| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Difficulty: Moderate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 350 | 20g | 2g | 25g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 14g | 3g | 21g | 2g |
Black Pepper Tofu, a beautifully flavorsome and slightly fiery dish, brings together both my Japanese heritage and the stunning Pacific Northwest ingredients that I’ve come to adore since moving to Seattle. The addictive heat of the pepper lies in sync with the light spiciness of ginger and chili peppers, while the sweetness of tofu and red onion balances it all. But it’s not just the harmonious blend of flavors that makes me love this recipe.
A Bite Into My Heritage
Many may not see the correlation between Black Pepper Tofu and Japan at first glance, but if you dig a little beneath the surface, you will notice it. Most notably, tofu, an ingredient central to Japanese cuisine and my culinary roots. By giving a Pacific Northwest twist to this Japanese staple, we accomplish something very dear to my heart – a seamless blend of East and West.
Health and Hearty
Beyond my love for the cultural connection this recipe brings, the health benefits associated with Black Pepper Tofu are undeniable. The dish is packed with anti-inflammatory benefits credited to the ginger, while the protein-rich tofu caters wonderfully to those of us looking for a hearty yet healthy plant-based dish.
If you love tofu recipes like Mapo Tofu or Black Bean Tofu Stir Fry, then you’ll find this recipe to be a delightful twist – another feather in the cap of delicious tofu dishes. Pair the Black Pepper Tofu with some steamed jasmine or brown rice for a wholesome meal. You could even serve it alongside your favorite vegetable stir-fry or a bowl of udon noodles for a culinary experience that is both filling and flavorful.
In conclusion, my love for this Black Pepper Tofu recipes stems from its delightful fusion between my upbringing and my culinary adventures. I hope you will come to cherish it as much as I do. And remember, every bite you take is not just delicious, but a step towards a healthier body, mind, and soul.
What You’ll Need
- 2 pounds firm tofu
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 medium red onions, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons fresh ginger, finely chopped
- 4 red chili peppers, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons black peppercorns, freshly crushed
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch, dissolved in 1/4 cup water
- 6 spring onions, cut into segments
Method
Step One
Start by pressing the tofu to remove excess water. To do this, wrap the tofu in a clean kitchen towel, place it on a flat surface, and put a heavy object on top. Allow it to sit for about 15 minutes.
Step Two
While you’re waiting for the tofu, prepare your ingredients. Slice the red onions and chili peppers, mince the garlic, chop the ginger, and cut the spring onions into segments.
Step Three
After 15 minutes, cut the tofu into cubes. Make sure to handle it carefully so it doesn’t crumble.
Step Four
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the tofu cubes and sauté until all sides are golden brown. This should take about 10 minutes.
Step Five
Remove the tofu from the pan and set it aside. In the same pan, add the thinly sliced red onions, minced garlic, finely chopped ginger, and sliced red chili peppers. Sauté the ingredients until the onions are translucent, and the garlic and ginger are fragrant.
Step Six
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, freshly crushed black peppercorns, sugar, and cornstarch dissolved in water. Stir until well combined.
Step Seven
Pour the soy sauce mixture into the pan with the sautéed onions, garlic, ginger, and peppers. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
Step Eight
Add the sautéed tofu back into the pan, tossing it carefully in the sauce until every piece is well coated.
Step Nine
Lastly, toss in the spring onion segments and sauté for another 2 minutes.
Step Ten
Serve the Black Pepper Tofu hot. Enjoy as is, or pair with rice for a hearty meal.
