Crispy Tofu Tso's Delight
Transform your perception of tofu with this delectable, crispy Tofu Tso's Delight! It defies expectations, converting even the most devoted tofu skeptics into enthusiastic fans. With each bite, relish the perfectly seasoned, golden-brown tofu cubes that pack a flavorful punch. Tossed in a savory sweet-and-sour sauce, this dish mimics the classic Chicken Tso's recipe while keeping it entirely vegetarian. Serve it over steamed rice for a wholesome meal that's bursting with flavor and texture. Ideal for busy weeknights or impressing guests at dinner parties, this recipe is your new go-to for an exciting yet simple vegetarian dish.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Extra Firm Tofu
12 1/3 ounces (drained and cut into 3/4 inch cubes)
Eggs
2 (beaten with water)
Water
2 tablespoons (mixed with eggs)
Vegetarian Chicken Bouillon Granules
1/2 teaspoon (mixed with cornstarch)
Cornstarch
3/4 cup (for coating tofu)
Rice Wine Vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoons (for sauce)
Rice Wine
2 tablespoons (for sauce)
Sugar
3 tablespoons (for sauce)
Soy Sauce
3 tablespoons (for sauce)
Cornstarch (for sauce)
2 teaspoons (for thickening sauce)
Garlic Clove
1 small (crushed)
Oil
for frying (enough to submerge tofu cubes)
Instructions
1
Carefully open the box of extra firm tofu and place it on a cutting board. Slice the tofu lengthwise into four equal slabs.
2
Lay the sliced tofu on a double-thickness of towels or clean cloth diapers. Top with another double-thickness of towels and place a baking sheet on top, weighing it down with something heavy like a book. Allow to drain for about 20 minutes to remove excess moisture, swapping towels if desired.
3
After draining, cut the tofu into 3/4 inch cubes, resembling the size of dice.
4
In a bowl, beat the eggs with 2 tablespoons of water until well combined. In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch and vegetarian chicken bouillon granules together.
5
Heat approximately 2-3 inches of oil in a deep frying pan or pot to 350°F (175°C).
6
Dip each piece of tofu into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, and then coat it with the cornstarch mixture, ensuring an even layer.
7
Carefully place 5-6 tofu cubes in the hot oil, avoiding overcrowding to maintain oil temperature and prevent sticking. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 2 minutes, then remove and drain in a colander. Repeat until all tofu is fried.
8
For the sauce, mix rice wine, sugar, soy sauce, and 2 teaspoons of cornstarch together in a jar, shaking until combined. Feel free to double the sauce ingredients for extra flavor.
9
In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the crushed garlic and sauté until fragrant but not burnt.
10
Gently toss the crispy tofu in the skillet to heat it through, then pour in the sauce mixture. Stir well to coat the tofu, allowing it to thicken for about 1 minute.
11
Serve hot over a bed of fluffy rice, garnished as desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crispy Tofu Tso's Delight?
It is a vegetarian alternative to the classic Chicken Tso's dish, featuring seasoned, golden-brown crispy tofu cubes tossed in a savory sweet-and-sour sauce.
What kind of tofu should I use for this recipe?
Extra firm tofu is recommended because it holds its shape better during the pressing and frying process.
How long do I need to drain the tofu?
You should allow the tofu to drain for about 20 minutes under a weight to remove excess moisture.
What is the best way to press tofu?
Place tofu slabs between layers of towels, put a baking sheet on top, and weigh it down with a heavy object like a book.
What size should the tofu cubes be?
The tofu should be cut into 3/4 inch cubes, which is roughly the size of standard dice.
What is in the tofu coating?
The coating consists of a mixture of cornstarch and vegetarian chicken bouillon granules for added flavor.
What is the purpose of the egg mixture?
The egg mixture, beaten with two tablespoons of water, acts as a binder to help the cornstarch coating stick to the tofu.
What temperature should the oil be for frying?
The oil should be heated to 350°F (175°C) in a deep frying pan or pot.
How do I prevent the tofu from sticking together while frying?
Avoid overcrowding the pan by frying only 5-6 tofu cubes at a time.
How long does the tofu need to fry?
The tofu cubes should be fried for about 2 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy.
What ingredients are in the Tso's sauce?
The sauce is made from rice wine, sugar, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and cornstarch.
Can I make extra sauce for this dish?
Yes, you can double the sauce ingredients if you prefer a more flavorful or saucier dish.
How do I thicken the sauce?
The sauce contains 2 teaspoons of cornstarch, which thickens as it heats in the skillet with the tofu.
How is the garlic prepared for this recipe?
One small garlic clove should be crushed and sautéed in oil until fragrant before adding the tofu and sauce.
What is the final step in the cooking process?
Toss the crispy tofu with the sauce in a skillet for about 1 minute to coat and thicken.
How should I serve Crispy Tofu Tso's Delight?
Serve the dish hot over a bed of fluffy steamed rice and garnish as desired.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this is an entirely vegetarian dish using tofu and vegetarian bouillon.
Can I use rice wine vinegar in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1 1/2 tablespoons of rice wine vinegar to give the sauce its tangy flavor.
What should I do after frying the tofu?
Remove the fried tofu from the oil and drain it in a colander to remove excess oil.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe requires 12 main ingredients including the tofu, coatings, and sauce components.
Is this a good recipe for beginners?
Yes, it is described as an exciting yet simple vegetarian dish ideal for busy weeknights.
What gives the tofu its flavor besides the sauce?
The vegetarian chicken bouillon granules mixed into the cornstarch coating provide a savory punch to the tofu itself.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, you can mix the sauce ingredients in a jar and shake them until combined before you start frying.
What is the texture of the tofu in this dish?
The tofu is golden-brown and crispy on the outside while remaining tender on the inside.
Can this recipe impress guests?
Yes, it is noted as a great dish for impressing guests at dinner parties due to its texture and flavor.
How much tofu is needed?
The recipe calls for approximately 12 1/3 ounces of extra firm tofu.
Does this dish contain sugar?
Yes, the sauce uses 3 tablespoons of sugar to create the classic sweet-and-sour profile.
How deep should the oil be for frying?
You should use approximately 2-3 inches of oil to ensure the tofu cubes are submerged.
Why is cornstarch used twice?
Cornstarch is used both to coat the tofu for crispiness and as a thickening agent for the sauce.
Is the garlic sautéed for a long time?
No, it should only be sautéed until fragrant to avoid burning it.