Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 block of firm tofu (14 oz)
- 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup of cornstarch
- 1 tsp of garlic powder
- 1 tsp of onion powder
- 1 tsp of paprika
- 1/2 tsp of salt
- 1/4 tsp of black pepper
- 1/2 cup of cold water
- 1 quart of vegetable oil for frying
Special equipment needed:
- Deep-fry thermometer
- Slotted spoon or spider strainer
- Paper towels
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Drain the tofu and press it to remove excess water. Cut it into small cubes and set aside.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
3. Gradually add the cold water to the dry ingredients, whisking until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
4. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 375°F.
5. Dip the tofu cubes into the batter, making sure they are coated evenly.
6. Carefully drop the coated tofu cubes into the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes.
7. Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to remove the tofu balls from the oil and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
8. Repeat the process with the remaining tofu cubes and batter.
9. Serve the crispy fried tofu curd balls hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
5. Temperature:
Oil temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
This recipe makes about 4 servings.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 280
Total fat: 17g
Saturated fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 300mg
Total carbohydrates: 23g
Dietary fiber: 1g
Sugar: 0g
Protein: 9g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Gluten-free flour can be used instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
- Corn flour or rice flour can be used instead of cornstarch.
- Other spices or seasonings can be added to the batter according to your taste.
Variations:
- Add chopped herbs or grated cheese to the batter for extra flavor.
- Serve the crispy fried tofu curd balls with a sweet and sour sauce, peanut sauce, or soy sauce.
- Use the same batter to coat other vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, or mushrooms.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the tofu is well-drained and pressed to remove excess water, otherwise, the batter won't stick well.
- Use cold water to make the batter, as it helps to create a crispy texture.
- Fry the tofu balls in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pot and lowering the oil temperature.
- Don't overcrowd the plate when draining the tofu balls, as they may become soggy.
Storage instructions:
Leftover crispy fried tofu curd balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat the crispy fried tofu curd balls, place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the crispy fried tofu curd balls on a platter with a dipping sauce and garnish with chopped scallions or cilantro.
Garnishes:
Chopped scallions, cilantro, sesame seeds, or crushed peanuts can be used as garnishes.
Pairings:
The crispy fried tofu curd balls can be paired with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a salad.
Suggested side dishes:
Steamed broccoli, sautéed bok choy, or roasted sweet potatoes can be served as side dishes.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the batter is too thick, add more water to thin it out.
- If the tofu balls are not crispy enough, increase the oil temperature or fry them for a longer time.
- If the tofu balls are too oily, make sure the oil is hot enough before frying and drain them well after frying.
Food safety advice:
- Use caution when working with hot oil to avoid burns.
- Make sure the oil temperature is accurate to avoid undercooked or overcooked tofu balls.
- Store leftover tofu balls in the refrigerator and discard any that have been left at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Food history:
Fried tofu curd balls are a popular snack and appetizer in many Asian countries, especially in Japan and China.
Flavor profiles:
The crispy fried tofu curd balls have a crunchy exterior and a soft and creamy interior, with a savory and slightly spicy flavor.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the crispy fried tofu curd balls as a party snack, appetizer, or side dish.
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