Crispy Salt and Pepper Spiced Tofu

I used to think tofu was an awful food, even as a vegetarian I refused to eat it as I’d had only had one encounter with it and it had been like eating a horrible tasteless blancmange. Then one evening my husband persuaded me to try some of the crispy salt and pepper tofu he had ordered, and I couldn’t believe I had been missing out on it for so long – it was delicious!

Method

• Unpackage the tofu and drain well, squeezing the excess moisture over the sink before placing in a clean tea cloth
• Wrap the cloth around the tofu and press down on it to remove as much of the moisture as possible – I find placing it between two chopping boards is a good method
• Cut the tofu into cubes – I find slicing it in half into two flat slabs is a good way to start
• Place the tofu in a bowl, add the salt, pepper, spices, and soy sauce and mix gently until all pieces are evenly coated
• Add the flour and mix again, until evenly coated
• Heat the oil in a pan, then carefully add the tofu (you don’t want to burn yourself with splashes of hot oil!)
• Fry the tofu, turning occasionally, until golden
• Serve as is with the garnish or dipping sauce or add at the last minute to your favourite stir fry dish
• Enjoy!