Jammy Garlic Pepper Tofu

Ingredients

• 16 oz extra-firm tofu (14 or 16 oz each; drained and pressed)
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil (Peanut or olive oil may be used)
• 0.5 tsp kosher salt
• 2 tbsp cornstarch (Or potato starch)
• 0.333 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tsp toasted sesame oil
• 0.5 cup water
• 2 tsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp peanut oil (Or other neutral oil)
• 2.5 large shallots (2–3 large, sliced; alternatively use 1 small red onion, thinly sliced)
• 4 green onions (Thinly sliced; white and green parts separated)
• 1 jalapeño (Sliced; remove seeds and ribs for less spice)
• 1 red bell pepper (Small, seeded and chopped)
• 1 tbsp ginger (Minced or grated)
• 9 cloves garlic (8–10 cloves, minced)
• 1.5 tsp ground black pepper (1–2 tsp; freshly ground is ideal)
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (Optional)

Steps

1. 1

   Drain the tofu and press it for 10–15 minutes.

2. 2

   Cut the pressed tofu into cubes or tear it into bite-sized pieces. Gently toss it with the vegetable oil and kosher salt.

3. 3

   Sprinkle the cornstarch over the tofu and gently toss again until coated.

4. 4

   Air-fry the tofu at 400°F (204°C) for 25 minutes, shaking the basket about every 5 minutes so it crisps evenly. It should be extra crispy; if needed, continue in 2–3-minute increments. While the tofu cooks, prepare the sauce.

5. 5

   Whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, toasted sesame oil, water, and cornstarch until combined. Set aside.

6. 6

   Heat the peanut oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the sliced shallots, white parts of the green onions, jalapeño, red bell pepper, ginger, garlic, and black pepper.

7. 7

   Sauté the aromatics for 8–10 minutes, until jammy and slightly caramelized.

8. 8

   Lower the heat to medium-low. Quickly whisk the sauce again to redistribute the cornstarch, then pour it into the skillet.

9. 9

   Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. It should thicken within a minute or two.

10. 10

    Add the crispy tofu and toss to coat it in the sauce. Let everything come back to a simmer, then remove the skillet from the heat.

11. 11

    Top with the green parts of the scallions and, if desired, the toasted sesame seeds.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, use tamari in place of soy sauce. The jalapeño seeds and ribs can be removed to reduce heat, or the jalapeño can be omitted. Serve over jasmine rice. The source suggests crispy oven-baked or pan-fried tofu as alternatives if you do not have an air fryer.

Nutrition per serving

• vegan
• dairy-free
• main
• air-fried
• crispy
• spicy
• gluten-free option