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Monday, August 30, 2010

Salt & Pepper Tofu

salt & pepper tofu 2

Salt & Pepper Tofu with Amazing Sauce!

Yes, it's another tofu dish, but this is not just any tofu dish, Dearies. This is the one I make and always offer to my and Cauldron Boy's tofu hating friends. 'Are you sure you don't want anything to eat?' I say. And, of course, at the mere thought of tofu for dinner they quickly respond with something like 'No, no. I'm fine. Thank you though'.

Well, dinner starts and then what I call 'the eyes' start to happen. Yes, one all of a sudden notices that this meal looks delicious despite the presence of tofu. Since I am not a mean witch, I quickly address the look with a 'Are you sure?'. A very reluctant and somewhat guilty response of 'Would it be too much trouble to fry some more?' is heard. Little does my lovely know I already anticipated this response and made extra just for this inevitable moment *wink*.

Stories and jokes aside, Dearies, this meal of Salt & Pepper tofu with Amazing Sauce will most likely make a tofu lover out of you if you are not already one. It will indeed convince you that anything can be liked if executed properly. So the super easy recipe is below, and I really hope you will try it. Especially if you identify with not liking tofu so much. Plus, you can come complain about it to me here if you try it and don't like it;-)!

Salt & Pepper Tofu for 4
1-14 oz. Pack Organic, Extra Firm Tofu (Patted Dry & Cubed)
1/2 Cup Corn Starch or Potato Starch*
1/4-1/2 Tsp. Black Pepper
1/8 Tsp. Sea Salt
Vegetable Oil for Frying

*Ellie at Almost Bourdain also makes this dish and she feels that Potato Starch produces a superior result, so, if you're anti corn product, potato starch should be great. Just look at her pics!

Put your vegetable oil at least 1 inch deep in a 8-10 inch wide pot and bring to about 350 degrees/medium heat.

Meanwhile, pat your tofu block dry with paper towels and cut the tofu into about 1 inch cubes. I always try to dry the the tofu as I'm cutting it too, so that it is not water laden. Put your corn starch, salt, and pepper into a large plastic bag and mix. Gently place half of your tofu in the bag and toss it very gently. Grab the pieces out, give each one a pat to displace excess starch, and place them in the hot oil (not warm oil!). Do not move them at all for at least 2 1/2 minutes. Then turn to the opposite end and allow to cook for another 2-3 minutes. Place on a paper towel to drain. Repeat with second batch. By the way, this tofu stays nice and hot for quite a while, so don't worry too much about the first batch getting cold.

Frying Note:
To those of you afraid of frying, just know that I was too. It's so easy for me now though. I don't take a temperature even. I just put my stove to a solid medium heat (#4-5 on my electric stove) and wait about 4-5 minutes. Then I put one piece of tofu in the pot-if it sizzles nicely, I place the rest of them in. If not, I wait a minute or two more. Also, if your oil gets too hot, simply pull the heat down a bit and just watch your food.
The only truly scary thing that commonly happens is splashing water in the oil or using a utensil that has water on it, so don't do that (smile)! Oh, and always fry on the back burner in case a water accident does occur.


















Amazing Sauce for 4
6 Tbsp. Low Sodium Soy Sauce (A Good One)*
1/2 Tsp. Toasted Sesame Oil
1-1 1/2 Tsp. Chili Garlic Sauce
2 Garlic cloves (Finely Minced)
1 Tbsp. Scallions (Sliced)

*Please, please use a nice soy sauce like San-J or Tai Hua brand, etc.

Mix the ingredients above and enjoy your tofu with jasmine or black rice and a Tanantha Salad! You guys do know that my Tanantha over at I Just Love My Apron is the salad queen, no? Well, she is-just check out this lovely and you'll realize that salad porn is real...

48 comments:

  1. That salad is amazing! Tofu is not relly my thing,but you make it look very tempting I must say.I love your blog!
    Rita

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  2. I love the way you teased your friend, funny :) The recipe looks and sounds really good. I have lately been trying to like and vary tofu recipes, I'm going to put this one on my list. The second photo is so great because it makes me want to reach in a grab one cube to eat like a candy, hehe. Thanks for the frying tips, I hate it and I always get burned.

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  3. Stella, I can almost picture the reactions you're describing! It's a shame that people have such a negative response at the mention of tofu. If it were presented in such a delicious-looking way, everyone would be less afraid of vegetarian diets. :)

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  4. hey Stella,

    remember when i told you my grandma used to call me white girl cause i refused to eat any Chinese dishes? well this was one i would never refuse. in fact, i would actually ask her to make these for me as a snack. you're right, this is absolutely a must try dish for anyone who has never tried it. were you talking to me when you said, "to those of you afraid of frying"? teehee. gulity as charged. you have inspired me to try making this dish on my own now. i'm sure my grandma would be proud lol.
    that is almost the exact same sauce we use as well. yours is better though cause you added garlic to it, we don't. have to rty that with garlic now. another version we also use is soy sauce, chili oil, and sesame oil. too much oil right? teehee, but it sure satifies. thanks for this post and for inspiring me to make this dish that is actually quite dear to my heart. hope you're having a great start to your week.

