Spicy Peanut Tofu Pan Fried Food

PAN-FRIED TOFU WITH SPICY PEANUT SAUCE

Steps:

• Drain tofu (i pressed gently between paper towels).
• Cut into bite-sized cubes.
• Toss with cornstarch, coating the cubes.
• Sprinkle a little salt and pepper.
• Heat some oil (about 3-4 tablespoon, just ensure pan is coated).
• Fry the tofu cubes in batches, making sure all sides are lightly browned.
• Drain on paper towels, then sprinkle with salt and pepper if desired.
• Sauce: Heat the milk in small saucepan (you can make sauce in microwave too).
• Add peanut butter, stirring well.
• Add other seasonings, according to personal taste (I love spicy food, so i added LOTS of chilli flakes!). If you use coconut milk, add 1/2 - 1 tsp of lime juice too - it will be great!
• Serve hot, as a snack or appetizer. Sometimes i serve them with a sweet Chinese dessert: Green Bean Soup.

THE BEST PAN-FRIED TOFU

Steps:

• Take your block of tofu and wrap it in several layers of paper towels.
• Gently press the tofu with your hands or against the counter top to release the liquid. This will take about a minute.
• Slice the tofu into pieces about 1/2 an inch thick.
• Set tofu aside.
• If you are using a non-stick pan heat it slightly on medium-high heat (about 30 seconds) before adding oil.
• If you are using a cast iron pan, please heat for about 1 minute to 1 1/2 minutes on medium-high heat. Cast iron is very thick and you want the pan to be heated evenly before adding the tofu.
• Add oil to heated pan.
• Gently spread oil over the entire surface of the pan.
• Set the tofu pieces in the pan, leaving ample room between them. They should sizzle when placed in the oil. Sprinkle the tops with salt and a little cayenne pepper.
• Now, the MOST IMPORTANT step is -- LEAVE THEM ALONE for about 6 or 7 minutes. Just gently shake them to make sure they don't stick to the pan. Do NOT turn them or agitate them in any other way. When you see a golden crust beginning to creep its way up the sides of the slices, turn them and spice the other side. Add more oil if the pan seems too dry.
• The second side will only take about 4 minutes to cook.
• When they are evenly browned take them out of the pan and place them on paper towels to drain.
• These are very simply seasoned and basic and can now be used any way you like. I like these with steamed broccoli and peanut sauce -- or in a sandwich with grilled peppers and mushrooms and aioli -- or just eaten with ketchup:-).

PAN SEARED TOFU WITH SPICY PEANUT SAUCE

Steps:

• Chop tofu into small cubes and wrap into two paper towels and place something heavy on top (to get most of the water out) for 10-15 minuets.
• Place in bowl and pour enough sauce to cover all of tofu.
• Cover and place in fridge for 1-4 hours(I like lots of flavor and spice so I went four hours).
• Heat small sauce pan to about medium.
• Pour in marinaded tofu and let sizzle tossing every few minutes.(cook for about 10 minuets)(may want to add more sauce in the process).
• Prepare cucumber and spinach on plate, place cooked tofu in the center.

DEEP FRIED TOFU WITH PEANUT SAUCE

Steps:

• Cut the tofu in 1- 1/2 inch square pieces.
• Set aside.
• Make a paste (with such small quantities, a mortar and pestle are probably the easiest method) of the garlic, coriander, 3 seeded chili peppers, and salt.
• Add the vinegar and mix.
• Dissolve the 1/4 cup sugar in 1/4 cup hot water and add it to the paste along with the 1/4 cup of chopped peanuts.
• Mix well (the food processor helps here) and put it in a serving bowl.
• Sprinkle with coriander leaves and red pepper flakes.
• Put the 2 cup of peanut oil in a wok or frying pan over medium-high heat.
• Deep-fry the tofu in hot (360 degrees Fahrenheit) oil for 5 minutes, until a light gold.
• Drain on paper towels.
• Place the tofu on a serving plate and the bowl of peanut sauce next to it.
• Use the peanut sauce as a dip.
• Serve either hot or at room temperature.