Imagine the enticing aroma of a dish infused with rich, umami flavors and the satisfying chewiness of a protein-packed ingredient that has been loved for centuries. Welcome to the world of dried tofu, a versatile and delectable ingredient with a storied history and countless possibilities for creative culinary expression.
This guide will help you unlock the secrets to preparing a sumptuous dried tofu dish that will have your friends and family clamoring for seconds. Get ready to embark on a tantalizing journey of taste and texture, as we explore the art of transforming simple dried tofu into a culinary sensation that will leave a lasting impression. Are you excited to discover the magic of dried tofu? Let’s dive in and create a mouthwatering masterpiece together!
Preparation: 15 minutes – Processing: 30 minutes – Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
- 500g of white tofu
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 2 chili peppers
- A small amount of cooking oil
- 3 sprigs of spring onion
- 1 teaspoon of chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon of vegetarian fish sauce
- Some common seasonings (sugar/vegetarian seasoning powder)
How to choose fresh tofu
When choosing tofu, look for pieces that are ivory white in color, have a fragrant aroma, and a characteristic rich and creamy taste of soybeans. Choose pieces that feel light when held, have good elasticity, and a smooth surface rather than being rough or hard. Avoid buying tofu that has turned yellow and has a smell similar to lime as it may have been stored for too long or contain gypsum, which is not good for your health.
Directions
1. Preparing tofu
After buying tofu, rinse it quickly with water and let it drain. Then, cut the tofu into thin pieces to dry quickly. The thinner the cut, the crispier and tastier the tofu will be after drying and frying.
2. Dry tofu in the sun
Place the sliced tofu on a tray or basket, making sure to distribute them evenly and not stack them on top of each other for faster drying. Next, cover the tofu with a thin mesh fabric to prevent insects from clinging onto them.
Dry the tofu outside in the hot sun for about 5-7 hours until it becomes dry, firm, and chewy. Then, store the dried tofu in an airtight container and enjoy it gradually over the next 2-3 months.
3. Fry the tofu
Pour cooking oil into a pan and heat it over high heat. When the oil is hot, add the tofu pieces and fry them over medium-low heat until they expand, become crispy, and evenly golden. Then, remove them from the pan.
After this step, you can store the fried dried tofu in a sealed plastic bag or container for later use. Keep them in a dry and cool place, away from direct sunlight.
4. Make the sauce
Add a little cooking oil to a pan and heat it over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add chopped scallions and minced chili pepper, and stir until fragrant and golden.
Next, add 1 teaspoon of vegetarian fish sauce, 1 teaspoon of chili bean paste, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of seasoning powder. Stir until the sauce thickens and becomes well-combined.
When the sauce thickens, add the fried tofu to the pan and stir until the tofu is evenly coated with the sauce. Cook for 2 more minutes, then turn off the heat and transfer the tofu to a serving dish.
5. Finished product
Crispy and sweet-and-salty dried tofu is a delicious accompaniment to hot rice. This vegetarian dish can also be a great snack. Give it a try! These are the instructions for making tasty dried tofu that you can refer to and add to your collection of vegetarian recipes. Best of luck to you and surprise your family with this dish!
Reference: Dien May Xanh
