Pan-fried Tofu (No Pressing Needed!)
User Reviews
5
Pan-fried Tofu (No Pressing Needed!)
Description
Pan-fried tofu (no pressing needed) centers on firm tofu sliced into even pieces and cooked over medium-high heat until golden on both sides. The method requires no pressing, instead relying on direct pan-frying with neutral oil to create a crisp exterior. This approach keeps the tofu tender inside while adding savory texture with the golden crust. The dipping sauce is made by heating neutral oil and pouring it over a mix of cilantro, scallions, garlic, and Sichuan chili flakes to bloom their flavors. It is balanced with soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, and water to provide a tangy, slightly sweet, and spicy accompaniment. This dish works well as an appetizer or a light main course, with the sauce enhancing the tofu’s mild flavor without overpowering it.
Ingredients
For the pan-fried tofu:
- 1 pound tofu 1 block, firm
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil (such as vegetable, canola, or avocado oil)
For the dipping sauce:
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil
- ¼ cup cilantro (leaves and stems, chopped)
- 2 scallions (white and green parts chopped)
- 2 teaspoons garlic about 2 cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons Sichuan chili flakes
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon rice vinegar
Instructions
For the pan-fried tofu:
- Slice the block of tofu in half lengthwise, then cut crosswise into 3/8 inch (1cm) slices.
- Heat a nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the oil, and spread it around the pan. Add the tofu slices.
- Fry for 5-7 minutes until golden brown, rotating the pan as needed so the tofu slices cook evenly. Do not disturb the tofu until they’ve fried for a few minutes. Flip and then cook for another 5 minutes, until golden on the other side.
For the dipping sauce:
- To make the dipping sauce, heat a tablespoon of oil in the pan you used to cook the tofu (no sense in dirtying another pan!)
- Add the cilantro, scallions, garlic, and chili flakes to a small heatproof bowl, so all the ingredients are side by side. Drizzle the hot oil over the top, paying special attention to the garlic and chili flakes. Use a rubber spatula to scrape out all the oil.
- Stir in the water, light soy sauce, sugar, and rice vinegar. Serve with the pan-fried tofu.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 204 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 204kcal | 10% |
| Carbohydrates | 6g | 2% |
| Protein | 11g | 22% |
| Fat | 16g | 25% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 6g | 35% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Trans Fat | 0.04g | 2% |
| Sodium | 311mg | 13% |
| Potassium | 75mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 424IU | 8% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 155mg | 16% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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