Deep-Fried Tofu with Peanut Sauce and Scallions

Makes: 4 servings Time: 30 minutes

If you think you don’t like tofu, try deep-frying it until golden and serving with this peanut sauce—then we’ll talk. Serve it with rice, noodles, or vegetables on the side.

Ingredients

• Vegetable oil for frying • 2 bricks firm tofu (12 to 14 ounces each) • 1 garlic clove • 1/2 inch fresh ginger • 1/4 cup peanut butter • 1 tablespoon soy sauce • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar • 2 teaspoons sesame oil • Salt • 3 scallions

Instructions

1. Put at least 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep heavy skillet or saucepan over medium heat (you want the temperature to reach 350 degrees).

2. Cut each brick of tofu in half across its equator, then cut each of those halves into 2 triangles; pat them dry with a paper towel. You’ll end up with 4 pieces for each brick.

3. Peel 1 garlic clove and 1/2 inch ginger; mince them together and put them in a small bowl.

4. Add 1/4 cup peanut butter, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, and 2 teaspoons sesame oil to the bowl. Stir to combine, adding enough hot water to turn it into a sauce.

5. When the oil reaches 350 degrees, fry the tofu in batches, turning occasionally until golden brown and puffed up, 2 to 4 minutes.

6. As each batch is finished, remove the pieces with a slotted spoon to drain on paper towels; sprinkle with salt.

7. Trim and chop the scallions. 8. When all the tofu is fried, pile it on a platter, scatter the scallions over the top, and serve the peanut sauce on the side for dipping.

Recipe from How to Cook Everything Fast