Black Pepper Tofu

Crispy pan-fried tofu tossed in a punchy black pepper and garlic sauce, served over rice.

Source
Recipe Info
Servings: 4
Prep: 15m
Cook: 15m
Total: 30m
Ingredients
  • 400g extra-firm tofu
  • 2 tbsp cornflour
  • 3 tbsp neutral cooking oil, divided
  • 5 tbsp reduced-salt soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp caster sugar
  • 1 tbsp cracked black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp freshly grated ginger
  • 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  • 1 small shallot, thinly sliced
  • 1 small red chilli, seeds and ribs removed, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 4 tbsp thinly sliced spring onion
  • White rice and fresh basil, to serve
Instructions
  1. Press excess moisture out of the tofu using paper towels or a kitchen towel. Slice into 2.5cm cubes and place in a large bowl. Toss with the cornflour until well coated.
  2. Combine the soy sauce, sugar, black pepper and ginger in a small bowl or jug and whisk together. Set aside.
  3. Heat 2 tbsp of the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu and cook for 7-8 minutes, turning to brown all sides, until golden and crisp. Transfer to a plate and reduce the heat to medium.
  4. Add the remaining 1 tbsp oil to the pan with the garlic, shallot and chilli (if using); cook for 2 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant.
  5. Return the tofu to the pan with the black pepper sauce and spring onion; cook for 1-2 minutes, tossing often, until the sauce fully coats the tofu.
  6. Serve over rice, garnished with fresh basil.