| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 25 mins – 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 326 | 20g | 5g | 25g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 3g | 10g | 1.5g |
Why I Love Filipino Sisig Tofu
When I first tasted Sisig Tofu, a delectable and flavorful Filipino dish, I felt transported to a bustling Manila street food market. Coupling my passion for innovative cuisine with a desire for new culinary experiences, I was smitten with how the harmonious combination of firm tofu, soy sauce, calamansi juice, finely chopped onions and various peppers created a brilliant explosion of flavors on my tongue. As I delved more into this uniquely delicious recipe, my excitement grew along with my love for it.
Cultural Heritage in a Dish
Fusing diverse tastes and ingredients, Sisig Tofu resurrects an intricate diaspora of flavors that’s deeply immersed in culinary history. While the ingredients may differ from my Cuban and Spanish roots, there’s an undeniable familiarity to the dance of flavors that I can’t help but be drawn to. Reminiscent of Spanish paella’s complex layering of flavors and the fiery punch you’d often find in Caribbean cuisine, this dish rekindles a cultural dialogue I am always thrilled to engage in with food.
A Fusion of Unique Flavors
The brilliant melting pot of ingredients in Sisig Tofu, like the Filipino calamansi juice and the spicy green chilli peppers, creates a flavor profile I’m somewhat familiar with, yet distinctly different. While taking my first bite, I was instantly reminded of authentic Spanish tapas in bustling Madrid cafes and hearty Cuban meals on Miami’s sunny shores. But there was an added layer of beautiful complexity that made Sisig Tofu stand apart. It was an intricate ballet of flavors, taking my palate on a journey of rich, savory, and fiery notes with an occasional burst of citrusy goodness.
Check out Manila-based Chef Remy who has a bounty of Filipino recipes up his sleeve. In many ways, Chef Remy’s unabashed love for Sisig Tofu, along with his brilliant tricks for perfecting this dish, served as the inspiration I needed to bring this recipe into my own kitchen.
An Ode to Versatility
Sisig Tofu’s unique flavor profile makes it a versatile dish to embed in various meal plans. Whether you’re pairing it with a serving of steamed Jasmine rice, a side of grilled vegetables, or eating it on its own as a hearty main, it seamlessly fits into any gastronomic narrative. It’s also wondrously adaptable to different dietary needs – just skip the optional egg and substitute the butter with plant-based alternatives for a vegan-friendly version.
All in all, my love for this Sisig Tofu recipe stems from its expansive flavors, its robust cultural roots, and its pair-anywhere potential. It’s a hearty dance of flavors that welcomes everyone to the table, irrespective of their culinary preferences. If you’re ready to venture beyond the familiar and embrace a world of dazzlingly diverse flavors, this, my dear gourmets, is a recipe you must try!
What You’ll Need
- 2 blocks of firm tofu
- 1/2 cup of soy sauce
- 4 tablespoons of calamansi juice
- 3 medium-sized onions, finely chopped
- 6 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 4 green chili peppers, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg, optional
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Green onions for garnish
Method
Step One
First, you need to press the tofu blocks to remove excess water. You can do this by wrapping them in a clean kitchen towel and placing a heavy item on top. Leave them for about 15-20 minutes.
Step Two
While the tofu is being pressed, prepare the marinade. In a bowl, mix together the soy sauce and calamansi juice.
Step Three
After pressing, cut the tofu into small cubes and place them in the bowl with the marinade. Ensure that all the pieces are coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes. While waiting, you can proceed to chopping the onions, garlic, chili peppers and bell pepper.
Step Four
Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the tofu cubes. Fry them until they become golden brown and crispy. Once done, remove them from the pan and drain excess oil using a paper towel.
Step Five
In the same pan, melt the butter. Add the onions, garlic, chili peppers, and bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables become soft and aromatic, around 5-7 minutes.
Step Six
Add the fried tofu back into the pan. Mix it with the sauteed vegetables. At this point, you can season it with salt and pepper. Cook for a few more minutes.
Step Seven
Lower the heat and add in the mayonnaise. Mix everything together until the tofu and vegetables are evenly coated. If you want, you can also add an egg at this point. Stir it into the mix until it’s fully cooked.
Step Eight
Transfer your tofu sisig to a serving dish. Garnish it with chopped green onions. Serve it while it’s hot. Enjoy your Sisig Tofu!
