Pan Fried Tofu with Chilli and Chives

Pan fried tofu with chilli and chives is a delightful dish that combines both simplicity and flavour. It’s perfect for those looking for a quick yet tasty meal. This dish has a lovely balance of textures and tastes, with the tofu turning crisp and golden on the outside while remaining soft inside.

To make this dish, tofu is first pressed to remove excess water. This step is important as it helps the tofu to fry better. Once ready, the tofu is cut into slices or cubes. It is then pan fried in a bit of oil until it starts to brown. The key to getting a good flavour is to baste the tofu while it’s frying. This means spooning hot oil over the tofu pieces, which helps them cook evenly and become nicely crispy.

Chilli and chives are added towards the end of the cooking process. Fresh chillies bring a spicy kick, while chives add a subtle onion-like flavour that complements the tofu perfectly. The combination of these ingredients creates a dish that is both aromatic and delicious.

Pan fried tofu with chilli and chives can be served with a variety of side dishes. For a simple and healthy option, serve it with steamed rice. The rice helps to balance out the spiciness of the chilli. A side of stir-fried vegetables, such as broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots, would also pair nicely. The vegetables add a fresh and crunchy element to the meal.

For something a bit more substantial, consider serving the tofu with noodles. A light soy or sesame noodle dish works well, adding extra depth to the meal. You could also try a side of miso soup, which brings a comforting, warm touch to the dish.

If you’re hosting a dinner, pan fried tofu with chilli and chives can be part of a larger spread. It works well alongside other Asian-inspired dishes like dumplings, spring rolls, or a crisp cucumber salad.

Overall, this dish is versatile, tasty, and easy to prepare. It’s sure to impress with its vibrant flavours and simple yet elegant presentation. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for guests, pan fried tofu with chilli and chives is a fantastic choice.

Pan Fried Tofu with Chilli and Chives

Pan fried tofu with chilli and chives is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that balances crispy textures with spicy and aromatic flavours. Perfect as a main course or a side, it pairs well with rice, noodles, or a variety of vegetables.

4.83 from 73 votes

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Course: Main Dish, Side Dish, Starter

Cuisine: Chinese

Keyword: Chillies, Herbs, Pan Fried, Tofu, Vegetarian

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes minutes

Servings: 2 Portions

Calories: 93kcal

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Ingredients

 

MetricImperial

• 200 g firm tofu
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 large red chilli finely sliced
• 1/2 bunch chives finely chopped
• salt to taste
• pepper to taste

Instructions

• Place the tofu between paper towels or a clean kitchen cloth.
  200 g firm tofu
• Put a heavy object on top (like a frying pan) and let it sit for about 10 minutes to remove excess water.
• Cut the pressed tofu into slices or cubes, depending on your preference.
• Season the tofu lightly with salt and pepper.
  salt, pepper
• In a large frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2 tbsp vegetable oil
• Carefully add the tofu pieces to the pan.
• Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crisp. Baste the tofu by spooning hot oil over the top as it cooks for an even, crispy texture.
• Add the sliced chilli and chopped chives to the pan.
  1 large red chilli, 1/2 bunch chives
• Toss the tofu gently to coat it with the chilli and chives, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
• Remove from heat and serve immediately.

Notes

Serving Suggestions:
– Serve with steamed rice to balance the spiciness.
– Pair with stir-fried vegetables for added crunch and colour.
– For a heartier meal, serve with sesame noodles or a side of miso soup.

Nutrition

Calories: 93kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 6mg | Potassium: 75mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 258IU | Vitamin C: 33mg | Calcium: 129mg | Iron: 1mg