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Salt And Pepper Tofu Extra Crispy Recipe – Friendsgiving Food Ideas

Name: Salt And Pepper Tofu Extra Crispy Recipe – Friendsgiving Food Ideas
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon sea salt; 2 cups filtered water; 1 1/2 cups tapioca starch; 14 oz medium or firm tofu; 1/4 teaspoon crushed chili flakes; 1/2 teaspoon garlic granules; 1/2 teaspoon ground Sichuan peppercorns; 1/4 teaspoon sugar; 1 teaspoon ground white pepper; 1 teaspoon mushroom powder; 3/4 teaspoon fine salt; 1 tablespoon chopped Thai basil or fresh cilantro; 3 red chilies, thinly sliced; 2 stalks green onion; 6 garlic cloves

Iris Miller August 3, 2025

Servings: 4 Total Time: 30 mins Difficulty: Intermediate

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Salt and pepper tofu extra crispy is a delight on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate your dining experience. Here are some suggestions:

Steamed Jasmine Rice: Fluffy rice balances the dish’s bold flavors.
Stir-fried Vegetables: Broccoli or bok choy add color and nutrients, and they soak up the dish’s spices.
Sesame Noodles: Offering a different texture, they complement the crispy tofu beautifully.
Spicy Dipping Sauce: A squeeze of lime with a sprinkle of chili can kick up the flavor.

Make your meal enjoyable by mixing textures and flavors!

Salt And Pepper Tofu Extra Crispy Recipe

I still remember the first time I tried salt and pepper tofu extra crispy at a local Asian restaurant. The crunch of the tofu, juxtaposed with the subtle heat of peppercorns, sent me into a food-induced bliss. I instantly thought, “I need to make this at home!” Gradually, I came up with my version, using real ingredients and a few tricks we all can master. This dish not only brings joy but is surprisingly easy to prepare!

With time, I have perfected this recipe and am excited to share it with you. You can whip it up for a weeknight dinner or serve it to impress friends at a dinner party.

What is Salt and Pepper Tofu Extra Crispy?

Salt and pepper tofu is a classic dish beloved in Asian cuisine. What makes it stand out? The crispy texture paired with a fragrant blend of spices. The tofu is typically coated in starch, providing an extra crunch when cooked. You’ll notice that it’s not just about the salt and pepper; the addition of Sichuan peppercorns introduces a unique flavor dimension.

In my version, I use firm tofu, ensuring that each bite maintains its structure while providing a satisfying crunch. The beauty lies in the simplicity of the ingredients. You can find most of them in your pantry. This dish is gluten-free, making it accessible for everyone.

What is the Flavor Profile of This Dish?

Let’s dive into the flavors. Picture biting into crispy tofu, seasoned with salt and a tinge of heat from chili flakes. The crunch envelops the umami goodness from mushroom powder and garlic granules. Meanwhile, the aromatic essence of green onions and cilantro lifts the dish. It’s a dance of textures and flavors that’s both satisfying and refreshing.

According to flavor experts, the contrast of textures—crispy and tender—combined with the depth of spices creates an experience that goes beyond mere taste. You’ll find yourself wanting more after every bite. Trust me; it’s that good!

Why You’ll Love This?

You won’t just love this dish; you’ll crave it! Here’s why:

Quick Cooking: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables or vary the spice level to suit your taste.
Plant-Based Delight: Suitable for vegans and vegetarians, packed with proteins and nutrients.

Let’s face it—crunchy food is fun. There’s something about that delightful sound that makes us happy. Salt and pepper tofu extra crispy brings that joy to your table.

Ingredients

Let’s grab our grocery list and gather the following ingredients:

Tofu Preparation

1/2 teaspoon sesame oil: For a subtle nuttiness.
1 tablespoon sea salt: Essential for flavor.
2 cups filtered water: Hydration is key.
1 1/2 cups tapioca starch: To create that extraordinary crunch.
14 oz medium or firm tofu: The backbone of this dish, diced into bite-sized cubes.

