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Mongolian Crispy Tofu

Course Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine American, Asian
Keyword Asian Cuisine, Comfort Food
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 3 people

Equipment

  • cast iron or frying pan
  • mixing bowl (small & medium)
  • whisk

Ingredients

FOR THE TOFU

  • 1 block extra firm tofu
  • 1 cup (120g) corn starch
  • salt & pepper
  • ¼ cup (59ml) neutral flavored oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ small yellow onion minced
  • 2 stalks green onions chopped
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds

FOR THE SAUCE

  • cup (78ml) low sodium tamari (or low sodium soy sauce)
  • ½ cup (118ml) water
  • ¼ cup (49g) brown sugar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce (or any hot pepper paste)
  • 1 tbsp corn starch

Instructions

FOR THE SAUCE

  • Create a corn starch slur by mixing water and cornstarch on a small mixing bowl. Whisk until corn starch has fully dissolved.
  • Mix the rest of the sauce ingredients together and whisk. Set aside.

FOR THE TOFU

  • Gently press unecessary liquids of the tofu but be careful not to break it. Drain the liquids. And slice into equal pieces and pat dry.
  • Prepare a mixing bowl of the dry ingredients; the corn starch and a sprinkle of salt & pepper.
  • Preheat a cast iron or a non-stick frying pan to medium heat. Evenly coat the skillet with oil.
  • Coat each tofu fully with corn starch and fry on the skillet on each side until it is golden brown. You may or may not have to do this in batches depending on the size of your skillet. Do not overcrowd the pan.
  • Once all the tofu have been fried, set on a cooling rack to strain any excess oil. Leaving your skillet on, sauté the garlic and onions until fragrant. Add the tofu back into the skillet and mix with the onions and garlic.
  • Pour the sauce little by little with the tofu mixture. And mix with the tofu evenly. Lower down the heat to low and allow the sauce to simmer so that it may thicken. Let the tofu absorb the sauce and leave alone for about a minute.
  • You will know that the tofu is done when sauce is stickier and absorbed. Turn off heat and sprinkle with sesame seeds and garnish with the green onions.
  • Best served immediately and with rice. Enjoy!