Salt and Pepper Tofu

Hey Cookie Lovers,

I thought that I would add a non-sweet recipe to the blog. Now I make this recipe at least once a week and there's different variations that you can take on it but this is the base one. If you don't like tofu, you can use another protein, chicken is pretty good. As always I recommend checking out the notes at the bottom of the page prior to just making it because there are a lot of little nuances that can make this recipe better.

Main Ingredients

1 Pack of Extra Firm or Super Firm tofu*

1-2 Cups boiling water

2 tablespoons salt

2 Tbsp Corn Starch

2 tbsp oil

1/4 Onion Sliced - I use white but whatever makes your heart happy

1-2 tbsp minced garlic

2 Green Onion stalks or 1/2 a red pepper if you're out*

1 fresh red chili pepper or Serrano pepper

Tofu Seasoning*

1/2 tsp Garlic Powder

1/4 tsp White Pepper

1/4 tsp Ginger Powder

1/3 tsp sichuan peppercorn powder or cayanne pepper

1/4 tsp salt

Pan Fry Directions - I recommend this

1.      Open the pack of tofu and strain the water inside. Slice your tofu into one inch pieces and set aside in it glass or sturdy bowl.

2.      Mix the boiling water with two tablespoons of salt and pour that into your tofu and let it sit for 10 minutes. This makes it crispy and gives it flavor.

3.      Make your tofu seasoning and adjust the spices to your taste. Put aside.

4.      Grab a pan and add the oil to it and put it on medium.

5.      Grab a big zip lock bag And add the cornstarch to it

6.      Strain the water from your tofu and use a paper towel to dry off all the pieces. - You do not want it super wet.

7.      Throw your tofu into the bag with the cornstarch seal it and then give it a good shake to coat all the tofu pieces.

8.      By this point your pan of oil should be hot. Throw your coated tofu into the pan turning each piece so that it becomes golden brown on each side, once that happens put the pieces on some paper towels to drain the excess oil.

9.      Using the same pan, add a little bit more oil and throw in all of your veggies giving them a quick fry. Make sure to add the garlic last so you do not burn it. This should only take about two or three minutes.

10.   Add the tofu back into the pot and toss with all the veggies add the tofu seasoning over everything and give it a good mix then set out on a plate and you're good to go.

Air Fry Directions

1.      Open the pack of tofu and strain the water inside then slice your tofu in one inch pieces and set aside in it glass or sturdy bowl.

2.      Mix the boiling water with two tablespoons of salt and pour that into your tofu and let it sit for 10 minutes. This makes it crispy and gives it flavor.

3.      Make your tofu seasoning and adjust the spices to your taste. Put aside

4.      If your air fryer has a Preheat function, Preheat it to 400°.

5.      Grab a big zip lock bag And add the cornstarch to it

6.      Strain the water from your tofu and use a paper towel to dry off all the pieces. - You do not want it super wet.

7.      Throw your tofu into the bag with the cornstarch seal it and then give it a good shake to coat all the tofu pieces.

8.      Pour your coated tofu into the bowl and add the oil to the bowl to lightly coat your tofu. You may be thinking why don't I just put the oil in the bag before I coat it in corn starch, if you do that you'll end up with mushy tofu. You need the oil on the outside of the cornstarch to toast it.

9.     Put your tofu in your air fryer and cook for 15 to 20 minutes until golden and crispy.

10.   While this is happening, grab a pan, add a little bit more oil and throw in all of your veggies giving them a quick fry. Make sure to add the garlic last so you do not burn it. This should only take about two or three minutes.

11.   Once your tofu is done, throw it into the pan with the other veggies, add the tofu seasoning over everything and give it a good mix then set out on a plate and you're good to go.

*Notes & Important Info*

• First things first, the firmness of the tofu matters. The first time I made this recipe I just bought a random tofu that I think was medium and it was mushy and gross.

• If you are going to use chicken or an alternative protien, don't add the salt water. Just season lightly with salt and continue with the process by adding the chicken pieced to the ziplock with cornstarch.

• When it comes to the tofu seasoning, make a bunch and throw it in a jar. Taste it as you go because you may want to add/change some of the ratios. If you want it more spicy, add more white pepper. Don't overdo the salt. Your tofu will be sitting in salt water and be a little salty already.

• When it comes to frying everything up, use what you have in the fridge. If you have broccoli instead of green onion, use that. If you are out of onion and have red pepper, use that. It doesn’t really matter and I change my veggies all the time for variation.

• Air frying sounds more convenient and healthier but you’re adding oil to the recipe regardless and you have to use a pan to fry the veggies so if you want it to taste better, I recommend pan frying it. It also takes a lot longer in my opinion to use the air fryer, that could be because I was watching the tofu brown - kinda like that watched pot never boils thing.

• Lastly, there is a great sauce you can use instead of the tofu seasoning. I made it the other day but I’ll be sharing the recipe soon so if you liked this, try that and let me know which is your fav.

Enjoy!

-Ashley B.