Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 block of firm tofu (14 oz)
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil for frying
Special equipment needed:
- Non-stick frying pan
- Paper towels
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Drain the tofu and wrap it in paper towels to remove excess water. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
2. In a shallow bowl, mix together the cornstarch, flour, sesame seeds, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
3. Cut the tofu into small cubes and roll them in the flour mixture until coated evenly.
4. Heat the vegetable oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat.
5. Once the oil is hot, add the tofu cubes and fry them for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
6. Remove the tofu cubes from the pan and place them on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Temperature:
Medium-high heat
Serving size:
4 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 250
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Protein: 9g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Cornstarch can be substituted with arrowroot powder or potato starch.
- 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 teaspoon of soy sauce to the flour mixture for a savory flavor.
- Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
- Serve the tofu curd balls with a sweet chili dipping sauce.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to remove excess water from the tofu before coating it with the flour mixture to prevent the tofu from becoming soggy.
- Use a non-stick frying pan to prevent the tofu from sticking to the pan.
- Fry the tofu in small batches to prevent overcrowding in the pan.
Storage instructions:
Store the leftover tofu curd balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the tofu curd balls in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the tofu curd balls on a bed of lettuce with a side of sweet chili dipping sauce.
Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped scallions or cilantro.
Pairings:
Pair with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
Suggested side dishes:
- Stir-fried bok choy
- Steamed broccoli
- Vegetable fried rice
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the tofu curd balls are not crispy, increase the heat of the oil and fry them for a longer time.
- If the tofu curd balls are too dry, add a tablespoon of water to the flour mixture to create a batter-like consistency.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the tofu curd balls to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they are safe to eat.
Food history:
Tofu originated in China over 2,000 years ago and has since become a staple in many Asian cuisines.
Flavor profiles:
Sesame seeds add a nutty flavor to the tofu curd balls, while the spices add a savory and slightly sweet flavor.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the tofu curd balls as an appetizer or as a main dish with rice and vegetables.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: N/A