Garlic Pepper Tofu Recipes

Steps:

• Optional step for firmer tofu: Blot the tofu dry, wrap in a clean kitchen towel and place a cutting board on top. Let sit for about 15 minutes. Whether weighted or not, slice the tofu about 1/2 inch thick into 1- x 2-inch dominoes.
• Mix together 1 tablespoon of the soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of the brown sugar and 1 tablespoon of the oil in a medium bowl. Toss with the tofu, and stir to make sure all of the pieces are coated. Let sit for five to 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
• In a small bowl, stir together the remaining soy sauce and sugar, hoisin sauce and sesame oil. Set aside.
• Heat a large nonstick skillet or wok over high heat until a drop of water evaporates on contact. Add the oil, turn the heat to medium-high and add the peppers. Stir-fry for a couple of minutes, until the peppers begin to soften, and add the garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for 20 seconds, until the garlic and ginger begin to smell fragrant, and add the tofu, dried red pepper flakes and green onions. Stir-fry two minutes, give the sauce a stir and add to the pan. Cover and cook for three minutes. Remove the lid, stir the ingredients in the pan, and taste and adjust seasonings. Serve with rice or noodles.

Steps:

• To make the marinade, grind all the ingredients together in a pestle and mortar to form a paste.
• Place the tofu triangles in a flat dish and cover with the marinade.
• Leave for at least 30 minutes.
• Heat the oil and fry the marinated tofu until golden brown on both sides.
• Remove from the pan and drain on kitchen paper.
• Tip out any excess oil remaining in the pan, then place the vegetable stock, soy, tomato purée and vinegar into the pan together with the arrowroot which should be made into a paste with a little water. Bring to the boil, stirring to thicken, and return the tofu to the pan to heat through.
• Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the black pepper and sesame oil.
• Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with cucumber and spring onions.