Crispy Sticky Tofu
Crispy Sticky Tofu: A Delightful Plant-Based Dish
Crispy Sticky Tofu is a fantastic plant-based recipe that combines the crunchy texture of pan-fried tofu with a sweet and savory marinade. This dish is perfect for anyone looking to add more vegetarian meals to their diet or simply craving a delicious Asian-inspired meal. With a few simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, you’ll find this recipe not only satisfying but also fun to make!
Why Make This Recipe?
This Crispy Sticky Tofu recipe is a must-try for several reasons:
- Flavorful: The combination of sweet soy sauce, garlic, and red pepper flakes creates a delightful taste profile that will please your palate.
- Crispy Texture: The cornstarch coating ensures that the tofu is perfectly crispy on the outside while remaining soft on the inside.
- Versatile: This dish can be served over rice, tossed in a salad, or enjoyed on its own as a snack.
- Healthy: Tofu is a great source of plant-based protein and is low in calories, making this dish a healthy choice for any meal.
How to Make Crispy Sticky Tofu
Ingredients
To make Crispy Sticky Tofu, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 11 oz / 300 g extra firm tofu
- 3 tablespoons sweet soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1-2 garlic cloves, grated
- ½ tablespoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice)
- 4 tablespoons cornstarch (1 tablespoon for marinade)
- 3-4 tablespoons water
- 3 tablespoons oil
- Sesame seeds or chopped green onions for garnish
Directions
Follow these simple steps to prepare Crispy Sticky Tofu:
- Drain and press the tofu using a tofu press or by wrapping it in a clean tea towel and placing something heavy on top to remove excess water.
- In a small bowl, combine sweet soy sauce, rice vinegar, grated garlic, and red pepper flakes. Add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 3 tablespoons of water, then stir or whisk until well mixed.
- Slice the tofu into triangles or cubes, then coat all sides with the remaining cornstarch.
- Heat the oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the tofu pieces in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch each other.
- Pan fry the tofu for a few minutes on each side until golden and crispy.
- Pour the marinade into the pan; it will bubble up quickly. Turn all the tofu pieces to coat them on both sides in the sauce.
- Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds or chopped green onions.
How to Serve Crispy Sticky Tofu
Crispy Sticky Tofu can be served in various ways:
- Over a bed of steamed rice or quinoa for a hearty meal.
- As a topping for stir-fried vegetables for added protein.
- As an appetizer on its own, garnished with fresh green onions and sesame seeds.
How to Store Crispy Sticky Tofu
To keep your Crispy Sticky Tofu fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay good for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pan-fry it again to regain its crispy texture.
Tips to Make Crispy Sticky Tofu
- Press the Tofu Well: The more moisture you remove from the tofu, the crispier it will become when cooked.
- Adjust Spice: If you’re sensitive to spice, start with less red pepper flakes and adjust to your taste.
- Use Non-Stick Pan: A non-stick pan helps to cook the tofu evenly without sticking.
Variations
- Sauce Alternatives: Experiment with different sauces like teriyaki or hoisin for a twist on the flavor.
- Add Vegetables: Toss in some bell peppers or broccoli for added nutrition and flavor.
- Make it Spicy: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a splash of sriracha to the marinade.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular soy sauce instead of sweet soy sauce?
Yes, you can, but sweet soy sauce adds a unique flavor. If using regular soy sauce, consider adding a bit of sugar to balance the flavor.
2. How do I make tofu crispier?
Ensure the tofu is well-pressed to remove moisture and coat it evenly with cornstarch before frying.
3. Can I use different types of tofu?
This recipe works best with extra firm tofu. If you use silken or soft tofu, the texture will not hold up well during frying.
Enjoy making this Crispy Sticky Tofu and delight in its deliciousness!
Crispy Sticky Tofu
Ingredients
Tofu Preparation
- 11 oz 11 oz / 300 g extra firm tofu Use extra firm tofu for the best texture
- 4 tablespoons 4 tablespoons cornstarch (1 tablespoon for marinade) Coat tofu completely for a crispy exterior
Marinade
- 3 tablespoons 3 tablespoons sweet soy sauce Can substitute with regular soy sauce, add sugar for sweetness
- 1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1-2 cloves 1-2 garlic cloves, grated Adjust to taste
- ½ tablespoon ½ tablespoon red pepper flakes Adjust for desired spice level
- 3-4 tablespoons 3-4 tablespoons water For diluting the marinade
Cooking Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons 3 tablespoons oil Use a non-stick suitable oil
- to taste Sesame seeds or chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
Tofu Preparation
- Drain and press the tofu using a tofu press or wrap it in a clean tea towel and place something heavy on top to remove excess water.
- Slice the tofu into triangles or cubes, then coat all sides with the remaining cornstarch.
Marinade Preparation
- In a small bowl, combine sweet soy sauce, rice vinegar, grated garlic, and red pepper flakes. Add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 3 tablespoons of water, then stir or whisk until well mixed.
Cooking
- Heat the oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the tofu pieces in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch each other.
- Pan fry the tofu for a few minutes on each side until golden and crispy.
- Pour the marinade into the pan; it will bubble up quickly. Turn all the tofu pieces to coat them on both sides in the sauce.
- Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds or chopped green onions.
