Description
A flavorful and easy recipe for crispy Szechuan tofu, perfect for a weeknight meal. Features a spicy, savory sauce and perfectly fried tofu.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 block (14-16 ounces) extra-firm tofu
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for tofu coating)
- 2–3 tablespoons cooking oil (vegetable, canola, or peanut)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1–2 dried Szechuan chilies, deseeded and roughly chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns, lightly crushed (optional)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for sauce)
- 1 tablespoon chili bean paste (Doubanjiang)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 cup water or vegetable broth
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- 1. Press tofu for at least 30 minutes. Cut into bite-sized cubes.
- 2. Toss tofu with 2 tablespoons soy sauce and Shaoxing wine (if using) for 10-15 minutes.
- 3. Drain excess liquid. Coat tofu cubes evenly with cornstarch.
- 4. Heat 2-3 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry tofu in batches until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- 5. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon soy sauce, chili bean paste, rice vinegar, sugar, and sesame oil. Set aside.
- 6. Return skillet to medium heat with 1 tablespoon oil. Sauté garlic, ginger, dried chilies, and Sichuan peppercorns for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
- 7. Pour sauce mixture into the skillet. Add water or broth and bring to a simmer, stirring until slightly thickened.
- 8. Add crispy tofu back to the skillet. Gently toss to coat. Stir in half of the sliced green onions.
- 9. Serve hot, garnished with remaining green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a dry skillet, toaster oven, or air fryer for best results. While microwaving is an option, it will yield a softer texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 30 minutes pressing time)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: APPROX. 400
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g