Crispy Tofu with Black Pepper Sauce

Name: Crispy Tofu with Black Pepper Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings.
Cuisine: Asian Recipes, Asian Vegetarian Recipes
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce; 2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce; 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 4 green onions; 8 ounces extra-firm tofu, drained; 3 tablespoons cornstarch; 6 tablespoons canola oil, divided; 8 ounces fresh sugar snap peas (about 2 cups), trimmed and thinly sliced; 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 teaspoons grated fresh gingerroot

Sometimes tofu can be boring and tasteless, but not in this recipe! The crispy vegetarian bean curd is so loaded with flavor, you'll never shy away from tofu again. —Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado

Ingredients

2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce
1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
4 green onions
8 ounces extra-firm tofu, drained
3 tablespoons cornstarch
6 tablespoons canola oil, divided
8 ounces fresh sugar snap peas (about 2 cups), trimmed and thinly sliced
1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons grated fresh gingerroot

Directions

Mix first four ingredients. Mince white parts of green onions; thinly slice green parts.
Cut tofu into 1/2-in. cubes; pat dry with paper towels. Toss tofu with cornstarch. In a large skillet, heat 4 tablespoons oil over medium-high heat. Add tofu; cook until crisp and golden brown, 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from pan; drain on paper towels.
In same pan, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high heat. Add peas; stir-fry until crisp-tender, 2-3 minutes. Remove from pan.
In same pan, heat remaining oil over medium-high heat. Add pepper; cook 30 seconds. Add garlic, ginger and minced green onions; stir-fry 30-45 seconds. Stir in soy sauce mixture; cook and stir until slightly thickened. Remove from heat; stir in tofu and peas. Sprinkle with sliced green onions.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 316 calories, 24g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 583mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.

Reviews

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Average Rating:

Summy

May 4, 2019

The first time that I made this, I made it exactly according to the recipe. I squeezed the tofu dry, and it soaked up so much flavor, it was crazy! I have made this, and doubled it (for me, a single person), every week now for months. I have substituted shrimp for the tofu, cabbage/carrots/onions/celery for the snap peas, and often just use up whatever veggies I have for a vegetable side dish, and vary the use of the chili garlic sauce depending upon what heat I want in my meal. I now top my dish with salted roasted peanuts. I can't seem to get enough of this dish, no matter how I make it. Any protein would work well with this. I've subscribed to TOH since it was first published (1992?) and this is my favorite recipe EVER. Love, love, love it.
noelfavorite

Apr 9, 2019

This recipe was great! It was super yummy and easy enough, plus had not too many ingredients. My boyfriend and I both loved it. I did not succeed in getting the tofu "crispy," but I think that's because I didn't get enough moisture out of the tofu. Also, I did not bother removing the tofu from the pan and stir fried the peas, onions, etc. along with the tofu. Delicious and will make again.