Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 block of firm tofu (14 oz)
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup of cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp of salt
- 1/2 tsp of ground pepper
- 1 cup of water
- 2 cups of vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1/2 cup of roasted peanuts
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1/2 tsp of salt
- 1 tbsp of palm sugar
- 1 tbsp of tamarind paste
- 1/2 cup of water
Special equipment needed:
- Deep fryer or a deep pot for frying
- Food processor or blender
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Cut the tofu into small triangles or any desired shape.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Gradually add water while whisking until the batter is smooth.
3. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a deep pot over medium-high heat.
4. Dip the tofu pieces into the batter, making sure they are fully coated.
5. Fry the tofu in the hot oil until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oil and place on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
6. In a food processor or blender, grind the roasted peanuts and garlic until they form a coarse paste.
7. In a small saucepan, combine the peanut paste, salt, palm sugar, tamarind paste, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
8. Serve the fried tofu with the peanut sauce on top.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
- Frying temperature: 350°F (175°C)
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 375
- Total fat: 25g
- Saturated fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Total carbohydrates: 28g
- Dietary fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 12g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Firm tofu can be substituted with tempeh or seitan.
- Cornstarch can be substituted with potato starch or arrowroot starch.
- Palm sugar can be substituted with brown sugar or honey.
- Tamarind paste can be substituted with lime juice or vinegar.
Variations:
- Add chopped scallions or cilantro to the peanut sauce for extra flavor.
- Use different types of nuts, such as cashews or almonds, to make the sauce.
- Add chili flakes or hot sauce to the peanut sauce for a spicy kick.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the tofu to ensure a crispy texture.
- If the batter is too thick, add more water. If it's too thin, add more flour.
- To make the peanut sauce smoother, add more water and blend it longer.
Storage instructions:
- Store the leftover fried tofu and peanut sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the fried tofu, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
- To reheat the peanut sauce, heat it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Arrange the fried tofu on a plate and drizzle the peanut sauce on top.
- Garnish with chopped scallions, cilantro, or chopped peanuts.
Pairings:
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- Pair with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a salad.
Suggested side dishes:
- Stir-fried bok choy
- Green papaya salad
- Steamed broccoli with garlic sauce
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the batter is too thin, the tofu will not be crispy. Add more flour to thicken the batter.
- If the oil is not hot enough, the tofu will absorb too much oil and become soggy. Make sure the oil is at the right temperature before frying.
Food safety advice:
- Use caution when frying with hot oil to avoid burns.
- Make sure the tofu is fully cooked before serving.
Food history:
- Kembang Tahu is a popular street food in Indonesia, made with fried tofu and a variety of sauces.
Flavor profiles:
- The fried tofu is crispy and savory, while the peanut sauce is sweet, salty, and slightly tangy.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer or a main dish.
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Region: Indonesian