Deep-fried tofu with vegetables, also known as “Tàu Hủ Chiên” in Vietnamese, is a popular and flavorful dish that combines crispy tofu with a variety of fresh vegetables. Here’s a recipe to make this delicious dish:
Ingredients:
- 1 block of firm tofu
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Assorted vegetables (such as bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, snow peas)
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- Spring onions for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the tofu:
- Drain the tofu and gently press it between paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Cut the tofu into rectangular slices or bite-sized cubes.
- Prepare the batter:
- In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Gradually add water while whisking until you achieve a smooth batter consistency.
- Dip each piece of tofu into the batter, coating it evenly.
- Deep-fry the tofu:
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or pot over medium-high heat.
- Carefully place the battered tofu into the hot oil, frying them in batches.
- Fry until the tofu turns golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Remove the fried tofu from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Prepare the vegetable stir-fry:
- In a separate pan, heat some vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the assorted vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, snow peas), and stir-fry for a few minutes until they are tender yet still crisp.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, and water. Pour the sauce over the vegetables and stir to coat evenly.
- Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the vegetables are well coated with the sauce.
- Assemble the dish:
- Arrange the crispy tofu on a serving platter.
- Spoon the vegetable stir-fry over the tofu.
- Garnish with chopped spring onions.
Serve the deep-fried tofu with vegetables hot as a main dish. You can enjoy it with steamed rice or as part of a larger Asian-inspired meal. The crispy tofu pairs perfectly with the flavorful and vibrant vegetable stir-fry, creating a satisfying and delicious combination.
Note: Feel free to customize the vegetable selection based on your preference and availability. You can also adjust the seasoning and sauces to suit your taste. Enjoy this tasty and vegetarian-friendly dish!