins
Calories 198.5 kcal
Protein 19g
Rating 4.5 (17 Reviews)
Chinese Salt And Pepper Tofu 35

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Chinese Salt And Pepper Tofu

  • Firm Tofu
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Fresh Ground Black Pepper
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • Vegetable Oil

How to Make Chinese Salt And Pepper Tofu

  1. **Press the Tofu:** Place a block of firm or extra-firm tofu (14 oz) between several layers of paper towels on a cutting board. Top with a heavy object (like a plate and a few cans) and press for at least 15 minutes, changing the paper towels as needed to absorb excess moisture.
  2. **Cube the Tofu:** Once pressed, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes.
  3. **Marinate the Tofu:** In a medium bowl, toss the tofu cubes with 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor).
  4. **Coat with Cornstarch:** Add 2 tablespoons cornstarch to the marinated tofu and toss gently to coat evenly.
  5. **Fry the Tofu:** Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 5-7 minutes per batch, until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
  6. **Drain and Serve:** Remove the tofu from the pan and place it on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately while hot. Garnish with chopped green onions (optional) and enjoy with your favorite Asian dipping sauces like sweet chili sauce or soy sauce.
  7. **Optional additions**: Consider adding 1/2 teaspoon of Sichuan peppercorns for extra flavor and a bit of tingling sensation.

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Small additions can make a big impact! Try a sprinkle of fresh herbs, a dash of your favorite spice blend, or a squeeze of citrus just before serving to really enhance the flavors of your dish.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

49 g

Sugar

4g

Fat

11g

Carbs

2g

Recipe Categories (Choose a category and find related recipes!)

Starters Appetizers & Snacks Main Courses Main Dish / Dinner Vegetarian Proteins Tofu & Tempeh Recipes Asian Chinese Healthy Vegetarian Vegan Gluten Free

Recipe Tags (Choose a tag and find related recipes!)

Weeknight Time To Make Course Main Ingredient Cuisine Preparation Occasion Appetizers Side Dishes Beans Asian Chinese Refrigerator Dinner Party Holiday Event Vegan Vegetarian Dietary New Years Low Cholesterol Stir Fry Low Carb Valentines Day Inexpensive Soy Tofu Low In Something Equipment Technique 4 Hours Or Less