Crispy Tofu Inferno Food

CRISPY TOFU

Steps:

• Drain the tofu, wrap in 4-5 sheets of kitchen paper, put on a plate and put something heavy over the top, like a wooden chopping board, or a tray with a few tins on it. Leave for 20 mins to drain the excess moisture from the tofu.
• Mix the cornflour, garlic, paprika, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Unravel the tofu from the paper, cut in half through the centre, then cut into triangles, cubes or strips.
• Toss the tofu pieces in the spiced cornflour to coat all over. Heat the oil in a large non-stick frying pan over a medium-high heat. Fry the tofu for 2-4 mins on each side until golden, crunchy and browned at the edges. Smaller cubes will take 2 mins each side, larger triangles will take 4 mins. Cook in batches if you need to, adding a little more oil if the pan gets dry.
• Drain the cooked tofu on kitchen paper and season with a pinch more salt before serving.

CRISPY TOFU INFERNO

Steps:

• Prepare vegetables: Chop zucchini (green, firm bits) in tiny cubes. Shave carrot using the mandoline or chop in small cubes as well): Chop garlic and chilies.
• cut tofu in cubes (half inch size).
• heat peanut oil until very hot and add tofu cubes. Fry until very crisp i.e. a visible slighty golden layer forms on each side) and set aside when done.
• heat 2nd tablespoon of peanut oil and add vegetables including garlic and chopped chilies.
• fry until fragrant and add soy sauce (if you like you can also add a tad of water).
• add black bean sauce, tamarind paste, sesame oil and if you like a generous dash of vegetable stock powder.
• add rice to vegetables and incorporate tofu cubes.
• stir and season with salt and pepper and maybe additional soy sauce.
• enjoy.

THE BEST CRISPY TOFU

Steps:

• Wrap the tofu in a clean dish towel and place on top of a wire rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet. Place a heavy pan on top of the tofu and let it sit for 5 minutes to release as much moisture as possible. Unwrap the tofu and slice lengthwise into 1/2-inch-thick by 1 1/2-inch-wide planks.
• Whisk the soy sauce, lime juice, agave syrup, scallion whites and sriracha together in a small bowl and set aside. Mix the panko, sesame seeds, cornstarch, garlic salt, onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and a few grinds of pepper in a pie dish or shallow bowl. Press the tofu planks into the panko mixture to coat on all sides.
• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu and cook, undisturbed, until deep golden brown, 4 to 5 minutes. Flip the tofu with a metal spatula and continue cooking undisturbed until a deep golden brown, 4 to 5 minutes more. Transfer to a platter.
• Reduce the heat to low and add the soy-sauce mixture to the pan. Cook until bubbling and slightly thicker, 1 to 2 minutes. Pour the sauce over the tofu planks and sprinkle with the scallion greens.

CRISPY BAKED TOFU

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°. Blot tofu dry. Cut into 3/4-in. cubes. Place on a clean kitchen towel; cover with another towel. Place a cutting board on top; gently place a large cast iron skillet on top. Let stand 10 minutes. , Meanwhile, in a shallow dish, whisk together soy sauce, olive oil, sesame oil, salt, garlic powder and pepper. Place cornstarch in a separate shallow dish. Add tofu to soy mixture; turn to coat. Add tofu, a few pieces at a time, to the cornstarch; toss to coat. Place on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Bake until cubes are golden brown and crispy, 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through. Garnish with green onions, if desired.

CRISPY TOFU FINGERS

Steps:

• Coat a cookie sheet with oil.
• Slice tofu lengthwise, about 1/4 inch thick, and pat dry.
• Put the sauce into a dish, and dip each piece of tofu into the sauce, coating it well (I used barbecue sauce, and it was tasty).
• Place the tofu on the cookie sheet in a single layer (Pieces can be touching, but should not overlap).
• Sprinkle on desired seasoning.
• Bake at 400 degrees for 20 to 30 minutes, depending on how crispy you like it.
• Some people like it very chewy, while others prefer it when it's still soft.