Chinese Salt And Pepper Tofu Recipes

SALT AND PEPPER TOFU

Steps:

• To make the seasoning, combine the salt, sugar, white pepper, five-spice powder and ground ginger in a small bowl, and stir to combine. Set aside.
• Place the drained tofu onto a clean kitchen towel and pat dry. Cut the tofu into ¾-inch cubes.
• Scatter ¼ cup of the cornstarch onto a large plate or sheet pan. Carefully place the tofu cubes onto the cornstarch, then scatter the remaining cornstarch on top of the tofu. Using clean hands, gently dab each side of the tofu into the cornstarch until it is coated on all sides.
• Line a large plate with a paper towel or a clean kitchen towel.
• Heat a large (12-inch) nonstick or well seasoned cast-iron skillet on medium-high. Add 3 tablespoons of neutral oil and heat until the oil shimmers. Making sure the tofu pieces are not touching each other (you may need to work in batches), add the coated tofu to the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until the tofu is golden and crispy. Remove and place on the paper or kitchen towel to absorb excess oil. Continue with remaining tofu, adding more oil as needed.
• The empty skillet should still have a small amount of oil, but if it doesn't, add 1 tablespoon more of oil. With the skillet over medium heat, add the scallions and pepper and stir-fry for 30 to 60 seconds until softened and fragrant. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on the same paper or kitchen towel.
• Transfer the tofu to a plate and sprinkle with about half of the salt and pepper seasoning. Top with scallions and pepper. Serve with rice and the remaining salt and pepper seasoning.

CHINESE SALT AND PEPPER TOFU

Steps:

• Drain the tofu: Place several paper towels on a cutting board; place the tofu on the cutting board, and then place a heavy object such as a plate or book on top.
• Drain the tofu for at least 15 minutes, changing the paper towels as required (If possible, it's helpful to tilt the cutting board so that the water drains directly into the sink).
• Cut the tofu into cubes.
• Mix together the tofu with the salt, garlic powder, and black pepper, and allow to marinate for 1-2 hours in the refrigerator.
• Toss the tofu cubes with cornstarch to coat.
• Heat oil in wok or large skillet.
• Carefully add the tofu to the wok, add fry in small batches until tofu is golden; drain on paper toweling, and serve hot.
• Serve with Asian condiments, if desired.