Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 block of tofu, cut into thin slices
- 1 cup of cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of ground white pepper
- 1 cup of vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup of tamarind paste
- 1/2 cup of water
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon of chopped garlic
- 1 tablespoon of chopped red chili
- 1 tablespoon of chopped green onion
Special equipment needed:
- Wok or deep frying pan
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Saucepan
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine cornstarch, salt, and white pepper. Mix well.
2. Coat each tofu slice with the cornstarch mixture.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a wok or deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
4. Fry the coated tofu slices until golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.
5. In a saucepan, combine tamarind paste, water, brown sugar, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and red chili. Whisk until well combined.
6. Cook the sauce over medium heat until it thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.
7. Arrange the fried tofu slices on a serving plate.
8. Pour the tamarind sauce over the tofu slices.
9. Garnish with chopped green onion.
10. Serve hot.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium-high heat for frying
- Medium heat for cooking the sauce
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 10g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Tofu can be substituted with tempeh or seitan.
- Cornstarch can be substituted with all-purpose flour or rice flour.
- Tamarind paste can be substituted with lime juice or vinegar.
- Brown sugar can be substituted with palm sugar or honey.
- Red chili can be substituted with cayenne pepper or paprika.
Variations:
- Add chopped vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli to the sauce.
- Use different types of tofu such as silken or firm tofu.
- Add chopped peanuts or sesame seeds as a garnish.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the tofu slices to prevent them from sticking to the pan.
- Drain the fried tofu slices on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
- Adjust the amount of red chili according to your preference.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover tofu and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the tofu slices in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
- Reheat the sauce in a saucepan over low heat until warm.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the Kembang Tahu with Tamarind Sauce on a bed of rice or noodles.
- Garnish with fresh herbs such as cilantro or basil.
Garnishes:
- Chopped green onion
- Chopped peanuts
- Sesame seeds
- Fresh herbs
Pairings:
- Steamed rice
- Noodles
- Stir-fried vegetables
Suggested side dishes:
- Vegetable spring rolls
- Fried rice
- Stir-fried bok choy
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add more water or tamarind paste to thin it out.
- If the tofu slices are too soft, increase the amount of cornstarch in the coating mixture.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the tofu is fresh and not expired.
- Use a thermometer to check the oil temperature before frying.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.
Food history:
- Kembang Tahu is a popular Indonesian street food made from fried tofu slices.
- Tamarind is a common ingredient in Indonesian cuisine and is used to add a sour flavor to dishes.
Flavor profiles:
- The Kembang Tahu is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a mild flavor that pairs well with the tangy tamarind sauce.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the Kembang Tahu with Tamarind Sauce as an appetizer or main dish.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: Indonesian