Description
Tossed in a black pepper sauce that’s packed with umami and sweetness, these crispy tofu cubes are anything but boring!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 block (14-16 ounces) firm or extra firm tofu, drained
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 scallions, finely chopped
For the black pepper sauce:
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 1/2 tablespoon sugar
- Pinch of salt (optional)
- 1 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon black peppercorns (add an additional teaspoon if you love peppercorns)
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil
- 2 small shallots, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400ºF.
- Take the tofu out of the package and drain well. Gently wrap the tofu in paper towel and place on a plate. Leave for 15 minutes.
- Slice the tofu into bite size cubes and place them in a bowl. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon oil, and gently fold using a spatula. Season with salt and pepper and sprinkle 1 tablespoon cornstarch on top. Gently fold again to ensure all the pieces are coated.
- Cover a baking sheet with foil.
- Place the tofu cubes on the foil and bake in the oven in the middle rack for 15 minutes.
- Take the tray out and flip the tofu. Return in the oven for an additional 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, whisk the water, soy sauce, salt, sugar, cornstarch mix, and peppercorns, and set aside.
- In a small pan, add 1 tablespoon oil, garlic, and shallots. Cook on medium low for 3-4 minutes, until shallots are tender. Whisk the bowl with the sauce ingredients and slowly pour the mixture in the pan, while stirring constantly. The sauce is ready when it bubbles and thickens. Turn the heat off and set aside.
- Take the tofu out of the oven and transfer the tofu cubes to a serving bowl. Pour the black pepper sauce on top and top with chopped scallions. Enjoy!
Notes
Save the tofu in a storage container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 7 ounces tofu
- Calories: 449
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 852.3mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 3.6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30.2g
- Fiber: 4.4g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