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  5. Oh...Stellina...you are a very sneaky although incredibly wise woman ;o)

    I usually tend to stay away from fried food...although, I do make the exception once and a while. This concoction (especially with tofu) of yours would be one of the exceptions ;) Love the tantalizing sauce!

    BTW...I answered your concern on the muffin post...check it out when you have a moment ;o)

    Ciao bella...and flavourful wishes,
    Claudia

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  6. Hi Stella, thank you for this great post and awesome recipe. Tofu is my favorite. I just bought some tofu, I'm excited to prepare them for dinner tomorrow.

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  7. You have inspired me Stella to conquer my frying fears. If you could do it, I could do it. Though you are a very good witch, and I have no magical powers. Anywho, fried tofu is so good. There is really no better snack. And very american, just fry it!

    And once again, I have to thank you for your lovely comments. You always give me such support :)

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  8. Stella, this looks so yummilicious!! :) Your tofu looks perfectly fried. That picture is so beautiful, it looks like the cover of a cookbook.

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  9. This is just splendid...Love this sauce too, incredible :)

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  10. I like tofu and I'm not scared of frying, so this sounds good to me! I'd have to go pretty lightly on the starch, though, which might make this dish not quite what it's supposed to be. So I guess I will trust you that it's THAT good!
    Thanks for all your comments on my blog. If you find erythritol, let me know what you think!

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  11. As usual, it looks amazing! I am quite certain this dish would convert any non tofu eater in a tofu lover. Do you think you it would work to use panko? thanks!

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  12. Fried tofu! What could be better? Reminds me of the time I was in Taiwan and went to a restaurant and my relatives ordered all tofu dishes: fish with tofu, crispy tofu, soft tofu with sauce, etc... heavenly!

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  13. Wonderful presentation of tofu and I love the amazing sauce!

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  14. Looks like Agedashi Tofu - perfectly fried ! Must be so good with the sauce. What can I say but AMAZING :)

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  15. Your tofu looks like little rice balls. So pretty! And the dipping sauce looks so yummy too! I still need to learn how to use chopsticks : ]
    Very pretty dish..looks like it would make a wonderful appetizer!

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  16. Hi, Stella. I don't quite "get" the non-tofu people out there; I think most haven't tried the good stuff, such as your agedashi-like version here. It seems so easy, too! Thanks, Dan

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  17. Stelllllaaaaa!!! Long time no talk :) I have finally settled here in Korea so I have a bit more time to squizz over blog entries once again :D I know for a fact that this dish will defs turn me into a tofu semi-lover! heheh. Looks good, along with that salad!

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  18. I made tofu last night! With the right sauce - yummy stuff, I agree. So, you might think I'm crazy but what about frying in coconut oil? I try to stay away from vegetable oil.

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  19. Hi Stella! I've been wanting to make this dish too and now that I have your tasty sauce recipe there's no more excuses not to try it! Thanks for sharing!

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  20. Stella, you would have no problem living in China (or Asia) since you enjoy the oriental cuisines so much.
    My mum uses only sweet potato starch to prepare the coating.

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  21. Oh Stella!! hahaha salad queen? It's my honored to be mentioned here on the witchy kitchen! No, I don't mind at all. And, Tanantha Salad sounds so coolll! Love it.

    I love tofu!! this dish is up on my alley. I'm sure I don't even wanna share with the hubby. Ok, maybe a little :). The sauce sounds so tasty! That's my kind of food and sauce!

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  22. The tofu and the sauce look great...! It's a pity that tofu is so underrated.

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  23. OMG, this tofu looks much better than the one I had yesterday! I will try it for my next tofu meal! The sauce looks awesome, very restaurant-like :-)

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  24. Hi Stella, Cauldron boy's friends are lucky guys to share a table with you and be indulged in the most wickedly wonderful witchy way! I think I could get my husband and his friends to go for this wonderful tofu dish with a killer dipping sauce! I agree with you about the wonderful salads coming from Tanantha's kitchen and your idea is a delicious one to pair your incredible tofu with one of her marvelous fresh salads:-)

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  25. I don't need to be asked twice! I'll take the tofu from the start, thanks. this sounds so tasty!

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  26. Thanks for the reassurances on deep-frying - I'm still a bit scared of it, though really tempted by this lovely tofu. And I can vouch for the retained heat in these things because I once got a massive blood blister after carelessly biting into one - yeowww!

