Description
This vegan Chinese Salt and Pepper Tofu is a healthier alternative to fast food, combining crispy tofu with vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 tablespoon oil (Used to sauté the vegetables)
- 2 medium leeks (Wash thoroughly to remove grit)
- 1 rib celery (Adds fresh crunch)
- 1 small green pepper (For vibrant color and flavor)
- 1 tablespoon finely minced garlic (Infuses warmth and depth)
- 1 tablespoon finely minced ginger (Adds zesty kick)
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce (Provides umami flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar (Balances savory notes)
- 1 block (14 oz when drained) extra firm tofu (Press well to remove moisture)
- 4 tablespoons corn starch (Creates golden, crunchy exterior)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper (Adds delightful spicy note)
- Salt (Adjust to taste)
- Vegetable or canola oil (Necessary for frying)
Instructions
- Chop the leeks, celery, and green pepper into a fine dice.
- Heat oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Add the diced leeks, celery, and green pepper, and sauté for about 2 minutes.
- Add the minced ginger and garlic to the sautéed vegetables, cooking for another 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in the light soy sauce and brown sugar, letting it cook for about 30 seconds. Set this mixture aside.
- Prepare the tofu by patting it dry thoroughly, then cut it into 1-inch cubes.
- Coat the tofu cubes with corn starch, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper until well coated.
- Heat oil in a skillet, pouring enough to come up about 1/2 inch.
- Fry the tofu cubes in batches until golden brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
- Reheat the sautéed leeks, celery, and green pepper mixture. Add the crispy fried tofu cubes and toss well.
- Serve hot, paired with your favorite chili sauce and garnish.
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-frying and frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Chinese Salt Pepper Tofu, vegan tofu recipe, crispy tofu