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Fried Tofu Recipes

Reshma Jirage
We all know the importance of proteins in our daily diet. They are essential for muscle building and proper functioning of the body parts. Tofu is an excellent protein substitute for all the vegetarians. Here are some easy recipes which you can prepare in your home.
Food provides the main source of proteins for our body. We can get adequate amounts of this essential nutrient by ingesting eggs, dairy products, fish, meat, legumes, and vegetables. Meat is the richest source of protein. But what about the vegetarians? From where should they obtain their daily intake of this nutrient? The answer is, tofu. It is an excellent source of protein.
It is made up of soybeans, coagulant or curdling agent, and water. It is rich in proteins as well as calcium. It is also able to absorb new flavors through marinades and spices. Due to its high nutritional value, tofu is regarded as a staple food in the Asian cuisine.
Nowadays, it has become extremely popular throughout the world. It can be creamy, soft, firm, or extra firm in texture. For preparing fried dishes, a firm or extra firm variety is required.
It is simply delicious and can be dipped in any kind of sauce. Deep-frying provides it a crispy texture and golden color. Enlisted below are some delectable recipes.

Fried Tofu with Peanut Sauce

Ingredients
  • Firm Tofu, 0.45 lb. (cubed)
  • Cornstarch, 2 tbsp.
  • Salt and Pepper, to taste
  • Oil, 100 ml. (for deep-frying)
For the Sauce
  • Peanut Butter, 1 tbsp.
  • Skimmed Milk, 3 tbsp.
  • Garlic Powder, 1 tsp.
  • Soy Sauce, 1 tsp.
  • Chili Sauce, 1 tbsp.
  • Chili Flakes, 1 dash
  • Salt and Pepper, to taste
Preparation
Drain the tofu by gently pressing it between paper towels. Toss it in cornstarch and coat it properly. Add salt and pepper. Heat oil in a saucepan. Put the cubes in the pan and deep-fry them till they get a golden-brown color.
Drain the excess oil by placing the cubes on paper towels. For the sauce, first heat the milk in a saucepan. Add peanut butter to the milk. Stir it continuously. Add garlic powder, soy sauce, chili flakes, and chili sauce. Blend them well. Add salt and pepper, as per taste. Serve this dish hot, along with the spicy sauce.

Fried Chocolate Tofu

Ingredients
  • Firm Tofu, 0.45 lb. (pressed and dried for 1-12 hours)
  • Water, 2 cups
  • Espresso Powder, 5 tsp.
  • Cayenne Powder, 4 tsp.
  • Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips, 1 cup
  • Cinnamon, 2 tsp.
  • Eggs, 2
  • Ginger, 2 tsp.
  • Water, 2 cups
  • Flour,½ cup
  • Oil, ½ cup
Preparation
Mix the espresso powder with water in a pan. Heat this mixture until it starts simmering. Then add 2 tsp. cayenne powder, ginger, and cinnamon. Stir them well. Then gradually add chocolate chips, with a continuous stirring. Make sure that chocolate does not burn. Cut tofu into bite-size pieces. When chocolate reaches a medium boil, add these pieces in the pan.
Stir continuously, until the chocolate becomes thick and starts giving a burnt flavor. Drain out the tofu. Cover it with beaten eggs and flour. Place it in a cooking pan which contains hot oil and 2 tsp. cayenne powder. Keep the chocolate mixture uncovered while frying. Simmer until it is reduced. Sprinkle the chocolate mixture on tofu and serve it hot.

Crispy Fried Tofu

Ingredients
  • Firm Tofu, 0.45 lb. (cut into ½ inch cubes)
  • Flour, 2 tbsp.
  • Nutritional Yeast, 3 tbsp.
  • Garlic Powder, 2 tsp.
  • Olive Oil, 2 tbsp.
  • Pepper, ½ tsp.
  • Salt, ½ tsp.
Preparation
In a small bowl, combine tofu, flour, yeast, garlic powder, pepper, and salt. Mix them gently and coat the tofu cubes with this mixture. Or you can keep all the ingredients in a zip-lock bag or covered container and shake well. In a large skillet, heat the oil over a medium flame and add the coated cubes. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become slightly crisp and golden brown. Serve it hot.
You can prepare a variety of dishes such as noodles, fried rice, salads, soups, etc. by using tofu. It helps in making all these dishes flavorsome, protein-rich, and healthy.