# Salt and Pepper Tofu

> Cook crisp salt and pepper tofu in a skillet with firm tofu, cornstarch, garlic, green onion, bell pepper, white pepper, and optional Sichuan peppercorn.

This recipe is written for home cooks in Europe and North America. Ingredient notes prioritize items available from regular supermarkets, Asian grocery stores, or common online retailers.

Image preview: /images/recipes/salt-and-pepper-tofu-1200.webp
Image full quality: /images/recipes/salt-and-pepper-tofu-1536.webp

## Overview

Salt and pepper tofu is a useful vegetarian recipe because it focuses on texture rather than a heavy sauce. The tofu should be crisp outside, tender inside, and coated with garlic, green onion, salt, and pepper while it is still hot.

Restaurant versions are often deep-fried, but this home version uses a nonstick skillet and a modest amount of oil. White pepper gives the most familiar Chinese-style aroma, while black pepper is an acceptable fallback for Western supermarkets.


## Facts

- Servings: 3
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 16 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Heat level: Mild
- Tags: vegetarian, tofu, side-dish, pantry

## Why It Works

It gives tofu a dry, snackable texture without deep frying, using spices and aromatics that are easy to control at home.

## Ingredients

- tofu: 400 g / 14 oz firm tofu.
- cornstarch: 3 tbsp.
- salt: 3/4 tsp.
- white pepper or black pepper: 1/2 tsp.
- Sichuan peppercorn: 1/4 tsp ground, optional (optional).
- garlic: 3 cloves.
- green onion: 3.
- bell pepper: 1/2 small (optional).
- neutral oil: 2 tbsp.
- sesame seeds: 1 tsp (optional).

## Equipment

- Large nonstick skillet
- Paper towels
- Spatula

## Steps

1. Prepare tofu

   Pat tofu very dry, cut into cubes, and toss with cornstarch.

2. Crisp tofu

   Cook tofu in oil until crisp and golden on several sides, then move it to a plate.

3. Cook aromatics

   Cook garlic, green onion whites, and bell pepper briefly until fragrant.

4. Season

   Return tofu with salt, white pepper, optional Sichuan peppercorn, green onion tops, and sesame seeds. Toss quickly and serve hot.

## Western Grocery Notes

- Extra-firm tofu gives the crispiest result, but firm tofu works if dried carefully.
- White pepper gives a more Chinese-restaurant aroma; black pepper is an acceptable supermarket fallback.
- Sichuan peppercorn is optional and should be used lightly for beginners.

## Substitutions

- Use black pepper if white pepper is unavailable.
- Use onion, jalapeño, or extra green onion instead of bell pepper.
- Serve with rice, cucumber salad, or noodles if turning this side into a meal.

## Ingredient Alternatives

- Tofu: Provides the main protein and crisp cubes. Alternatives: Extra-firm tofu, Firm tofu, Smoked tofu. Extra-firm tofu is easiest. Smoked tofu is denser and needs less browning time.
- White pepper: Adds the signature peppery aroma. Alternatives: Ground black pepper, White pepper plus Sichuan peppercorn, A little chili flake. White pepper is strong; start with less if you are unfamiliar with it.
- Aromatics: Make the dry seasoning taste fresh rather than plain. Alternatives: Green onion, Bell pepper, Yellow onion. Cook aromatics briefly so they stay fragrant and do not make the tofu wet.

## Cook Better Next Time

- Use a wide pan so tofu cubes can brown instead of steaming.
- Let tofu sit on one side before turning; moving it constantly removes the coating.
- Season immediately after tofu returns to the pan so salt and pepper cling to hot surfaces.

## FAQ

### Can salt and pepper tofu be baked?

Yes, but the skillet version browns faster. For baking, use a hot oven and turn the tofu once.

### Do I need Sichuan peppercorn?

No. It is optional. White pepper or black pepper is enough for a beginner version.

### What should I serve with salt and pepper tofu?

Serve it with rice, cucumber salad, garlic green beans, noodles, or a simple vegetable stir-fry.

## Related Recipes

- [General Tso's Tofu](/recipes/general-tsos-tofu/): A takeout-style vegetarian tofu bowl with crisp tofu, broccoli, garlic, ginger, and a sweet-tangy soy glaze.
- [Sesame Garlic Green Beans](/recipes/sesame-garlic-green-beans/): Crisp-tender green beans with garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and toasted sesame seeds.
- [Chinese Cucumber Salad](/recipes/chinese-cucumber-salad/): A crisp, garlicky side dish with cucumber, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and optional chili crisp.

## Internal Links

- Static recipe page: /recipes/salt-and-pepper-tofu/
- Markdown recipe mirror: /recipes/salt-and-pepper-tofu.md
- Recipe JSON-LD: /structured-data/recipes/salt-and-pepper-tofu.jsonld

## Community Prompt

Did you use white pepper, black pepper, or a little Sichuan peppercorn?