Salt and Pepper Tofu

By Chinese Food at Home

Crisp skillet tofu tossed with garlic, green onion, bell pepper, salt, white pepper, and optional Sichuan peppercorn.

• 3 servings
• 31 minutes
• Easy
• Mild heat

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.

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).

Steps

1. Press and dry the tofu

   Drain the tofu and pat it dry. For crispier tofu, place it between towels and set a plate on top for 10 to 15 minutes. Cut into bite-size cubes after pressing so the pieces have clean edges.

2. Coat with cornstarch

   Put the tofu in a bowl and sprinkle cornstarch over it. Toss gently until the surfaces look lightly coated. Do not add water; the natural moisture on the tofu is enough to make the cornstarch stick.

3. Crisp tofu in hot oil

   Heat oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu in one layer and leave it alone until the bottom browns. Turn the cubes and brown several sides. Move crisp tofu to a plate.

4. Cook aromatics briefly

   Lower the heat to medium. Add garlic, green onion whites, and bell pepper if using. Stir for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant. Do not cook too long, because small garlic pieces burn quickly.

5. Season off direct heat

   Return the tofu to the pan and turn off the heat. Sprinkle with salt, white or black pepper, and Sichuan peppercorn if using. Toss gently so the seasoning sticks to the hot tofu without making it soggy.

6. Serve immediately

   Add green onion tops and sesame seeds if using. Serve right away while the outside is still crisp. This dish is best fresh; if it sits under a lid, steam will soften the coating.

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.

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