Garlic Pepper Tofu

Air frying thin strips of firm tofu, obtained using a vegetable peeler, creates the perfect texture for our Garlic Pepper Tofu. This tofu is then bathed in a savory sauce bursting with robust garlic and black pepper flavors, ensuring the dish’s full spectrum of taste gets absorbed into every satisfying bite.

If you have any leftover produce, stir-frying is a terrific way to use it and get some extra vegetables in your diet. This would be great over rice for a hearty meal any time of day.

Extra-firm tofu or stiffer options such as pressed super-firm or baked tofu are required. Anything not solid will not last long before it crumbles.

I found Nature’s Soy brand extra firm tofu to be quite firm, easy to work with, and not easily broken.

I used a vegetable peeler to cut the tofu into tiny strips, which improved its ability to take on the sauce’s taste. These thin strips of tofu become somewhat chewy and even crunchy on the edges, making them a delight to eat.

Tofu ‘bacon’ is just one example of a dish that benefits from using thin strips of peeled tofu to simulate the appearance and texture of meat.

Ingredients:

Tofu

• 10 oz of extra firm tofu
• Neutral oil

Sauce

• 1 tbsp of soy sauce
• 1 tbsp of veg oyster sauce
• 2 tsp of dark soy sauce
• 2 cloves of garlic minced
• 1/2 tsp of black pepper
• 1.5 tbsp of maple syrup or other sweetener, to taste
• 1 tbsp of mirin or sake
• 2 tbsp of water

Stir fry

• Neutral oil
• 6 cloves of minced garlic half for crispy garlic
• 1 green onion chopped (green and white parts separated)
• Sliced bell peppers or other veggies of choice
• Roasted sesame oil; to finish

For Serving

• Steamed rice
• Crispy garlic
• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions; green parts

Instructions:

1. Tofu should be patted dry or pressed to remove excess moisture.
2. Use a peeler to cut the tofu into thin strips. Fragments that are smaller in size are acceptable.

1. Arrange the tofu strips in the air fryer. I prepared a parchment paper lining for it.
2. Brush or spray the tofu with oil. Cook in an air fryer at 350°F for 6 minutes or until edges are golden and crisp.
3. Too much time in the air fryer will result in crispy tofu, which can become tough as it cools. If you want your tofu to retain some of its chewiness and be able to soak up stir-fry sauces, I recommend keeping it young and white.
4. Also, the number of steps you need to cook the tofu will depend on the size of your air fryer.

1. You may achieve the same results by speedily pan-frying the tofu in a non-stick skillet with a little oil if you don’t have access to an air fryer.

1. In the meantime, stir everything into a bowl and combine the sauce. Modify to suit your individual preferences. Put apart

1. Put some oil in a hot pan or wok. Half of the garlic should be added when the oil is hot. Leave in the oven until the food is crisp and golden. Get rid of the oil. Set aside.
2. Toss the remaining garlic and white sections of the green onion into the same skillet or wok and sauté until fragrant. Cook in a wok or stir fryer for 1 to 2 minutes.
3. Include the peppers, or any other vegetables you like to the point of doneness.
4. Include the tofu strips. Put the sauce on top. Toss everything together and let the sauce boil over medium heat.
5. The sugars in the sauce will begin to solidify it. The sauce should be reduced after another two to three minutes of cooking over medium heat.
6. Add more soy sauce or sugar to season the tofu to your liking.
7. Get rid of the oven heat. To finish, drizzle with some sesame oil. Maintain a healthy blend.
8. Serve with rice. Sprinkle the tofu with the sesame seeds, green onions, and crispy garlic. Have fun while the iron is still hot!