Description
Crispy Taiwanese Popcorn Tofu is a delicious vegan snack offering a flavorful, crunchy experience. This plant-based delight is dusted with aromatic spices and mingled with crisp basil leaves, making it a satisfying treat or party appetizer. Its effortless preparation and stunning crunch make it a go-to option for a wholesome alternative to fast food.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 block Extra Firm Tofu (use frozen and thawed for better texture)
- 2 tablespoons Light Soy Sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing Wine (or rice vinegar for non-alcoholic)
- 1 teaspoon Five Spice Powder (or garam masala)
- 1/2 teaspoon White Pepper (or black pepper)
- 2 tablespoons Corn Starch
- 1 cup Tapioca Starch (or arrowroot starch)
- 1 cup Thai Basil Leaves (or regular basil)
- Salt to taste
- Paprika to taste
Instructions
- Marinate Tofu: In a mixing bowl, combine light soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, five spice powder, white pepper, salt, and corn starch, stirring until smooth. Add cubes of extra firm tofu, ensuring they’re well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes to 4 hours for maximum flavor absorption.
- Prepare for Frying: Pour tapioca starch into a shallow dish and set aside. Heat enough oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat until hot.
- Coat Tofu: Carefully dredge each piece of marinated tofu in the tapioca starch, ensuring an even coating.
- Fry Tofu: Gently lower the coated tofu pieces into the hot oil in batches. Fry for 5-6 minutes, or until they turn golden brown, stirring occasionally.
- Fry Basil: Add fresh Thai basil leaves to the hot oil in the last minute of cooking until crisp.
- Finish Dish: Transfer crispy tofu and basil onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Mix your ground seasoning and generously sprinkle it over the hot tofu and fried basil.
Notes
- Serve with a sweet chili or soy dipping sauce for additional flavor.
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve a crispy texture.
- For best flavor, marinate the tofu for several hours.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Taiwanese Popcorn Tofu, Crispy Tofu, Vegan Snack, Plant-Based Appetizer, Street Food Classic, Easy Vegan Recipe, Gluten-Free Snack