Crispy Thai Tofu with Peanut Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 block (14 oz / 400g) firm tofu, drained and pressed 1 block (14 oz / 400g) firm tofu, drained and pressed
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (30g) cornstarch 1/4 cup (30g) cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
• 1/2 cup (120g) roasted peanuts, finely chopped 1/2 cup (120g) roasted peanuts, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup (120ml) coconut milk 1/2 cup (120ml) coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons lime juice 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional) 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 26g, 3g
• Protein: 16g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a shallow dish, combine soy sauce, grated ginger, and minced garlic.
2. 2.
   Cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes and place them in the marinade. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and baking powder.
4. 4.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
5. 5.
   Remove the tofu from the marinade and coat each piece with the flour mixture.
6. 6.
   Carefully place the coated tofu cubes into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
7. 7.
   In a blender or food processor, combine roasted peanuts, coconut milk, lime juice, soy sauce, and chili flakes (if using). Blend until smooth and creamy.
8. 8.
   Serve the crispy tofu with the peanut sauce on the side, garnished with fresh cilantro and chopped peanuts.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tofu — Pressing the tofu before marinating helps remove excess moisture, allowing it to absorb more flavor. Use a tofu press or wrap the tofu in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object on top for about 15 minutes.
• Peanut sauce — Adjust the consistency of the peanut sauce by adding more coconut milk for a thinner sauce or more peanuts for a thicker sauce.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra crispy texture, double-coat the tofu by dipping it in the flour mixture, then back into the marinade, and finally into the flour mixture again before frying.
• Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice over the crispy tofu just before serving for a burst of citrus flavor.
• Customize the level of spiciness by adjusting the amount of chili flakes in the peanut sauce.
• Serve the dish with steamed jasmine rice or noodles for a complete meal.
• Experiment with different toppings such as sliced scallions or crushed red pepper flakes for added flavor and visual appeal.

Serving advice

Serve the Crispy Thai Tofu with Peanut Sauce as a main course accompanied by steamed jasmine rice or noodles. Garnish with fresh cilantro and chopped peanuts for an extra touch of freshness and crunch.

Presentation advice

Arrange the golden crispy tofu cubes on a serving platter and drizzle the peanut sauce over them. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for an enticing presentation.