Flavorful And Crispy: The Simple Way To Cook Fried Tofu With Oyster Sauce

Craving a delectable and satisfying dish? Look no further than fried tofu with oyster sauce, a classic combination that tantalizes taste buds with its crispy exterior and savory sauce. This blog post will guide you through every step of the cooking process, ensuring you create a mouthwatering masterpiece in your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 block firm tofu, drained and pressed
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• 1/2 cup oyster sauce
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch, mixed with 2 tablespoons water
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped green onions

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Tofu:

• Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes.
• Place the tofu cubes on a paper towel-lined plate and press down with another plate to remove excess moisture.
• Toss the tofu cubes in cornstarch until evenly coated.

2. Fry the Tofu:

• Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
• Carefully place the tofu cubes in the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
• Remove the tofu from the oil and drain on paper towels.

3. Make the Oyster Sauce:

• In a small saucepan, combine the oyster sauce, soy sauce, chicken broth, water, and brown sugar.
• Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.

4. Thicken the Sauce:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth.
• Gradually add the cornstarch mixture to the oyster sauce, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.

5. Add Flavorings:

• Stir in the minced garlic and chopped green onions to enhance the flavor of the sauce.

6. Combine the Tofu and Sauce:

• Add the fried tofu cubes to the thickened oyster sauce and stir gently to coat.
• Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the tofu is heated through and the sauce is bubbly.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the fried tofu with oyster sauce over steamed rice or noodles.
• Garnish with additional green onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor and presentation.
• Pair with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Success

• For extra crispy tofu, double-fry it by frying it once, letting it cool, and then frying it again until golden brown.
• To make the dish vegetarian, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
• If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can use hoisin sauce or teriyaki sauce as a substitute.
• Adjust the amount of oyster sauce and soy sauce to your taste preferences.

Variations

• Add chopped bell peppers, carrots, or snow peas to the stir-fry for a more colorful and nutritious dish.
• Sprinkle with crushed peanuts or cashews for a nutty crunch.
• Serve with a side of sweet and sour sauce or chili oil for a contrasting flavor.

Conclusion

With these step-by-step instructions and helpful tips, you can now enjoy the deliciousness of fried tofu with oyster sauce in the comfort of your own home. This versatile dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a flavorful appetizer for a special occasion. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece that will impress your taste buds!

FAQ

1. Can I use soft tofu for this recipe?

• Soft tofu will not hold its shape well when fried, so it is not recommended for this recipe.

2. How can I make the sauce spicier?

• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chili powder to the sauce while simmering.

3. What other vegetables can I add to this dish?

• Almost any vegetable can be added to this dish, such as broccoli, carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms.