Crispy Tofu Bites with Herbed Dipping Sauce

Ingredients

In this adapted version, we replace the mozzarella cheese with tofu to align with the Taoist diet. The traditional Italian flavors are preserved by using similar herbs and spices in the batter. The cooking technique remains the same, ensuring a crispy exterior while keeping the dish suitable for the Taoist diet. We alse have the original recipe for Mozzarelline fritte, so you can check it out.

• 1 block of firm tofu, drained and cut into bite-sized cubes (350g) 1 block of firm tofu, drained and cut into bite-sized cubes (350g)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (60g) 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (60g)
• 1/4 cup cornstarch (30g) 1/4 cup cornstarch (30g)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 1.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 1g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
2. 2.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium heat.
3. 3.
   Coat each tofu cube in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
4. 4.
   Carefully place the coated tofu cubes into the hot oil, frying them in batches until golden brown and crispy. This should take about 3-4 minutes per batch.
5. 5.
   Remove the tofu bites from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
6. 6.
   Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with the herbed dipping sauce.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tofu — Press the tofu before cutting it into cubes to remove excess moisture. This will help achieve a crispier texture when frying.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra crispy texture, you can double-coat the tofu by dipping it in the flour mixture, then in a mixture of plant-based milk and flour, and finally back into the flour mixture before frying.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices in the batter to customize the flavor to your liking.
• Serve the Crispy Tofu Bites with a side of steamed vegetables for a complete Taoist meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Crispy Tofu Bites as an appetizer or as part of a Taoist-inspired meal. They are best enjoyed hot and crispy, accompanied by the herbed dipping sauce.

Presentation advice

Arrange the golden Crispy Tofu Bites on a platter, garnished with fresh parsley. Serve the herbed dipping sauce in a small bowl alongside the tofu bites for dipping.