Fried Tofu with Soy Sauce

Introduction

Fried tofu with soy sauce is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a larger meal. Tofu, known for its ability to absorb flavors, pairs beautifully with the rich, umami notes of soy sauce. This recipe is perfect for those who are looking for a quick and satisfying meal that is both plant-based and packed with protein.

Tofu is an excellent ingredient for a variety of cuisines, from Asian to Western dishes. When prepared correctly, it can achieve a crispy exterior while maintaining a soft and creamy interior. This fried tofu recipe is not only easy to make but also allows for creativity in terms of additional flavors and ingredients.

Ingredients

To prepare fried tofu with soy sauce, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Fried Tofu:

• 400 g firm or extra-firm tofu
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any high-heat oil)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Sliced green onions (for garnish)

For the Soy Sauce Glaze:

• 4 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or agave syrup)
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For the Stir-Fried Vegetables (Optional):

• 1 bell pepper (sliced)
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 carrot (sliced)
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil (for stir-frying)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Tofu

1. Drain and Press the Tofu: Begin by draining the tofu and wrapping it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Place a heavy object on top, such as a cast-iron skillet, to press out excess moisture for about 15-30 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving crispy tofu.

2. Cut the Tofu: Once pressed, cut the tofu into cubes, approximately 1-inch in size.

Step 2: Coat the Tofu

3. Coat with Cornstarch: In a large mixing bowl, toss the tofu cubes with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until they are evenly coated. This coating will help achieve a crispy texture when fried.

Step 3: Fry the Tofu

4. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

5. Fry the Tofu: Carefully add the coated tofu cubes to the hot oil in a single layer. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan; fry in batches if necessary. Once fried, remove the tofu from the pan and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Step 4: Prepare the Soy Sauce Glaze

6. Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, water, rice vinegar, maple syrup, minced garlic, grated ginger (if using), and red pepper flakes.

7. Heat the Sauce: In the same skillet used for frying the tofu, add the soy sauce mixture and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Allow it to cook for about 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 5: Combine Tofu and Sauce

8. Combine Tofu with Glaze: Return the fried tofu to the skillet and gently toss to coat the tofu in the soy sauce glaze. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the tofu to absorb the flavors.

Step 6: Prepare the Stir-Fried Vegetables (Optional)

9. Stir-Fry the Vegetables: If you choose to include vegetables, heat sesame oil in another skillet over medium heat. Add the bell pepper, broccoli, and carrot, and stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes or until tender-crisp. Season with a pinch of salt.

Step 7: Serve

10. Plate and Serve: Serve the fried tofu with the stir-fried vegetables on a plate, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Drizzle any remaining soy sauce glaze over the top for extra flavor.

Tips for Success

• Choosing Tofu: Always opt for firm or extra-firm tofu for frying. Soft tofu is not suitable for this recipe as it will not hold its shape when cooked.

• Pressing Tofu: Pressing the tofu is essential for removing moisture, which contributes to crispiness. The longer you press, the better the texture.

• Using Non-Stick Cookware: If you are concerned about the tofu sticking to the pan, using a non-stick skillet can help prevent this issue.

• Experimenting with Flavors: Feel free to add other flavors to the soy sauce glaze, such as sesame oil or different types of vinegar for a unique twist.

Variations

• Spicy Version: For those who enjoy heat, add more red pepper flakes to the soy sauce glaze or use spicy chili oil while frying the tofu.

• Additional Proteins: You can mix in other protein sources, such as tempeh or seitan, to complement the tofu.

• Different Vegetables: This dish is very adaptable. Consider adding snap peas, bok choy, or mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.

Nutritional Benefits

While this recipe does not delve into dietary aspects, it’s worth mentioning that tofu is a great source of plant-based protein and is rich in iron and calcium. Incorporating a variety of colorful vegetables adds essential vitamins and minerals, making this dish a wholesome choice.

Conclusion

Fried tofu with soy sauce is a versatile dish that can be easily customized to suit your preferences. With its delightful combination of crispy tofu and flavorful soy sauce glaze, it serves as a fantastic option for lunch or dinner. This dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also provides a satisfying culinary experience. Enjoy creating this delicious meal at home and sharing it with friends and family!