Vegetarian Ikan Goreng

Experience a delightful twist on a Southeast Asian classic with Vegetarian Ikan Goreng, a plant-based take on the beloved fried fish dish. Made with extra firm tofu marinated in a bold blend of soy sauce, tamarind paste, turmeric, aromatic ginger, and garlic, this recipe captures the vibrant flavors of traditional Ikan Goreng while keeping it completely vegetarian. What sets this dish apart is its irresistibly crispy coating, created by dredging the marinated tofu in a mixture of rice flour and cornstarch before frying to golden perfection. With just 35 minutes from prep to plate, this quick and easy recipe pairs beautifully with a squeeze of fresh lime, adding a zesty kick to every bite. Perfect as a main course or appetizer, this vegetarian marvel is ideal for anyone craving bold flavors and satisfying crunch.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 16 ounces extra firm tofu
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon tamarind paste
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 whole red chili, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon coriander seeds, crushed
• 1 cup rice flour
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups vegetable oil, for frying
• 4 wedges fresh lime wedges, for serving

Directions

Step 1

Press the tofu to remove excess moisture by wrapping it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and placing a heavy object on top for about 15 minutes.

Step 2

Once pressed, cut the tofu into fillet-like pieces, roughly 1/2-inch thick and 3 inches long.

Step 3

In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, tamarind paste, turmeric powder, grated ginger, minced garlic, chopped chili, and crushed coriander seeds. Mix well.

Step 4

Add the tofu pieces to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to an hour for more flavor.

Step 5

In another bowl, combine the rice flour, cornstarch, and salt. This mixture will serve as the coating for the tofu.

Step 6

Heat the vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Ensure the oil is hot but not smoking.

Step 7

Remove each piece of tofu from the marinade and coat it generously with the flour mixture.

Step 8

Carefully place the coated tofu pieces into the hot oil, and fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

Step 9

Once fried, transfer the tofu to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 10

Serve the Vegetarian Ikan Goreng hot with fresh lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2195.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5989.4

Total Fat 514.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 72.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4196.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 296.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 29.1g	0%
Total Sugars 24.8g
Protein 93.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 3415.0mg	0%
Iron 19.4mg	0%
Potassium 2407.9mg	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: 74.8%

Protein: 6.0%

Carbs: 19.2%