Crispy Golden Tofu Bites with Sweet and Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce
Indulge in these delightful crispy tofu bites, perfect for a cozy lunch or a satisfying snack! Each piece of tofu is deep-fried to golden perfection and served alongside a rich, creamy peanut sauce that's bursting with flavor. Ideal for solo TV time or a casual gathering, this dish combines the crunchiness of fried tofu with the sweetness of sugar and the spiciness of chili, making it a fantastic treat for all tofu lovers. Gather your friends and family, or savor it solo while you binge-watch your favorite shows—this recipe is sure to become a favorite too!
6
Servings
268
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tofu
1 lb (drained and cut into 1-1/2 inch cubes)
Garlic
2 cloves (coarsely chopped)
Coriander leaves
1 (coarsely chopped (if available))
Dried red chili peppers
3 (seeded, soaked, and coarsely chopped)
Salt
1/2 tablespoon (none)
Rice vinegar
1/2 cup (cider vinegar is fine)
Sugar
1/4 cup (none)
Hot water
1/4 cup (none)
Chopped/crushed peanuts
3/4 cup (finely chopped or crushed)
Peanut oil
2 cups (for frying tofu (or vegetable oil))
Chopped fresh coriander leaves
2 tablespoons (for garnish)
Red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons (for garnish)
Instructions
1
Begin by draining the tofu and pressing it between paper towels to remove excess moisture. Cut the tofu into 1-1/2 inch square pieces and set aside.
2
In a mortar and pestle, combine the coarsely chopped garlic, coriander leaves, and soaked, seeded dried chili peppers with the salt to create a flavorful paste.
3
Gradually add the rice vinegar to the paste, mixing thoroughly to enhance the flavors.
4
In a separate bowl, dissolve the sugar in the hot water, then add this mixture to the paste along with the finely chopped peanuts. Blend well, using a food processor if necessary, until you achieve a smooth consistency.
5
Transfer the peanut sauce to a serving bowl and garnish with additional chopped coriander leaves and red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
6
In a wok or deep frying pan, heat the peanut or vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 360°F (182°C).
7
Carefully add the tofu cubes to the hot oil in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each batch for about 5 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the tofu and place it on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
8
Once all the tofu is fried, arrange it on a serving platter with the bowl of peanut dipping sauce on the side.
9
Enjoy your crispy baked tofu bites warm or at room temperature, using the sauce as a delicious dip!
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
14g
Carbs
7.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this tofu recipe?
The recipe is for Crispy Golden Tofu Bites with Sweet and Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as vegetarian and uses plant-based ingredients like tofu and peanuts.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains 268 calories.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are 7.5g of protein per serving.
What size should the tofu be cut into?
The tofu should be cut into 1-1/2 inch square pieces.
What is the recommended frying temperature for the oil?
The oil should be heated to 360 degrees Fahrenheit (182 degrees Celsius).
How long do I need to fry the tofu?
Fry each batch of tofu for about 5 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
What types of oil can I use for frying?
You can use peanut oil or vegetable oil for frying the tofu cubes.
How do I prepare the tofu before cutting it?
Drain the tofu and press it between paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
What ingredients are used to make the base paste for the sauce?
The paste is made from coarsely chopped garlic, coriander leaves, soaked and seeded dried chili peppers, and salt.
Can I use a food processor for the dipping sauce?
Yes, a food processor can be used to blend the ingredients until a smooth consistency is achieved.
What can I use if I do not have rice vinegar?
Cider vinegar is a suitable substitute if rice vinegar is not available.
How should the peanuts be prepared for the sauce?
The peanuts should be finely chopped or crushed before being added to the mixture.
What is used to garnish the peanut sauce?
Garnish the sauce with additional chopped coriander leaves and red pepper flakes.
What are the nutritional fat and carbohydrate values?
Each serving contains 20g of fat and 14g of carbohydrates.
How much sugar is required for the sauce?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of sugar dissolved in 1/4 cup of hot water.
What tools are recommended for making the spice paste?
A mortar and pestle is recommended for combining the garlic, coriander, and chili.
How should I remove the tofu from the hot oil?
Use a slotted spoon to carefully remove the tofu cubes from the wok or pan.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
The recipe requires 12 ingredients in total.
Can this dish be served at room temperature?
Yes, the crispy tofu bites can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
What are the primary flavor profiles of the sauce?
The sauce is described as rich, creamy, sweet, and spicy.
How many dried red chili peppers are used?
The recipe uses 3 dried red chili peppers that have been seeded and soaked.
What are some suggested occasions for serving this dish?
It is ideal for a cozy lunch, a satisfying snack, solo TV time, or casual gatherings.
What tags are associated with this recipe for categorization?
Tags include tofu, snack, lunch, vegetarian, peanut sauce, fried, asian cuisine, and quick meal.
How much salt is included in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 tablespoon of salt.
Is coriander used in both the sauce and as a garnish?
Yes, coriander leaves are used in the paste and chopped fresh coriander is used for garnish.
What should I do with the fried tofu immediately after cooking?
Place the fried tofu on paper towels to drain any excess oil before serving.
What is the amount of rice vinegar needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of rice vinegar.
How much peanut oil is needed for frying?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of peanut oil for deep frying the tofu cubes.