Spiced Up Tofu Recipes

SPICY BAKED TOFU

Steps:

• Lay the tofu on a plate lined with a couple sheets of paper towel. Layer more paper towel atop tofu and place another plate atop the stack to press water from the tofu. Let sit at least 5 minutes.
• Cut tofu into 1/2-inch strips and put into a large, sealable plastic bag; add soy sauce, chili sauce, ginger, and hoisin sauce. Squeeze bag to remove excess air and seal. Marinate tofu in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Prepare a baking sheet with cooking spray.
• Remove tofu from the marinade, shake to remove excess moisture, and arrange onto the prepared baking sheet. Discard the remaining marinade.
• Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes, flip, and continue baking until firm, 15 to 20 minutes more.

HOT AND SPICY TOFU

Steps:

• Heat peanut oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat. Toss the tofu into the oil, and cook until browned on all sides. Once browned, toss in onion, bell pepper, chile pepper, and garlic; cook until just tender, about 5 minutes.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the hot water, vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes. Pour over tofu and vegetables, toss to coat, and simmer 3 to 5 minutes, or until sauce thickens slightly.

CRISPY TOFU

Steps:

• Drain the tofu, wrap in 4-5 sheets of kitchen paper, put on a plate and put something heavy over the top, like a wooden chopping board, or a tray with a few tins on it. Leave for 20 mins to drain the excess moisture from the tofu.
• Mix the cornflour, garlic, paprika, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Unravel the tofu from the paper, cut in half through the centre, then cut into triangles, cubes or strips.
• Toss the tofu pieces in the spiced cornflour to coat all over. Heat the oil in a large non-stick frying pan over a medium-high heat. Fry the tofu for 2-4 mins on each side until golden, crunchy and browned at the edges. Smaller cubes will take 2 mins each side, larger triangles will take 4 mins. Cook in batches if you need to, adding a little more oil if the pan gets dry.
• Drain the cooked tofu on kitchen paper and season with a pinch more salt before serving.

SPICED UP TOFU

Steps:

• Cut tofu into 1/2 inch cubes and set aside.
• Mix the peppercorns, soy sauce, sesame oil and chile black bean sauce together and set aside.
• Heat a skillet or wok on high heat until hot.
• Add the olive oil to the skillet or wok and swirl around to coat sides and bottom.
• Add the garlic and chile pepper and cook, stirring until fragrant (about 10 seconds).
• Add the sauce mixture, stir and cook for about 1-2 minutes.
• Add the tofu and cook, stirring gently, until tofu is coated and heated through (about 1-2 minutes).
• "Pour" into a serving bowl and garnish with the green onion.

SUPER SIMPLE SPICY FRIED TOFU

Steps:

• Drain tofu, rinse, and pat dry. Cut into squares.
• Heat sesame oil in a wok over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 2 minutes. Add red pepper and stir-fry for 2 minutes. Stir in tofu and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in brown sugar, soy sauce, and chili-garlic sauce. Mix together and cook for 3 minutes. Adjust seasoning to taste. Sprinkle with green onions before serving.