Vegan Crispy Garlic Soy Tofu

Ingredients:

  • 1 block (14 oz) extra-firm tofu
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave nectar
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Press the Tofu: Start by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture. Place the tofu block between two plates and weigh the top plate down with something heavy (like a can or a book). Press for at least 30 minutes, ideally an hour, changing the paper towels halfway through.
  2. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, maple syrup or agave nectar, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine.
  3. Slice and Marinate: Once pressed, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes or rectangles. Place the tofu in a shallow dish or bowl and pour half of the marinade over the tofu. Gently toss to coat each piece. Let it marinate for at least 15-20 minutes, tossing occasionally to ensure even coating.
  4. Coat with Cornstarch: In a separate bowl, place the cornstarch. Take each piece of tofu from the marinade (reserve the marinade for later) and coat it evenly with cornstarch.
  5. Fry the Tofu: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the tofu cubes in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until crispy and golden brown. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your skillet. Transfer the fried tofu to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
  6. Make the Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the remaining marinade and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  7. Combine and Serve: Add the fried tofu back into the skillet with the garlic sauce. Gently toss to coat the tofu evenly with the sauce. Cook for another minute to heat everything through.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

Nutritional Information:

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
  • Calories: 250
  • Total Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 4g
  • Protein: 18g

Smart Points (Weight Watchers): Each serving is approximately 6 SmartPoints.

Useful Information:

  • Tofu Preparation: Pressing tofu helps it absorb flavors better and improves its texture when frying.
  • Marinating: Marinating tofu infuses it with flavor. The longer you marinate, the more flavorful it will be.
  • Frying Technique: Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding tofu to achieve a crispy exterior.
  • Garlic Sauce: Cooking the garlic briefly prevents it from burning and adds a rich, aromatic flavor to the dish.
  • Garnishing: Garnishing with green onions and sesame seeds adds freshness and texture to the finished dish.

This vegan crispy garlic soy tofu recipe is not only delicious but also a nutritious addition to your meal repertoire. Perfect for vegans and those looking to incorporate more plant-based proteins into their diet, it offers a satisfying crunch paired with a savory garlic soy sauce. With minimal prep and cooking time, it’s an ideal dish for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends. Enjoy this tofu dish as a standalone meal or with your favorite rice or noodles for a complete and wholesome dining experience.