Salt and Pepper Tofu
The joy of Chinese salt and pepper tofu is the contrasting crispy-on-the-outside, pillowy-on-the-inside textures. There is no need to press the tofu — a quick pat down with a kitchen towel is all that’s needed — as the moisture actually helps to keep the interior soft and tender. While potato or tapioca starch is often used for a light batter, nothing beats the accessibility and affordability of cornstarch to produce an enviable crunch. There are many versions of salt and pepper seasoning in Chinese cuisine — some contain Sichuan peppercorns or fennel seeds — but in this recipe, a spicy-sweet combination of white pepper, sugar, ground ginger and five-spice powder shines (See Tip).
For the Salt and Pepper Seasoning
2 teaspoons kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal)
½ teaspoon granulated sugar
½ teaspoon ground white pepper
½ teaspoon five-spice powder
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
For the Tofu
1 (14-ounce) package firm tofu, drained
½ cup cornstarch
Neutral oil such as canola or grapeseed
2 scallions, trimmed and finely sliced
1 long red pepper (such as Fresno) or long green pepper (such as jalapeño or serrano), thinly sliced
Cooked rice, to serve
To make the seasoning, combine the salt, sugar, white pepper, five-spice powder and ground ginger in a small bowl, and stir to combine. Set aside.
Place the drained tofu onto a clean kitchen towel and pat dry. Cut the tofu into ¾-inch cubes.
Scatter ¼ cup of the cornstarch onto a large plate or sheet pan. Carefully place the tofu cubes onto the cornstarch, then scatter the remaining cornstarch on top of the tofu. Using clean hands, gently dab each side of the tofu into the cornstarch until it is coated on all sides.
Line a large plate with a paper towel or a clean kitchen towel.
Heat a large (12-inch) nonstick or well seasoned cast-iron skillet on medium-high. Add 3 tablespoons of neutral oil and heat until the oil shimmers. Making sure the tofu pieces are not touching each other (you may need to work in batches), add the coated tofu to the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until the tofu is golden and crispy. Remove and place on the paper or kitchen towel to absorb excess oil. Continue with remaining tofu, adding more oil as needed.
The empty skillet should still have a small amount of oil, but if it doesn’t, add 1 tablespoon more of oil. With the skillet over medium heat, add the scallions and pepper and stir-fry for 30 to 60 seconds until softened and fragrant. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on the same paper or kitchen towel.
Transfer the tofu to a plate and sprinkle with about half of the salt and pepper seasoning. Top with scallions and pepper. Serve with rice and the remaining salt and pepper seasoning.
TIP
This seasoning is great to have on hand for several applications; along with tofu, it can be served on top of battered vegetables such as eggplant or cauliflower, or over roasted vegetables or salads. Make extra and store in a jar with a tight lid.
Nutritional analysis per serving (4 servings)
226 calories; 10 grams fat; 1 gram saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 3 grams monounsaturated fat; 5 grams polyunsaturated fat; 19 grams carbohydrates; 3 grams dietary fiber; 1 gram sugars; 17 grams protein; 296 milligrams sodium