Crispy Tofu

What is the first association you have when you think of tofu? Tasteless, sad sausage alternative? Instead, think about a crispy, crunchy goodness as the highlight of a stir fry. It took me a while to figure out how to work with tofu, but it comes down to a few simple rules, with which tofu can be appreciated for its natural self. No need for masking it under a vegan sausage label.

Ingredients (2 servings):

• 400g Tofu (natural)

• 6 tbsp Soy Sauce

• 5 Spring Onions

• 2 red Bell Peppers

• 1 red Chilli

• 1/2 thumb-sized piece of fresh Ginger (peeled)

• 4 cloves of Garlic (although there is never a limit how many garlic cloves you can add)

• 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar

• 2 tsp Sugar

• 4 tbsp Peanut Oil

• 2 tbsp Corn Starch

• 60g Peanuts (roasted but not salted)

Method:

1. An hour before you start, place the tofu between two thick layers of kitchen paper and add weight (I use a pan) on top. Leave it to sit until you start cooking, so that as much moisture as possible can be extracted. The most important rule when working with Tofu and trying to make it crisp is to get as much water as possible out of it before marinating and frying it.

2. Cut the tofu into bit-sized cubes and marinate it in 4 tablespoons of soy sauce and set aside.

3. Cut the spring onions into pieces of 5cm length. Wash the bell pepper, remove the seeds and cut into small cubes. Wash the chilli, remove most of the seeds and slice into small rings. Slice the garlic into thin pieces and finely chop the ginger.

4. In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, 2 teaspoons of sugar and 2 tablespoons of peanut oil. Set aside.

5. Drain the tofu and toss it in starch. Heat two tablespoons peanut oil in a pan and fry the tofu until it is crispy from all sides. Remove the tofu from the pan and set aside.

6. Toss the peanuts, bell pepper and spring onions into the pan and fry for 2-4 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger, give it a stir, and then add the sauce. Finally, add the tofu back into the pan and mix everything through. Tastes good on its own or serve it with some sticky rice :)