Introduction
Black Pepper Tofu is an invigorating fusion dish that marries the savory umami of soy sauce and black pepper with a crispy tofu exterior, all simmered in a fragrant stir-fry. This recipe offers a perfect balance between healthful ingredients and bold flavors, making it an ideal choice for both casual dinners and special occasions.
Tips for this Recipe
To achieve the best results with Black Pepper Tofu:
– Ensure your tofu is extra firm as it holds its shape better during cooking.
– Press the tofu before cutting and seasoning to remove excess moisture, enhancing texture contrast.
– Keep ingredients prepped and ready for quick stir-frying – timing in a wok or pan is crucial.
Why you will love this recipe
Black Pepper Tofu stands out due to its dynamic blend of sweet, spicy, and savory notes which tantalize the taste buds while being visually appealing with a vibrant red chile garnish. The dish is not only easy to prepare but also offers customizable health benefits depending on your choice of ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 lbs firm tofu, pressed and sliced
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Cornstarch
- 11 tbsp butter
- 12 small shallots (12 oz total), thinly sliced
- 8 fresh red chiles (mild ones), thinly sliced
- 12 garlic cloves, crushed
- 3 tbsp chopped fresh ginger
- 3 tbsp sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
- 3 tbsp light soy sauce
- 4 tsp dark soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 5 tbsp coarsely crushed black peppercorns
- 16 small and thin green onions, cut into 1 1/4-inch segments
Adviced equipment
– Non-Stick Pan: For even cooking with minimal sticking.
– Kitchen Knife: Needed for precise cutting of tofu and vegetables.
– Cutting Board: Provides a clean workspace while preparing ingredients.
– Stirring Spoon or Wok Spatula: Essential for stir-frying the dish evenly.
– Measuring Cups and Digital Scale (Optional): To ensure precise ingredient measurements.
– Mixing Bowls: Versatile tool for marinating tofu and combining sauces.
– Tongs: Useful for safe handling of hot items in the pan.
– Strainer (Optional): Helps rinse prepared tofu blocks effectively.
History of the Recipe
Black Pepper Tofu is a modern twist on traditional Asian cuisine, blending flavors from different cultures to create something truly distinctive. This dish reflects the global influence on culinary traditions and showcases how classic ingredients like soy sauce can be combined with new elements such as black pepper for an innovative result.
Fun facts about this recipe
1. The use of black pepper in tofu dishes is relatively unconventional, offering a spicy kick that complements the mildness of other components like shallots and green onions.
2. Tofu has been consumed for thousands of years as part of Chinese cuisine and dietary staples across Asia, demonstrating its long-standing culinary significance.
3. Black pepper itself was once considered a luxury item in Europe until it became more widely available during the spice trade’s expansion.
4. The combination of sweet soy sauce and black pepper creates a harmonious flavor profile that caters to various palates, appealing to both those who enjoy traditional Asian cuisine as well as fusion food enthusiasts.