Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 block of firm tofu (14 oz)
- 1 tablespoon Sichuan peppercorns
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup chopped scallions
- Salt to taste
Special equipment needed:
- None
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Drain the tofu and cut it into 1/2-inch cubes.
2. Toast the Sichuan peppercorns in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Crush them with a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder.
3. In a bowl, whisk together the crushed peppercorns, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
4. Add the tofu cubes to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours.
5. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
6. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the marinated tofu cubes in a single layer.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
8. Sprinkle with chopped scallions and salt to taste.
9. Serve hot or at room temperature.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Marinating time: 30 minutes to 24 hours
- Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 400°F
Serving size:
- 2-4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 180
- Total fat: 11g
- Saturated fat: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Total carbohydrate: 14g
- Dietary fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 9g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Sichuan peppercorns: You can use black peppercorns or red pepper flakes instead.
- Soy sauce: You can use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version.
- Rice vinegar: You can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar instead.
- Sesame oil: You can use any neutral oil, such as canola or vegetable oil.
- Honey: You can use maple syrup or agave nectar instead.
- Garlic and ginger: You can use 1 teaspoon of garlic and ginger paste instead.
- Red pepper flakes: You can use cayenne pepper or paprika instead.
- Scallions: You can use chopped cilantro or parsley instead.
Variations:
- Add vegetables: You can marinate and bake vegetables, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini, along with the tofu.
- Make it spicy: You can add more red pepper flakes or a chopped chili pepper to the marinade.
- Make it sweet: You can add more honey or brown sugar to the marinade.
- Make it tangy: You can add more rice vinegar or lime juice to the marinade.
Tips and tricks:
- Use a tofu press to remove excess water from the tofu before marinating it.
- Use parchment paper to prevent the tofu from sticking to the baking sheet.
- Flip the tofu cubes halfway through baking to ensure even browning.
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the tofu in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the tofu on a bed of steamed rice or noodles.
- Garnish with chopped scallions, sesame seeds, or cilantro.
- Serve with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a salad.
Pairings:
- Serve with a glass of white wine or a cold beer.
- Pair with a side of kimchi or pickled vegetables.
Suggested side dishes:
- Stir-fried vegetables, such as bok choy, broccoli, or snow peas.
- Steamed rice or noodles.
- Salad with a sesame dressing.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the tofu is too soft, you may have marinated it for too long. Reduce the marinating time next time.
- If the tofu is not crispy enough, you may need to bake it for a few more minutes or increase the oven temperature.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to use a clean cutting board and knife when handling the tofu and vegetables.
- Store leftover tofu in the refrigerator and discard any leftovers that have been left at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Food history:
- Sichuan cuisine is known for its bold and spicy flavors, and Sichuan peppercorns are a key ingredient in many dishes.
- Tofu is a staple ingredient in Chinese cuisine and is often used as a meat substitute in vegetarian and vegan dishes.
Flavor profiles:
- This dish is savory, spicy, and slightly sweet, with a hint of nuttiness from the sesame oil.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer or a main dish.
- Pair with a side of steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
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Region: Chinese