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Salt and Pepper Tofu
5 from 120 votes

Salt and Pepper Tofu

Salt and Pepper Tofu features pressed, cubed super firm tofu coated in cornstarch and baked until golden and crispy. The tofu is then combined with sautéed onions, bell pepper, garlic, and ginger, seasoned with salt, pepper, cumin, and five-spice powder for a fragrant, flavorful dish.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
35 mins
Servings: 2 - 4
Calories: 514 kcal
Course: Lunch, Dinner
Cuisine: Asian, American, British

Ingredients

  • 1 super firm tofu pressed, dried, and cubed, 1-pound block
  • 5 tablespoons high heat oil divided, of
  • 2 tablespoons corn starch or tapioca starch, arrowroot, potato starch, or rice flour
  • 1 small red onion finely diced
  • 1 red bell pepper finely diced, or green bell pepper
  • 2 garlic minced, cloves
  • 1- inch ginger minced, fresh
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon five-spice powder or to taste
  • ¼ cup green onions thinly sliced

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. and line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper. Set aside
  2. In a medium bowl, toss the tofu cubes with 3 tablespoons of oil until evenly coated.
  3. Add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and toss. Add the second tablespoon of cornstarch and toss until evenly coated and until most of the cornstarch is stuck to the tofu and not the bowl.
  4. Transfer the tofu to the baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. Carefully remove the baking sheet and flip the tofu cubes. Bake for another 10 to 15 minutes or until all sides are evenly golden.
  5. While the tofu is baking, in a large pan over medium heat, heat the oil. Once the oil is hot, add onion, bell pepper, garlic, and ginger. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes regularly mixing to prevent them from burning.
  6. In a small bowl, mix the salt, black pepper, cumin, and five-spice powder.
  7. Add half of the spice mixture to the pan with the veggies, mix well, and then add the remaining seasoning mixture and mix again. Continue to cook for 1 more minute. Turn off the heat and set aside while the tofu is in the oven.
  8. Once the tofu cubes are ready, transfer them to the pan with the veggies. Add the green onion, mix well, and serve.

Notes

  • Press tofu well to remove moisture and improve crispiness before cooking.
  • Dice vegetables finely for consistent flavor in each bite.
  • Optionally, brine tofu in salted water for 1–2 hours before drying and coating to enhance flavor and texture.
  • Adjust the seasoning amounts to achieve your preferred balance of salt and spice.

Nutrition Information

Calories 514kcal (26%) Carbohydrates 23g (8%) Protein 19g (38%) Fat 40g (62%) Saturated Fat 5g (25%) Polyunsaturated Fat 7g (41%) Monounsaturated Fat 26g (130%) Sodium 733mg (31%) Potassium 613mg (13%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 6g (12%) Vitamin A 354IU (7%) Vitamin C 55mg (61%) Calcium 112mg (11%) Iron 4mg (22%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 2 - 4

Amount Per Serving

Calories 514

% Daily Value*

Calories 514kcal 26%
Carbohydrates 23g 8%
Protein 19g 38%
Fat 40g 62%
Saturated Fat 5g 25%
Polyunsaturated Fat 7g 41%
Monounsaturated Fat 26g 130%
Sodium 733mg 31%
Potassium 613mg 13%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 6g 12%
Vitamin A 354IU 7%
Vitamin C 55mg 61%
Calcium 112mg 11%
Iron 4mg 22%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.