This delicious vegan twist on a Taiwanese street food classic transforms tofu into crispy, flavorful bites perfect for snacking or as part of a larger meal.
Ingredients
- 600g extra-firm tofu
- 1.5 tsp black peppercorns, crushed
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp caster sugar
- 1/2 tsp Chinese 5 spice
- 4 tbsp cornflour
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 2 bell peppers, diced
- 6 garlic cloves, sliced
- 2 spring onions, chopped
Method
- Prepare the spice mix:
- Combine crushed peppercorns, salt, sugar, and Chinese 5 spice
- Season the tofu:
- Tear tofu into bite-sized pieces and pat dry
- Coat tofu with half the spice mix, then cornflour
- Fry the tofu:
- Heat 1cm of oil in a wok or high-sided pan
- Fry tofu in batches until golden and crispy (4-6 minutes)
- Drain on kitchen paper
- Stir-fry vegetables:
- Cook peppers and garlic in residual oil for 1 minute
- Combine and serve:
- Add tofu back to wok with remaining spice mix
- Stir to combine, then transfer to serving plate
- Top with chopped spring onions
These Crispy Vegan Salt and Pepper Tofu Bites are a perfect blend of textures and flavors – crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, with a delightful peppery kick. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe; it’s an easy way to elevate tofu into a crave-worthy dish that both vegans and non-vegans will love!