Pan-Fried Garlic Tofu

Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a dish that packs a punch of flavor and a satisfying crunch? Look no further than this delectable Pan-Fried Garlic Tofu recipe! Whether you’re a tofu enthusiast or just looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your routine, this recipe is sure to impress with its tantalizing flavors and straightforward preparation.

Ingredients:

To get started, gather the following ingredients:

• 3 cloves garlic, grated
• Zest and juice of 1 lime
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
• 2 tsp Sambal Oelek or Sriracha (for a spicy kick)
• 5 tbsp soy sauce (or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option)
• ¼ cup water or low sodium vegetable broth
• ¼ cup light brown sugar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 15 oz super-firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed and drained well
• Vegetable oil for cooking
• 1-2 green onions, sliced on the diagonal for garnish
• ½ cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped for garnish
• 1 tbsp toasted white sesame seeds for garnish

Directions:

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the grated garlic, lime zest and juice, toasted sesame oil, Sambal Oelek (or Sriracha), soy sauce, and water (or broth). This creates the base of your flavor-packed sauce.
2. Marinate the Tofu: Cut the tofu into ½-inch cubes. Marinate it in half of the sauce mixture for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply.
3. Coat for Crispiness: For an added crunch, optionally coat the marinated tofu cubes in 2-3 tbsp of cornstarch just before frying.
4. Pan-Fry to Perfection: Heat a skillet with vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the tofu cubes and fry until they are golden and crispy on all sides.
5. Thicken the Remaining Sauce: While the tofu is frying, simmer the remaining sauce in a small pot. Create a slurry by mixing the cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it into the sauce to thicken.
6. Combine and Caramelize: Once the tofu is crispy, pour the thickened sauce over it. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the tofu is beautifully caramelized.
7. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the pan-fried tofu with sliced green onions, chopped fresh cilantro, and toasted white sesame seeds before serving.

Nutritional Information:

Each serving of this delicious dish contains approximately 425 kcal. The recipe is designed to serve 4, making it perfect for a family meal or for meal prep for the week ahead.

Prep and Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Additional Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

This Pan-Fried Garlic Tofu is not just a dish, it’s a delightful journey through textures and flavors, proving that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring. Enjoy this meal with a side of steamed rice or your favorite vegetables, and savor the richness and depth of each bite!