Cayenne-Garlic Tofu Bites

Instructions

1. Prepare the Tofu

   4 min hands-on

   • Drain the tofu and pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.
   • Slice the tofu into even 1-inch cubes for uniform cooking.

2. Coat the Tofu

   3 min hands-on

   • Place cornstarch in a shallow bowl.
   • Roll each tofu cube in the cornstarch, ensuring all sides are evenly coated. Shake off any excess.

3. Heat the Oil

   1 min hands-on

   • Add enough olive oil to lightly coat the bottom of a large non-stick frying pan. Heat the pan over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers.

4. Fry the Tofu

   4 min hands-on5 min waiting

   • Carefully place the tofu cubes in the hot pan, ensuring they don’t overlap. Fry for 2–3 minutes on each side, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
   • Remove the tofu from the pan and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

5. Prepare the Aromatics

   4 min hands-on

   • Finely chop the garlic and scallions. Slice the yellow pepper into thin strips.

6. Cook the Flavor Base

   3 min hands-on

   • In the same pan, add the garlic and cook on medium heat for about 30 seconds, stirring continuously.
   • Add the chopped scallions and yellow pepper strips. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly and become fragrant.

7. Spice It Up

   1 min hands-on

   • Sprinkle in cayenne pepper, black pepper, sugar, and salt. Stir well to combine and coat the vegetables evenly.

8. Combine Tofu with Sauce

   2 min hands-on2 min waiting

   • Return the crispy tofu to the pan and toss gently to coat it with the spiced garlic-onion mixture. Cook for another 1–2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

9. Serve

   1 min hands-on

   • Remove the tofu bites from the heat and transfer them to a serving plate. Garnish with additional chopped green onion tops or a sprinkle of black pepper, if desired.
   • Cooking tips:
   • For extra crispiness, press the tofu with a heavy object for 15–20 minutes before slicing to remove even more water.
   • If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, add a small pinch of granulated sugar to balance the heat and enhance the umami.
   • Adjust the cayenne pepper to your spice tolerance; use less for a milder dish or more for extra heat.
   • Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying the tofu to ensure even crisping on all sides. Cook in batches if necessary.