Need a quick and easy vegan meal? Crispy Salt and Pepper Tofu uses minimal ingredients for a filling and crunchy vegan tofu dish!
Incorporating meatless meals into your week has been shown to have health benefits, especially when using wholesome ingredients! Meatless Mondays have become a regular routine for many on social media, with users posting tons of delicious meal options which contain no animal products!
Leave meat behind and embrace Crispy Salt and Pepper Tofu, an amazing dinner dish done in under 30 minutes! Freshly pressed tofu is coated in cornstarch before shallow-frying and tossing in a flavorful mixture of garlic, ginger, turmeric, and scallions. This dish is so good, you will not miss any animal products!
Make It Vegan AND Low Carb!
Tofu is a vegan protein that is low in carbs. It is a great meat substitute that packs a protein punch. If you are trying to eat more plant-based AND reduce carbohydrate intake, this dish is still for you.
Feel free to remove the white rice in this dish in favor of cauliflower or broccoli rice. Both vegetables are very low in carbs and are still vegan, making this dish entirely plant-based and low-carb. If carb intake is not an issue for you, serve Crispy Salt and Pepper Tofu with white rice, brown rice, wild rice, or any of your favorite starches!
Ingredients in Crispy Salt and Pepper Tofu
- 1 block tofu, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¾ tsp Kosher salt
- ¾ tsp black pepper
- 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½-inch piece ginger, peeled and minced
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- 3 scallions, sliced thin
- 2 cups cooked white rice, for serving
- Tamari, for serving
How to Make Crispy Salt and Pepper Tofu
Begin by pressing your tofu in a tofu press or between two weighted plates for a minimum of 30 minutes.
Once pressed, cut your tofu into equally sized 1-inch cubes.
In a medium bowl, mix the cornstarch with the salt and pepper. Dip each piece of tofu into the mixture on all sides and transfer to a plate.
Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Fry the tofu in batches until browned and crispy on all sides. This may take 3-4 batches.
Remove the crispy tofu to a paper towel-lined plate.
Meanwhile, in another large bowl, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, garlic, ginger, turmeric, and scallions. Mix to combine.
To the same hot pan, add the scallion mixture and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Toss the crispy tofu in the warm scallion mixture. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper.
Serve with cooked white rice and tamari, if desired.
Crispy Salt and Pepper Tofu
Ingredients
- 1 block tofu, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 tbsp cornstarch
- 3/4 tsp Kosher salt
- 3/4 tsp black pepper
- 4 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2-inch piece ginger, peeled and minced
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 3 scallions, sliced thin
- 2 cups cooked white rice, for serving
- Tamari, for serving
Instructions
- Begin by pressing your tofu in a tofu press or between two weighted plates for a minimum of 30 minutes.
- Once pressed, cut your tofu into equally sized 1-inch cubes.
- In a medium bowl, mix the cornstarch with the salt and pepper. Dip each piece of tofu into the mixture on all sides and transfer to a plate.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Fry the tofu in batches until browned and crispy on all sides. This may take 3-4 batches.
- Remove the crispy tofu to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Meanwhile, in another large bowl, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, garlic, ginger, turmeric, and scallions. Mix to combine.
- To the same hot pan, add the scallion mixture and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Toss the crispy tofu in the warm scallion mixture. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper.
- Serve with cooked white rice and tamari, if desired.
