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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.