DFO {salt + pepper tofu}

Inspired by the most popular lunch special at one of my favorite Asian restaurants, this is a quick & easy replacement for weeknight takeout. The crispy, fried tofu squares would be delicious served with the garlic ponzu dipping sauce as an appetizer as well.

DFO: Salt & Pepper Tofu

DFO recipes generally make two servings so you can pack up the leftovers for a tasty lunch the next day. The tofu won’t stay crispy if it’s stored overnight though, so this recipe makes enough for just one generous serving.

What you need:
4 TB cornstarch
1 tea each salt & pepper
½ block extra firm tofu, cubed
vegetable oil
½ white onion, sliced thickly
2 cups of your favorite veggies, peeled, trimmed and cut into bite-size pieces (green beans, green onion, celery, bok choy, carrots, brocolli)
1 TB ginger, minced
1 TB, garlic, minced
1 TB soy sauce
Juice of half a lemon
Rice for serving

How you make it:
Combine cornstarch with salt & pepper in a shallow bowl. Toss tofu cubes in mixture until well coated.

Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large sauté pan on medium high heat until shimmering. Fry tofu, a few pieces at a time, turning occasionally until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and set aside in a warm oven.

Drain all but one tablespoon of the oil remaining in the pan and return to high heat . Add onion and vegetables. Sauté on high heat for about 2 minutes. Add ginger and garlic. Cook another 1-2 minutes. Add soy sauce and lemon juice and cook 30 seconds.

Serve stirfried vegetables over rice, topped with the crispy tofu. I like to include a side of ginger ponzu for dipping – mix bottled ponzu sauce with pickled ginger… so easy.