Monday, October 11, 2021

MONDAY RECIPE POST - AIR FRYER TOFU

This week's recipe was found here at "Delish".  I was looking for a meatless meal, one that was healthier than frying and also wanted to use our air-fryer.  This fit those criteria.  


Air Fryer Tofu by Justin Sullivan

4 servings

This takes about 45 minutes from prep to table.


1/2 tsp. onion powder

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp. paprika (regular, hot or smoked)

(14 oz.) block firm tofu, cut into 1 ½” cubes

2 tbsp. low sodium soy sauce

2 tsp. toasted sesame oil

1/2 c. cornstarch

1 tsp. Kosher salt

1/4 tsp. Freshly ground black pepper

Cooking spray

1/4 c. mayonnaise  

1/4 c. Thai sweet chili sauce

2 tbsp. sriracha

cloves garlic, grated

Steamed white rice, for serving

Scallions, sliced for garnish

Sesame seeds, for garnish

 

The recipe didn't call for pressing the block of tofu first, but because we have always done it that way, we didn't miss this step out. You can look here at the Spruce to see how this is done, and if you haven't cooked with tofu before.  

It might be a good idea to start cooking your rice.  Ours took 18 minutes on top of the stove and cooked to package directions.

Toss tofu cubes, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, low-sodium soy sauce, and sesame oil in a large bowl. Toss well, cover, and transfer to the fridge to marinate for 20 minutes to an hour.

Preheat air fryer to 400ºF. 

In a medium bowl, whisk together cornstarch, salt and black pepper.

Working in batches if necessary, toss tofu in the cornstarch mixture until thoroughly coated. 

Shake off excess cornstarch and add tofu in a single layer to the air fryer basket. (We found the tofu cubes fitted in the basket nicely.) 

Spray the cubes with a bit of cooking spray and air fry the tofu for 15 minutes, tossing half way through, until it is golden and crispy.

Prepare the sauce: While the tofu cooks, in a large bowl, whisk together mayo, chili sauce, sriracha, and grated garlic. 

Season to taste with salt and set aside.

When all the tofu is cooked, add the tofu and toss in the sauce. 

Serve over white rice, and garnish with scallions and sesame seeds.

If you enjoy tofu this was a very enjoyable meal.  

Onion powder was missing from our supplies but we didn't miss it.

Also when making the sauce we used garlic powder and not freshly grated,

Also did not have any green onions, didn't miss those either but they would have made a nice garnish.

Instead of the sesame seeds I used Furikake.  There are different flavors of Furikake.  Mine was Umeboshi (containing pickled plums).  I wouldn't have known had I not looked at the ingredients.  It has a lovely taste.

I also used a little Chili Crisp on the top, my favorite condiment at the moment.  

We didn't coat the tofu in the sauce, but used it very lightly and drizzled over the top.  We didn't need a lot as it was quite hot.  Dear Other Half said he would use less Sriracha next time, but shoe being on the other foot, I didn't find it so and put my Goldilocks curls on and said it was 'just right'.  My taste buds must be getting used to these things, and I enjoyed the taste.  Entirely up to you how much you would like to use.

We used Jasmine Rice cooked according to the package directions.

Finished off with a side of peas.  We thought of making up a stir fry and using more veggies to mix with the Jasmine Rice.  But we didn't want to fuss any more today as we were both feeling a wee bit tired and the peas were very nice.

A meal we both thoroughly enjoyed, even the non-loving-would-rather-have-meat-and-still-do-man-in-the-house. He offered the suggestion that shrimp would go great with this, or chicken.  I have no idea how to cook these and for how long in the air-fryer.  

If you don't have an air-fryer, it would be easy to convert to the top of the stove.

If the link doesn't work, or if you prefer not to use embedded links, you can find the recipe at this address:

https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a37826062/air-fryer-tofu-recipe/


Thank you for looking and have a great week.



 

38 comments:

  1. Looks rather nice, but I've never eaten a meal as in dinner in the evening without fish or some kind of meat, well not that I can think of.

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    1. I know Margaret but I am trying to put a few meatless meals into our week. Trying is the operative word :)

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  2. Looks delischus enough to make me want an air fryer!

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    1. I'm sure you can cook this on the stove top in a regular pan Ginny :)

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  3. That does sound good. I would love it, the other resident would refuse to try it.

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  4. Looks delicious but I don't like Tofu.

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    1. Thanks Diane, tofu isn't everyone's cup of tea. I started eating it years ago and liked it straight away. It's a bit bland and the texture puts a lot of people off, but since I learned all about flavors and cooking techniques with this particular food, I've discovered some very nice meals. Mind you, I still like to cut off a piece right out of the packet for a snack.

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  5. I have only had tofu once. In hot & sour soup. I'll skip this. Or use all white meat chicken as an alternative.

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    1. Thanks Anni, this would be good with a meat alternative.

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  6. Looks delicious, I have never tried tofu.
    Enjoy your day, have a happy new week.

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    1. Years ago my Chinese neighbors who became good friends when we lived in California many years ago, introduced me to this and cooked in various ways. I will always be grateful for their cooking skills.

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  7. It looks good but I don't think I could do the tofu. I tried it once and just did not like it at all.

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    1. Understand completely Ann, not everyone's cup of tea :)

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  8. Replies
    1. Muito obrigado :) Um abraço e continuação de boa semana.

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  9. it looks beautiful and yummy but i have never tasted tofu or even seen it except in photos..

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    1. A lot of people haven't tried tofu Sandra. We eat it in moderation and when I come across an interesting recipe I put it on my shopping list :)

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  10. You are a creative cook for sure!

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    1. It helps to have a creative co-cook in the kitchen Ellen :) Hubby is a good balance for my more corner to corner approach to cooking. He is the adventurous one in the family, and our son takes after him.

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  11. i don't have an air fryer, but have been thinking about getting one!!

    i have to be honest, i don't like tofu...i always wondered if i would like a different brand better!! the picture of your meal is so pretty and that definitely counts for a lot!!

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    1. Thanks Debbie :) I have been looking at a lot of food photos to try and improve my own. Food bloggers are good teachers not only for their recipes. Hubs wouldn't eat tofu until we tried different ways to cook it, but he would still rather have meat. I am just trying to put a few none-meat meals on our menu.

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  12. The meal looks delicious, I better go have lunch. I have not caved in to get an air fryer yet!

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    1. Thank you Christine, it took us a long time to buy an air fryer and it was my dear other half who suggested we buy one. I'm glad he did :)

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  13. I know what I want for dinner now.

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  14. This sounds good, Denise. I must be one of the last holdouts for buying an airfryer.

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    1. Thank you Martha Ellen, you are in very good company for non-airfryers. I don't have an instant pot and lots of people seem to have those too. Maybe one day.

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  15. Many thanks for sharing this recipe.

    All the best Jan

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    1. You are very welcome Jan and all the best to you too :)

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  16. I've cooked with tofu, but not in awhile!

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    1. Thanks Jenn, we don't eat it regularly it is still enjoyed every now and again :)

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