Chinese Salt and Pepper Tofu

Crispy, flavorful, and utterly addictive, Chinese Salt and Pepper Tofu is a plant-based delight that combines bold Asian flavors with restaurant-quality texture. Perfectly pressed firm tofu is tossed in a seasoned cornstarch coating, fried to golden perfection, and then stir-fried with aromatic garlic, spring onions, and fiery red chilies. A finishing sprinkle of black pepper and a hint of sugar balance the spice with just the right touch of sweetness. The result? A dish bursting with crunchy, savory goodness that’s perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main course. Serve hot with an optional drizzle of soy sauce for added umami, and enjoy a simple, 35-minute recipe that's sure to impress!

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams Firm tofu
• 5 tablespoons Cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon White pepper
• 250 milliliters Vegetable oil
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced
• 2 stalks Spring onions, finely chopped
• 2 Red chili, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon Sugar
• 2 tablespoons Soy sauce (optional, for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Press the tofu to remove excess moisture: Place the tofu block on a plate, cover it with a paper towel or clean kitchen cloth, and place a weight (such as a heavy pan) on top. Let it sit for 15 minutes.

Step 2

Cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes and pat them dry with a paper towel.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, and white pepper. Toss the tofu cubes in the mixture until all sides are evenly coated.

Step 4

Heat the vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or wok over medium-high heat until it reaches 180°C (350°F). Test by dropping a small piece of tofu into the oil; it should sizzle immediately.

Step 5

Fry the tofu cubes in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels.

Step 6

In a separate large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat.

Step 7

Add the minced garlic, chopped spring onions, and red chili to the skillet. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until aromatic.

Step 8

Add the fried tofu to the skillet and toss well to coat the tofu with the aromatics.

Step 9

Sprinkle in the black pepper and sugar, continuing to toss for 1-2 minutes to evenly distribute the seasoning.

Step 10

Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the tofu to a serving dish. Optionally, drizzle the dish with soy sauce before serving.

Step 11

Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(851.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2478.4

Total Fat 240.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 34.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 142.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4295.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 67.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 10.2g	0%
Total Sugars 12.5g
Protein 47.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 698.9mg	0%
Iron 8.4mg	0%
Potassium 1479.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 82.5%

Protein: 7.3%

Carbs: 10.2%