Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 block of firm tofu (14 oz)
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
Special equipment needed:
- Non-stick skillet
- Spatula
Step-by-step instructions:
a. Drain the tofu and pat it dry with paper towels.
b. Cut the tofu into 1/2 inch cubes.
c. In a shallow bowl, mix together the cornstarch, flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
d. Heat the vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
e. Dredge the tofu cubes in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
f. Place the tofu cubes in the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
g. Use a spatula to transfer the fried tofu to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
h. Serve hot.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
5. Temperature:
- Medium-high heat
Serving size:
- 2-3 people
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 10g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Cornstarch can be substituted with potato starch or arrowroot powder.
- All-purpose flour can be substituted with rice flour or chickpea flour.
- Vegetable oil can be substituted with canola oil or peanut oil.
Variations:
- Add 1 tsp of Chinese five-spice powder to the flour mixture for a different flavor.
- Serve with a dipping sauce made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili oil.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to pat the tofu dry before cutting it into cubes to prevent excess moisture.
- Use a non-stick skillet to prevent the tofu from sticking to the pan.
- Don't overcrowd the pan when frying the tofu to ensure even cooking.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover fried tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the fried tofu, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the fried tofu on a bed of lettuce leaves for a colorful presentation.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.
Garnishes:
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Pairings:
- Steamed rice
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Egg drop soup
Suggested side dishes:
- Steamed bok choy
- Stir-fried green beans
- Vegetable fried rice
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the tofu is not crispy enough, increase the heat and fry for a few more minutes.
- If the tofu is sticking to the pan, add more oil to the skillet.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the tofu to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food history:
- Ciu Tong is a popular Chinese dish that originated in Sichuan province.
Flavor profiles:
- The fried tofu is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a savory and slightly spicy flavor.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the fried tofu as an appetizer or as a main dish with steamed rice and vegetables.
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