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  27. Oh, and Stella, your photos are amazingly good!

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  28. Oh Stella, you know I love tofu, don't you? In fact I will be having tofu for dinner tonight. Your tofu cubes looks so nicely done. Oh, and that sauce is the perfect accompaniment for it.

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  29. Is that a dare??? You know Stella, I get all "rebel without a cause" when it comes to POSER foods! Plus, tofu reminds me of makeup applicator sponges. ;)

    But I trust your judgement! You haven't steered me wrong yet! I have been eating a bit of tofu and tempeh in stir-fry dishes! I'll give it a try!

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  30. Now you know I don't really "do" Tofu don't you Stella..., I could be one of those guests that would get your little witchy treatment methinks (chuckle, chuckle...). But... these pictures look so beautiful that I want some (so uhuh..., I've fallen for the spell). thanks for sharing this... I know I'm going to try it.

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  31. This looks so very intriguing. I find making tofu so difficult. Mine never turns out like this but I'm willing to keep trying...especially if I can dip it in that yummy sauce! :)

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  32. Oh how I wish I could eat tofu...this looks absolutely amazing.

    I need to take some lessons on being generous Stella...I usually don't offer my guests dinner once, nevermind twice! :)

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  33. Oh Stella! I LOVE this! There is a similar Japanese dish I always order when I eat at Japanese restaurants - a starter of flour dusted, deep fried tofu cubes doused with a soy based dressing and topped with spring onions! I just can't get enough of it! I know this would taste out of this world :)

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  34. Hi Stella! Just wanted to let you know that I updated my post. Sorry about the miss. Also wrote you an e-mail :)

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  35. I like tofu. I rarely make it but, certainly enjoy it when others prepare it. Yours looks amazing. Wow. I would eat it up and asks for seconds.

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  36. Fried tofu is delicious and yours looks appetizing!

    Cheers,

    Rosa

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  37. So glad to mentioned to use the back burner on the stove, especially w/ hot oil! I was imagining you with the pan handle -- well, you know! This looks really good and simple and I'm making it tonight. Love PM

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  38. Hi, Stella! I must admit, as open-minded as I'd like to think that I am, I'd probably be among those apprehensive about trying the tofu - although I'm sure it's delicious! That's stubbornness for you, right? I just haven't had it prepared in a way I've enjoyed yet, is the problem. I really should get working on that, haha. The dipping sauce looks marvelous and I'm sure it'd help ease my irrational qualms about tofu. :)

    PS: It probably was the flax egg that did it. I know water in cookies makes them quite cake or at least muffin-like, because it basically steams the insides of the cookies. I know real eggs have water in them but not as much as flax eggs (obviously) so it probably was the issue. I might try to find another binder, maybe a starch, next time I try them, just to see what happens. :)

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  39. One of my favorite local restaurant serves a dish called fried tofu with awesome sauce. And it is nothing but entirely awesome! Now I have a way to make it at home which is nice because that place is kind of pricey. You're too awesome! Hey, what a coincidence...

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  40. I make a version of this all the time, for my reluctant-veg partner. I have found marinating the tofu in a cider vinegar/tamari mix and not salting the final product really help. Cider vinegar has a way of making tofu really shine. I also just lightly pan fry, and that works out well too. I use this as a base for my vegan chicken ball recipe on Chinese food night, certainly does the trick! just scoop your tofu with a lemon baller :)

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  41. Great recipes. I love the amazing sauce recipe in particular. I think you can figure out why. ;D

    Happy fooding and merry kitchen witching!

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  42. amazing post, this is exactly what I need for hubby a "eye candy dish" that will finally make my hubby at least give it a try!! he's horrible. lol, i bet the little starch added gives it such great texture, the sauce looks super, great recipe, you are truly helping me build a healthy recipe foundation.
    hugs
    sweetlife
    bonnie

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  43. I just had lunch but this actually made my tummy rumble. Lucky for me I have a nice brick of tofu in my fridge, just waiting for this treatment. YUM!

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  44. The Kitchen Witch has found my weakness. Delicious healthy fried foods. Sounds oxymoronic, I know, but these treats are guilt free for me. So tasty, so good. And my friends, they can't resist these bite sized cubes of wonderful!

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  45. Oh Stella! We have been experimenting with tofu quite a bit lately and this definitely looks like a must-try!

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  46. WOOT! Found it again. Thought I had bookmarked it. This time for sure!

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  47. Looked so yummy I had to try it!
    Then, of course, blog about it :)
    http://joshandmelindagross.blogspot.com/2011/03/salt-pepper-tofu.html

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  48. It looks delicious! Not to mention healthy too!

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Please do comment, Dearies!