TOFU PUFFS RECIPE RECIPES

Steps:

• Step 1: To make the sauce, in a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons water, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 1/2 teaspoons bean sauce, 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger, 2 teaspoons chili sauce, 2 cloves minced garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns. Set aside.
• Step 1: To make the tofu mixture, preheat a wok over high heat until wisps of smoke rise from the surface. Add 1 tablespoon vegetab;e oil and heat until it starts to shimmer. Add 1 cup diced sweet bell peppers, and stir for about 1 minute. Add 2 stalks chopped green onion, 6 ounces tofu puffs, and 1/4 cup peanuts, and stir for a few seconds to combine. Add the sauce, and stir-fry thoroughly to distribute. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes to let the sauce meld with the tofu puffs. Serve with rice.
• Step 1: In a 2-quart pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 quart oil to 375F.
• Step 2: Meanwhile, prepar 1 package soft tofu. Line a plate or small tray with a double layer of paper towels. Remove the tofu from the package, draining the liquid into the sink. Place the tofu on the paper towels. Using another sheet of paper towel, gently dab the surface of the tofu to absorb some of the residual liquid. Place the tofu on a cutting board, with the long edge facing you.
• Step 3: Cut the tofu in half crosswise as if you were creating a layer cake. Next, imagine there’s an outline of an ice cube tray on the tofu and make one cut down the center of the tofu lengthwise. Then, make four cuts crosswise. You will end up with 16 pieces of tofu.
• Step 4: Using a candy thermometer, check the temperature of the oil. When it has reached 375F, you are ready to fry. Line a plate with paper towels. Using a heatproof slotted spoon or skimmer, gently place as many pieces of tofu as will fit in your pot without crowding. The tofu pieces will need room to float. Let fry until golden brown on all sides, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the oil and place on a paper towel–lined plate to drain. Repeat the process with the remaining tofu cubes. Use right away, or let cool to room temperature and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Steps:

• Make the dressing: Combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, chile oil, sugar, sesame seeds and scallion in a small bowl. Whisk until the sugar has dissolved.
• Carefully drain the liquid from the package of tofu, and gently tip the block onto a kitchen towel. (Try to keep the block in one piece, if possible, but don’t worry if it falls apart; it will still taste great.) Pat with another clean kitchen towel, removing as much liquid as possible. Transfer the blocks to one large plate or two smaller plates, and spoon the soy dressing over the top until the tofu is completely covered. Top with scallions and cilantro leaves, and eat on its own or with rice or noodles on the side.