Description
This Fried Silken Tofu is crispy on the outside and incredibly soft and creamy inside. Served with a savory soy-garlic dipping sauce, it’s a quick and delicious vegetarian dish perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or light meal that highlights the delicate texture of silken tofu with a flavorful Asian-inspired touch.
Ingredients
For the Tofu
- 1 block (14 oz / 400 g) silken tofu
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 green onion, finely sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Tofu: Carefully remove the silken tofu from its package and gently pat the surface dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture and prevent splattering during frying.
- Cut the Tofu: Slice the tofu into thick cubes or rectangles, handling the pieces gently due to their delicate texture.
- Coat the Tofu: In a shallow bowl, mix together the cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Lightly coat each tofu piece with this mixture, ensuring an even covering for a crispy crust.
- Heat the Oil: Pour about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil into a skillet and heat it over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking, suitable for frying.
- Fry the Tofu: Place the coated tofu pieces carefully into the hot oil. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning gently to achieve a golden, crisp exterior without breaking the tofu.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove the tofu from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil and maintain crispness.
- Make the Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey (or maple syrup), minced garlic, grated ginger, red pepper flakes if using, finely sliced green onion, and sesame seeds until well combined.
- Serve: Serve the crispy fried tofu immediately alongside the savory dipping sauce for dipping or drizzling over the tofu.
Notes
- Silken tofu is delicate, so handle it gently to prevent breaking.
- Use firm silken tofu if available for easier frying and better shape retention.
- Ensure tofu pieces are well coated in cornstarch before frying for optimal crispiness.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with gluten-free tamari.
- Serve over steamed rice or with stir-fried vegetables to make a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
