Description

Impossibly crispy Salt and Pepper Tofu is an easy 5-ingredient dish that comes together in minutes. The contrast of the extra crisp crust and silky center is irresistible!

Ingredients

Scale

1 block extra firm tofu
5 tablespoons arrowroot starch OR corn starch
1 teaspoon ground Szechuan peppercorns
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 tablespoons avocado oil
Optional scallions, for garnish

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Instructions

Start by patting the tofu dry, gently, with a towel. Cut the tofu into 1 inch cubes and set aside.
Whisk together the arrowroot starch, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Add in the tofu and gently toss to coat.
Heat a pan over medium-high heat. I like a well seasoned cast iron pan for their even heat which creates a great crispy crust. Once the pan is warm, add in the oil.
Place one piece of tofu in the pan. If it sizzles upon contact, it's ready. Add in the other tofu cubes, being careful not to crowd the pan, and cook until the bottom side is golden brown, about 3-5 minutes. Use a for to turn the tofu and repeat until all sides are crispy.
Work in two batches, if needed, to ensure the tofu is not touching which will cause it to stick. And you may need to add a little more oil between batches.
Remove from the pan and transfer to a cooling rack before serving to keep the tofu nice and crisp. Garnish with scallions, if desired

Notes

You can find Szechuan peppercorns online or at your local Asian market. They have a complex flavor that makes this dish shine. If you absolutely must, you can substitute freshly ground black pepper, but know that it will make the dish spicier. So if sensitive to spice, try a lesser amount.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
Calories: 145
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 581mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 11g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 8g