Salt and Pepper Tofu

Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Salt and Pepper Tofu

Luckily, you won’t need many ingredients to make Salt and Pepper Tofu! These are probably items you already have in your pantry, and the salt and pepper tofu seasoning is SO SIMPLE!

• firm or extra firm tofu, drained and patted dry – Ensure you use firm or extra firm tofu for this recipe. You will want to avoid soft tofu as it will not hold up its shape when frying. If you have soft tofu, use it for my Chinese Silken Tofu which is equally delicious!
• egg
• cornstarch
• red chili pepper (I used fresno, de-seeded, chopped)
• green chili pepper (I used jalapeno, de-seeded, chopped)
• scallions
• garlic – I give them a fine mince – we do not want to brown the garlic; we only want to release the aroma into the green beans.
• neutral oil – My favorite neutral oil is avocado oil, but you can also use canola or vegetable oil! I don’t use olive oil when cooking Chinese food for two reasons: 1. It has a low burning point and 2. I find that the flavor profile does not usually go with the dish.

• Salt and Pepper Seasoning Mixture
  • kosher salt
  • white pepper
  • sugar
  • MSG or chicken bouillon powder

Don’t feel like frying? Make super crispy Air Fryer Tofu instead!

Bring a pot of water to a boil and season with a tablespoon of kosher salt. This simple but important step will help firm up the tofu and allow it to hold its shape when frying. Add tofu to the boiling water, cover and turn the heat to low. Blanch for 5 minutes then drain. Pat the tofu cubes completely dry with a kitchen or paper towel. You want to remove as much moisture from the tofu as possible before the next step.

4. Dredge the Tofu

Mix in a beaten egg to cover the tofu and mix. Dust the tofu cubes in a plate of cornstarch until fully coated. Shake off any excess cornstarch before frying the tofu pieces.

5. Fry the Tofu

In a large heavy bottom pot or wok, add enough neutral oil to cover the bottom by about 2 inches. Fry the tofu cubes at 375F for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. If necessary, fry the tofu in batches so the oil doesn’t drop below 350F. Remove and drain well on a wire rack or paper towel.

6. Sauté and finish the Salt and Pepper Tofu

In a separate pan, add 1 tbsp of neutral oil over medium high heat and add garlic and scallion whites. Sauté the aromatics for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add the sliced red and green chilis and sauté for another minute. Add back the tofu and seasoning mixture and toss until well coated throughout. Garnish your Salt and Pepper Tofu with scallion greens and enjoy!

Frequent Asked Questions for Salt and Pepper Tofu

Can Salt and Pepper Tofu be made in the Air Fryer?

Yes! Follow the recipe through steps 1 through 4. Lay the dredged pieces of tofu onto your air fryer basket, then spray generously with a neutral oil spray such as avocado oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil. Air fry the tofu pieces at 375F for 10-12 minutes. Give them a flip and air fry for another 5 minutes until they’re super crispy. The time may need to be adjusted depending on the strength of your air fryer, so be sure to check the tofu throughout the air frying process to ensure they come out to a crisp golden brown! Finally, follow step 6 in the recipe and your Salt and Pepper Tofu is ready to serve!

Can I use different seasonings for Salt and Pepper Tofu?

Yes! You can absolutely change the seasoning mixture to your preference to create your own unique spice mix for Salt and Pepper Tofu! You can add different spices like ground Sichuan peppercorn for a spicy mouth-numbing kick, five spice powder, or ground black pepper. Add a quarter teaspoon of any of these spices and they will come out delicious!

Pro Tips for the Best Salt and Pepper Tofu:

1. Use firm or extra-firm tofu: These types of tofu have a higher protein content and a firmer texture, which makes them ideal for frying. The firmness helps the tofu hold its shape and prevents it from becoming mushy.
2. Blanching the tofu: Blanching the tofu briefly in boiling water helps to remove any residual flavors, soften the tofu slightly, and improve its ability to absorb seasonings. Be sure to drain and dry the tofu thoroughly after blanching to remove excess moisture.
3. Cornstarch coating: Coating the tofu cubes in cornstarch before frying helps create a crispy exterior. Make sure to fully coat each piece with cornstarch, shaking off any excess, for a satisfying crunch.
4. Maintain the oil temperature: When frying the tofu, it’s crucial to maintain the oil temperature around 375°F (190°C). Using a thermometer can help ensure the oil remains hot enough for the tofu to fry properly and develop a golden-brown crust.
5. Fry in batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying the tofu. Fry in small batches to ensure even cooking and prevent the oil temperature from dropping too much. Overcrowding can lead to uneven browning and soggy tofu.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to create a fantastic Salt and Pepper Tofu dish that’s bursting with flavor and has the perfect crispy texture. Enjoy experimenting and making this delightful recipe your own!

If you liked this Salt and Pepper Tofu recipe, check out some of the most vegetable recipes on the blog!

• Garlic Bok Choy
• Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad
• Vegetable Dumplings
• Dry Fried Garlic Green Beans

If you tried this Salt and Pepper Tofu or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below!