Sichuan-Style Fried Tofu: Restaurant-Quality Recipe

Are you a fan of spicy food and particularly love tofu? Dive into the Sichuan-style fried tofu recipe – a dish that embodies the traditional flavors of Chinese cuisine, with a crispy exterior and a rich, spicy sauce inside. Once you try it, you’ll never forget its unique taste!

Why Is Sichuan-Style Fried Tofu So Popular?

Sichuan cuisine has long been renowned for its masterful blend of spices such as chili, Sichuan peppercorns, and fermented bean paste, creating a distinctive spicy and numbing flavor. When combined with soft tofu, the dish becomes a perfect “symphony” that captivates all palates.

Flavor Highlights:

• Distinctive Spicy and Numbing: The blend of Sichuan chili and peppercorns delivers an unforgettable stimulating sensation.
• Enticing Aroma: Garlic, ginger, and fried shallots create a rich, aromatic base that enhances the dish’s appeal.
• Varied Texture: The crispy tofu exterior encases a soft interior, melding with a smooth, thick sauce.
• Nutrient-Rich: Tofu is high in plant-based protein and low in calories, suitable for both vegetarians and omnivores.

Sichuan-style fried tofu with a crispy exterior and rich sauce

Ingredients Needed

To prepare Sichuan-style fried tofu, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Tofu: Choose soft or silken tofu, cut into bite-sized squares (about 300-400g).
• Sichuan Chili: 2-3 tablespoons (dried or fresh, depending on preference).
• Sichuan Peppercorns: 1 teaspoon, to enhance the mild spicy flavor and aroma.
• Fermented Bean Paste (Doubanjiang): 2 tablespoons, the key ingredient for Sichuan flavor.
• Common Seasonings: Garlic, ginger, scallions, soy sauce, sugar, vegetarian oyster sauce, cooking oil, cornstarch.
• Additional Vegetables (optional): Mushrooms, broccoli, carrots…

Tip: To remove excess moisture from tofu before frying, press it gently with a clean cloth or place a heavy object on top.

Detailed Instructions for Making Sichuan-Style Fried Tofu

Step 1: Preparing the Tofu

• Rinse the tofu and cut it into 3-4cm squares.
• Press the tofu with a clean cloth or paper towel to remove excess water.

Step 2: Frying the Tofu

• Heat oil in a pan and fry the tofu until golden on all sides over medium heat.
• Remove the tofu to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Golden fried tofu squares

Step 3: Preparing the Sichuan Sauce

• Sauté minced garlic and ginger in hot oil in a pan.
• Add Sichuan chili and peppercorns, stir-fry briefly, then add fermented bean paste and mix well.
• Pour in some water, bring to a boil, then season with soy sauce, sugar, and vegetarian oyster sauce to taste.
• Mix cornstarch with water and slowly add to the pan to thicken the sauce.

Step 4: Completing the Dish

• Add the fried tofu to the pan with the sauce, gently stir to coat the tofu evenly.
• Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, then turn off the heat and sprinkle with chopped scallions.

Secrets to Perfect Sichuan-Style Fried Tofu

Secrets to Crispy Fried Tofu:

• Press the Tofu Thoroughly: Removing excess water helps the tofu stay intact and fry crispier.
• Double Fry: Fry once at medium heat to cook the inside, then again at high heat for a crispy exterior.
• Add Batter: Coat the tofu in a thin layer of batter before frying to increase crispiness.

Secrets to Rich Sichuan Sauce:

• Use high-quality Sichuan seasonings, such as Sichuan chili and fermented bean paste.
• Toast the Spices Before Cooking: This enhances the aroma of the spices.
• Adjust Seasoning Flexibly: Modify the amount of chili and seasonings to suit your family’s taste.

Sichuan-style fried tofu with a rich, spicy sauce

Creative Variations of Sichuan-Style Fried Tofu

This dish isn’t limited to the basic recipe; you can get creative with it:

• Add Vegetables: Mushrooms, broccoli, carrots… enrich the dish nutritionally.
• Adjust Spiciness: Increase or decrease the amount of Sichuan chili or use chili sauce to adjust the heat level.
• Serve with Bread: Instead of white rice, try sandwiching the fried tofu in bread.

Nutritional Value of Sichuan-Style Fried Tofu

Tofu is an excellent source of plant-based protein, rich in calcium, iron, and essential minerals. This dish is not only delicious but also beneficial for health:

• Good for Heart Health: Helps reduce bad cholesterol.
• Supports Weight Loss: Low in calories, high in protein.
• Boosts Bone Health: Provides natural calcium.

Note: Limit the amount of oil and salt used in preparation to ensure a healthier dish.

Conclusion

With the detailed recipe and helpful tips above, you can confidently prepare Sichuan-style fried tofu at home. Give it a try and share your results with us! Don’t forget to follow Sổ Tay Món Ăn for more exciting recipes!

References

1. Sichuan Cuisine – Distinctive Flavors
2. Spicy Fried Tofu Recipe