Crispy Fermented Tofu Delight

Ingredients

• 400g (14 oz) fermented tofu 400g (14 oz) fermented tofu
• 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon five-spice powder 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
• For the dipping sauce: For the dipping sauce:
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional) 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 2g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Drain the fermented tofu and pat it dry with a paper towel.
2. 2.
   In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, five-spice powder, garlic powder, and salt.
3. 3.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Dip each piece of tofu into the flour mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated.
5. 5.
   Carefully place the coated tofu into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
6. 6.
   Remove the tofu from the oil and drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
7. 7.
   In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and chili flakes (if using) to make the dipping sauce.
8. 8.
   Serve the Crispy Fermented Tofu Delight hot with the tangy dipping sauce on the side.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Fermented tofu — Make sure to drain and pat dry the tofu before coating it with the flour mixture. This will help achieve a crispy texture.
• Vegetable oil — Use a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or peanut oil, for frying. Maintain the oil temperature around 180°C (350°F) to ensure proper frying.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra crispy texture, you can double-coat the tofu by dipping it in the flour mixture twice before frying.
• Adjust the amount of chili flakes in the dipping sauce according to your preferred level of spiciness.
• Serve the Crispy Fermented Tofu Delight as an appetizer or as part of a larger Taiwanese-inspired meal.
• Experiment with different dipping sauces, such as a sweet and sour sauce or a peanut sauce, to add variety to the dish.
• If you prefer a healthier alternative, you can bake the tofu in the oven instead of deep-frying it.

Serving advice

Serve the Crispy Fermented Tofu Delight as a centerpiece on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions. Provide small dipping bowls for each guest to enjoy the tangy dipping sauce alongside the crispy tofu.

Presentation advice

Arrange the golden-brown tofu pieces in an artful manner on the serving platter, ensuring they are evenly spaced. Drizzle a few drops of the dipping sauce over the tofu for an attractive presentation. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added visual appeal.