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Crispy Fried Tofu in Garlic Sauce Recipe card | step by step video

Crispy Fried Tofu in Garlic Sauce

Crispy Fried Tofu in Garlic Sauce is a flavorful, quick-to-prepare dish that combines golden, crispy tofu with a savory, aromatic garlic sauce. The recipe typically involves pressing and cubing extra-firm tofu, coating it in cornstarch or tapioca starch, and pan-frying until golden brown before tossing it in a sauce made with soy sauce, garlic, and other seasonings. The dish can be served as a main course or appetizer, often garnished with green onions, sesame seeds, and optionally chili for heat.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese, Gujarati, Indian
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Video Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 block 12-14 oz extra-firm tofu (pressed to remove excess moisture),
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch or tapioca starch,
  • 2 –3 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 3 –6 cloves garlic minced or grated,
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 –2 tbsp oyster sauce or vegan substitute,
  • 1 tbsp dark soy sauce 1 tsp sugar,
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar,
  • 1/2 tsp sesame oil
  • FOR GARNISH green onions and sesame seeds.

Method
 

  1. Press the tofu for at least 30 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut into 3/4-inch cubes.
  2. Toss the tofu cubes in cornstarch until fully coated.
  3. Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat and fry the tofu in batches until golden and crispy, flipping occasionally for even browning.
  4. Remove the tofu and set aside. In the same pan, sauté minced garlic and the white parts of green onions until fragrant.
  5. Combine the sauce ingredients (soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, and a cornstarch slurry) in a bowl, then add to the pan and simmer until thickened.
  6. Return the tofu to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce. Add vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers if desired, and stir-fry briefly.
  7. Serve immediately over rice, garnished with green onions, sesame seeds, and optional red pepper flakes.

Video

Notes

Serving Suggestions: Can be served as a main dish with rice or noodles, or as a snack or appetizer.
Some variations include stuffing the fried tofu with pickled cabbage for a Taiwanese night market-style twist.