Crispy Tofu Bites
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
12 mins
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Additional Time
1 hr
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Total Time
1 hr 22 mins
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Servings
2 servings
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Calories
74 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Appetizer
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Cuisine
Japanese
Crispy Tofu Bites
Description
This recipe starts by draining medium-firm tofu well and cutting it into uniform cubes, then seasoning them lightly with salt to enhance flavor. The tofu is dried thoroughly before frying, which produces a golden and crispy crust surrounding a soft center when fried in 2 inches of oil at 360°F.
Simultaneously, a sauce is prepared by grating fresh ginger and garlic, combining with mirin, soy sauce, and black pepper, and boiling until just thickened and the alcohol smell dissipates. This flavorful glaze is set aside to toss with the crispy tofu after frying.
Once fried, the tofu cubes are coated in the glossy sauce and sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds and fresh scallions for added depth and a nutty crunch. The resulting crispy bites hold their texture while delivering a balanced combination of savory, aromatic, and slightly sweet flavors. They are ideal as an appetizer, snack, or accompaniment to rice or noodles.
Ingredients
- 453 grams tofu medium-firm
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 6 grams ginger
- 6 grams garlic (grated)
- ¼ cup mirin
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (coarsely ground)
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds toasted
- scallion chopped for garnish, greens
Instructions
- Drain the tofu on a wire rack for at least one hour.
- Set the tofu on a few layers of paper towels and cut it into 9 cubes. Sprinkle them evenly on all sides with the salt.
- Grate the ginger into a pan and then gather up the pulp and squeeze out as much juice as you can into the pan. Discard the pulp.
- Add the grated garlic, mirin, soy sauce, and black pepper to the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil and continue boiling until the sauce just starts to thicken and it no longer smells like alcohol (about a minute after it comes to a full boil). Transfer the sauce to a bowl and set aside.
- To fry the tofu, heat 2-inches of oil in a heavy-bottomed pot until it reaches 360 degrees F (180 C). Be sure to use a deep pot and don't fill it more than ½ way as the the moisture in the tofu will make the oil bubble a lot.
- Pat the tofu dry on all sides with fresh paper towels and carefully lower the tofu into the hot oil using tongs.
- Fry the tofu undisturbed for about 5-6 minutes or until you're able to pull the tofu away from the bottom of the pot without breaking it. Flip the tofu over and let it continue frying for another 5-6 minutes or until it's golden brown on all sides.
- Transfer the hot tofu straight into the bowl with the sauce and sprinkle on the sesame seeds. Toss to coat the tofu with glaze and then transfer the tofu to a serving plate.
- Garnish with more sesame seeds, black pepper, and chopped scallion greens.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 2servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 74 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 74kcal | 4% |
| Carbohydrates | 15g | 5% |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Fat | 1g | 2% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 1378mg | 57% |
| Potassium | 79mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 3IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 31mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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