Crispy Tofu Recipe

Serves

Ingredients

450g block extra-firm tofu
3tbsp vegetable oil
3 tbsp cornflour
½tsp onion powder
½tsp garlic powder
5 garlic cloves, minced
4-6 red chillies, finely chopped
1tsp salt
2tbsp vegetable oil
200g green beans, cut into 5cm lengths
2tbsp soy sauce
1tbsp mushroom oyster sauce
1tbsp fish sauce
100ml chicken or vegetable stock
2tsp caster sugar
1tbsp cornflour
½ bunch Thai basil leaves picked
steamed jasmine rice, to serve

Method

To prepare the crispy tofu, drain the tofu and cut lengthways through the centre so you end up with two long, thin pieces. Place between sheets of paper towel and weigh down with some food tins or similar.

Allow the tofu to drain for 30 minutes or so. Once dry, cut it into 2cm cubes.

Preheat the oven to 200°C/gas mark 6 and line a baking tray with baking paper.

Place the tofu in a large bowl, pour over the oil and toss to coat.

Scatter in the cornflour, onion and garlic powder, salt and some pepper and toss again, ensuring all the tofu is well coated. Spread it out in a single layer on the prepared tray and bake for 20 minutes, then turn the tofu cubes over and bake for another 15 minutes, or until golden and crispy.

While the tofu is baking, mix the minced garlic and chilli on your chopping board, then sprinkle over a big pinch of salt. Using the flat side of your knife, press down and repeatedly drag it across the garlic and chilli until you have a rough paste. This can also be done with a mortar and pestle, if preferred.

Heat the oil in a wok over a high heat. Once hot, add the garlic and chilli paste and quickly toss for 10-15 seconds, then throw in the crispy tofu and beans and toss to coat.

Stir in all the sauces, stock, sugar and cornflour and toss regularly for about 1 minute to coat and combine, then throw in the basil leaves. Toss one last time and serve with steamed rice.

Recipe courtesy of Vegan with Bite by Shannon Martinez (Hardie Grant, £16.99) Photography Nikki To

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