30 Minute Black Pepper Tofu
30 minute black pepper tofu has all of the fiery, umami-qualities you love about classic takeout. Serve over rice for an easy, flavorful weeknight meal.
Servings: 4 servings
Equipment
- Large skillet
Ingredients
- 1 (14-oz.) block extra-firm tofu
- 2 Tbsp. cornstarch
- 3 Tbsp. neutral cooking oil, divided
- 5 Tbsp. lower-sodium soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp. granulated sugar
- 1 Tbsp. cracked black pepper
- 1/2 tsp. freshly grated ginger
- 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1 small shallot, thinly sliced
- 1 small Fresno chile seeds and ribs removed, thinly sliced (or a drizzle of Chili Crisp for garnish)
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onion
- White rice and fresh basil for serving
Instructions
- Press excess moisture out of the tofu using either paper towels or a kitchen towel. Slice into 1 inch cubes and place in a large bowl. Toss with cornstarch until tofu is well coated.
- Combine soy sauce, sugar, black pepper, and ginger in a small bowl or glass measuring cup; stir with a whisk. Set aside.
- Heat 2 Tbsp. of the oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add tofu; cook for 7 to 8 minutes, turning to brown all sides, until golden-brown and crisp. Transfer tofu to a plate and reduce heat to medium.
- Add remaining 1 Tbsp. oil to pan, along with garlic, shallots, and chile (if using); cook 2 minutes, stirring often, until aromatic.Add tofu back to pan, along with black pepper sauce and green onions; cook 1 to 2 minutes, tossing often, until the sauce fully coats tofu.Serve over rice and garnish with fresh basil and a drizzle of Chili Crisp (optional).
Notes
- Be sure to press as much moisture out of tofu as possible. This will create the crispiest texture.
- For LESS spice: Omit Fresno chile and scale black pepper back to 2 teaspoons.
- Store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: For the best texture, reheat tofu in a skillet over medium heat. You can also microwave individual portions, however the tofu will be softer.
Nutrition
Serving: 0.66cup | Calories: 240kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 650mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g