CHINESE COOKING: Tofu, cooked in this way, is delicious as snacks or as a vegetarian dish.

DEEP-FRIED TOFU:

 

 

 

10 bricks firm square tofu, each cut into 3 pieces      

1 stalk green onion, finely chopped

1 red chilli pepper, finely chopped                             

cooking oil for deep-frying                 

seasoning for tofu:

    1 tbsp. salt                                                  

    ½ tbsp. sugar

    1 tsp. each 5-spice powder, ground ginger and black pepper

batter:

    ½ cup all purpose flour                               

    ¼ tsp. baking powder

    2 tbsp. tapioca starch                                              

    2 tbsp. cooked oil

    ice water as needed

 

 

 

Be sure to use firm tofu that does not break apart easily. Pat dry tofu pieces with paper towels to absorb excess water. Put ½ amount of seasoning ingredients on a dish and add tofu pieces, press tofu down lightly to absorb seasoning; then sprinkle remaining seasoning on top. Marinate tofu for 15-20 minutes. Pat dry with paper towers again before using.

 

Sift flour, baking powder and tapioca starch together into a bowl. Use a whisk to whisk in sufficient ice water to make a fairly stiff batter. Let stand 30 minutes; then add in cooked oil.

 

In wok or large non-stick saucepan, heat enough oil for deep frying over high heat until very hot. Add chilli pepper and green onion into batter. Mix well and beat batter with a fork a few times. Dip each piece of tofu into batter to coat, then very gently lower into  hot oil. Deep-fry until golden brown, 1-2 minutes. Serve at once.