Twice-Cooked Crispy Fried Tofu

Description

When I can’t get kosher meat, I simply do without but today I just craved something meaty. I had a pack of extra-firm tofu in the fridge and this is what I did with it. Baking the tofu before frying helps to crisp it up and imparts the meatiness I was seeking. My BFF thought it was fish at first glance. He is not into foreign foods but he was very enthusiastic about these yummy little bites when served with dipping sauce.

Ingredients

  • 1 (16 ounce) package extra firm tofu, drained
  • salt and ground black pepper to taste
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika
  • ground thyme
  • ¼ teaspoon seasoned salt (such as LAWRY’S®)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly oil a baking sheet.
  2. Pat tofu dry with a paper towel. Slice in half lengthwise. Cut each half into 1/4-inch pieces
  3. about 14 pieces in total. Place tofu between paper towels and drain
  4. about 20 minutes.
  5. Season tofu with salt and pepper. Let sit for 10 minutes.
  6. Mix cornstarch
  7. paprika
  8. thyme
  9. and seasoned salt together to make cornstarch seasoning.
  10. Pat any excess moisture off the tofu. Sprinkle cornstarch seasoning evenly over top. Arrange on a baking sheet.
  11. Bake in the preheated oven until tofu starts to brown
  12. about 7 minutes. Turn over and continue baking until the upper side is darkened
  13. about 3 minutes more.
  14. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu and fry until golden-brown
  15. about 2 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 14 mins

Total Time: 59 mins

Servings: 2

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