Crispy Marinated Tofu

Crispy Marinated Tofu

Crispy Marinated Tofu

I think this recipe in particular is my favorite way to prepare tofu. The pressed tofu is marinated in a simple soy/chili sauce marinade, then coated in cumin seasoned cornstarch and lightly fried. The tofu needs at least 4 hours of marinating, preferably overnight. By pressing as much liquid as you can out of the tofu allows it to soak up more of the marinade. Once it’s coated in the cornstarch, fry for 4 minutes a side over medium high heat.
I saved some of the marinade and microwaved it for about 45 seconds. After the tofu has drained on paper towel, I spoon over the cooked marinade. Garnish the tofu chopped cilantro and green onions.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time8 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese
Keyword: appetizer, Chinese, main course
Author: Alex Gorgos

Ingredients

  • 1 block firm or extra firm tofu pressed
  • vegetable oil for frying

Marinade

  • 1/3 cup light soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup shaoxing cooking wine
  • 3 tbsp chili paste
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp housin sauce
  • 2 tsp lemon juice
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tbsp ginger grated

Coating

  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 tsp cumin

Garnish

  • cilantro chopped
  • green onions chopped

Instructions

  • Mix together marinade ingredients.
    Chinese, appetizer, main course
  • Cut your block of pressed tofu into 16 pieces, like so.
    Chinese, appetizer, main course
  • Marinate the tofu for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
    Chinese, appetizer, main course
  • Mix together the coating ingredients.
    Chinese, appetizer, main course
  • Toss the tofu in the coating mix, making sure everything is evenly coated.
    Chinese, appetizer, main course
  • Heat up cooking oil in a sauté pan over medium high heat. Add in the tofu.
    Chinese, appetizer, main course
  • Fry for 4 minutes a side.
    Chinese, appetizer, main course
  • Drain on paper towel.
    Chinese, appetizer, main course
  • Garnish with green onion and cilantro.
    Chinese, appetizer, main course