Crispy Tofu with Homemade Barbecue Sauce
 
 
Sauce adapted from MOB Kitchen recipe
Author:
Serves: 2-3
Ingredients
  • 14 ounce extra firm tofu, water pressed out
  • ½ cup corn starch
  • ¼ cup fine panko
  • 1½ teaspoons finely grated fresh ginger
  • 1 small garlic clove, grated or finely minced (about ¼ teaspoon or up to ½ teaspoon for garlic lovers)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon mild chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (Kikkoman recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons lite soy sauce (Kikkoman recommended)
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • roasted sesame seeds for serving
Preparation
  1. Press water from tofu, preferably with tofu press if available.
  2. Cut tofu into ½ -inch slices. Cut each slice crosswise to make two pieces, then lengthwise to make 4 pieces (about 28 pieces). Combine corn starch with panko in a pie plate or wide bowl and set aside.
  3. For the sauce, in a medium bowl, combine ginger, garlic, tomato paste, maple syrup, chili powder, soy sauces and sesame oil. Whisk to combine, set aside.
  4. Toss tofu pieces in cornstarch panko mixture pressing gently so the coating adheres to the tofu
  5. Heat canola oil (enough to go up the sides of a pan about ¼-inch) in a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Fry tofu until crispy, turning now and then, about 4 minutes or so. Adjust heat as needed so the tofu doesn't burn and is just golden brown. Remove tofu to a paper towel-lined plate.
  6. To serve, place tofu over rice and spoon barbecue sauce over tofu. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top. Serve with your favorite greens (broccoli, bok choy, green beans) and extra barbecue sauce on the side.
Recipe by My Lilikoi Kitchen at https://www.mylilikoikitchen.com/2021/03/19/crispy-tofu-with-homemade-barbecue-sauce/