Salt & Pepper Tofu

• 1 block firm tofu↗
• 4 cup water↗
• 1 tsp salt↗
• 1 egg↗
• 5 tbsp cornstarch↗
• 16 fl oz corn oil
• 4 green onion↗
• 2 oz sweet peppers
• 2 clove garlic↗
• a few dried chilies
• 1 tbsp garlic salt
• 1/4 tsp white pepper↗
• 1 tbsp oil↗

Steps

1. 1.Dice the white parts of the green onions. Halve the sweet peppers lengthwise, remove the core and seeds, then dice. Peel, smash and mince the garlic. Set aside.▶0:00
2. 2.Drain the tofu and rinse briefly with cold water. Cut into roughly 1-inch cubes.▶1:14
3. 3.Bring 4 cups of water with 1 tsp salt to a boil. Add the tofu, submerge, cover and boil on high for 2-3 minutes, then uncover, lower the heat and simmer 2 more minutes. This seasons the tofu and draws out excess moisture so it fries up firmer and crisper.▶2:16
4. 4.Drain the tofu in a strainer and let it cool slightly. Spread it on a plate or tray lined with a clean cloth or paper towel, and press dry with more paper towel on top — the drier the tofu, the crispier it fries.▶4:16
5. 5.Spread 4-5 tbsp cornstarch on a plate. Beat the egg. Gently mix about half the beaten egg into the dried tofu, then transfer the tofu onto the cornstarch so each piece touches it on the bottom, and sprinkle roughly another tbsp of cornstarch over the top.▶5:38
6. 6.Heat 16 fl oz of corn oil to about 400°F (200°C). While it heats, measure out 1 tbsp garlic salt and 1/4 tsp white pepper for the seasoning mix.▶7:16
7. 7.Gently lower the tofu into the oil with a spider strainer — don't stir right away or the coating can fall off. Add the rest of the pieces along the sides so they don't stick together, separating any that clump.▶7:40
8. 8.Deep-fry for about 5-6 minutes at 360-380°F, gently moving the pieces so they colour evenly, until deep golden brown. Fry in smaller batches if it's your first time, to keep pieces from clumping. Remove and let the oil drain off.▶9:22
9. 9.Add about 1 tbsp of the frying oil to a hot wok. Add the dried chilies and stir-fry 10-15 seconds until fragrant, then remove them — they're just for flavouring the oil.▶10:10
10. 10.Add the garlic and stir-fry 15-20 seconds until lightly browned, then add the peppers and green onion and stir-fry 20-30 seconds.▶10:30
11. 11.Add the fried tofu, toss, then sprinkle on about half the garlic salt/white pepper mix. Toss for another 30 seconds until evenly coated. Serve the rest of the seasoning on the side so everyone can add more to taste.▶11:04