Dry Seasoning Blend

1/4 teaspoon crushed chili flakes: A nice kick of heat.
1/2 teaspoon garlic granules: For that garlicky goodness.
1/2 teaspoon ground Sichuan peppercorns: A unique flavor twist.
1/4 teaspoon sugar: To balance out the heat.
1 teaspoon ground white pepper: Adds depth.
1 teaspoon mushroom powder: Umami delight.
3/4 teaspoon fine salt: Helps season.

Aromatic Finish

1 tablespoon chopped Thai basil or fresh cilantro: For that fresh touch.
3 red chilies, thinly sliced: Adds color and spice.
2 stalks green onion, chopped: Perfect for garnish.
6 garlic cloves, finely minced: Because more garlic is always better!

Step by Step Instructions

Let’s make our salt and pepper tofu extra crispy! Follow these steps, and you’ll be well on your way to a delicious meal.

Step 1: Press the Tofu

Start by pressing the tofu. Wrap it in paper towels and place a heavy object on top. This will squeeze out excess moisture and make it easier to crisp up when cooked. Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Seasoning

While the tofu is pressing, mix your dry seasoning blend in a bowl. Combine the crushed chili flakes, garlic granules, Sichuan pepper, sugar, white pepper, mushroom powder, and fine salt. Set this aside; we’ll use it soon.

Step 3: Slice and Cube

Once the tofu is pressed, slice it into bite-sized cubes. The smaller the cubes, the more surface area there is to crisp up.

Step 4: Make the Slurry

In another bowl, mix the tapioca starch with sesame oil. Add a little water to the mix until you achieve a smooth paste. This batter will help create that coveted crispy texture.

Step 5: Coat the Tofu

Gently toss the tofu cubes in the batter, ensuring they are evenly coated. You want the starch to cling to the tofu for maximum crunch.

Step 6: Fry the Tofu

Heat a generous amount of oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot (you can test it by dropping a small piece of tofu in; it should sizzle), carefully add the coated tofu cubes. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.

Step 7: Season the Tofu

Once the tofu is crispy, immediately sprinkle the dry seasoning blend over the tofu while it’s still hot. This helps the flavor stick.

Step 8: Garnish

Finally, add the chopped green onions, sliced chilies, and your choice of herbs like cilantro or Thai basil. Give it a gentle toss to mix everything together.

How to make Salt And Pepper Tofu Extra Crispy Recipe

Tips & Tricks

Want to achieve perfectly crispy tofu? Here are some tips:

Use Firm Tofu: It holds its shape better and crisps nicely.
Press the Tofu Thoroughly: Squeeze out excess moisture; the more moisture removed, the crisper the tofu.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches for even cooking.
Watch the Oil Temperature: Too hot may burn, too cool won’t crisp. Aim for medium-high heat.
Add Fresh Herbs Last: This prevents them from wilting and losing their vibrancy.

Nutrition Information

Curious about the nutritional breakdown? Here’s a rough estimate per serving:

This makes it a balanced option for a meal.

How Can You Store This Salt and Pepper Tofu Extra Crispy?

If you have any leftovers (though I doubt it!), it’s essential to store them correctly. Here’s what to do:

Refrigerate: Place in an airtight container. It can last up to three days.
Reheat Properly: When reheating, consider using an air fryer or stovetop to regain that crispy texture.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

Running low on specific ingredients? Here are alternatives:

Instead of Tofu: Tempeh is a fantastic substitute. It’s denser and holds flavors well.
Tapioca Starch Swap: Cornstarch or potato starch can do the trick if you’re out of tapioca starch.
No Sichuan Peppercorns: Regular black pepper can work, although the flavor will be different.

Conclusion

Salt and pepper tofu extra crispy isn’t just a dish; it’s an experience where flavor meets texture. With its ease of preparation and versatility, it’s bound to impress both family and friends.

Whether served as a main dish or as part of a spread, its unique zest will make it a standout. So grab those ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the delightful crunch that comes with every bite.

Happy cooking!

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Print Recipe

Salt And Pepper Tofu Extra Crispy Recipe – Friendsgiving Food Ideas

Author: Iris Miller Cuisine: American Courses: Main course

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 20 mins Total Time 30 mins

Servings: 4 Calories: 289

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

With time, I have perfected this recipe and am excited to share it with you. You can whip it up for a weeknight dinner or serve it to impress friends at a dinner party.