Vegetable Tempura With Tofu Chili Dipping Sauce Recipes

TOFU TEMPURA: DEEP FRIED VEGAN RECIPE

Steps:

• The first step towards the best tempura tofu is to freeze your packet of tofu. This gives the tofu a much chewier, firmer texture that's perfect for deep fried tofu recipes. Use a tofu press to press out as much liquid as you can from the block of tofu before cutting the block into tempura sized strips. Place your tofu strips into a resealable container and freeze overnight. The next day, allow the tofu to thaw, then press out any excess water a second time.
• When you're ready to start preparing your tempura batter, you need to remember to fry your tofu right away, as the batter itself needs to be cold for the best results. You can set up your skillet or pot and start heating up enough frying oil to cover your tempura strips while you prepare the batter (it doesn't take too long).
• Prepare your batter by first measuring out rice flour, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking soda into a mixing bowl. Mix the ingredients together and pour in cold club soda. You don't need the batter to be smooth; lumpy is fine.
• Your oil should be hot now, so it's time to learn how to deep fry tofu. Take your first tofu strip and give it a good coating of tempura batter. Place it straight into the hot oil and let it cook for 2 minutes. Remove the tempura tofu when it's crispy and place it on paper towels or a drying rack to remove excess oil.
• Repeat the process, frying tofu in small batches to give them enough space to cook without touching.
• Serve your tempura tofu with dipping sauces or as part of a larger Japanese-inspired dinner!

TOFU AND PEPPER TEMPURA

Steps:

• Sift all the dry ingredients together in a large bowl. Beat the egg and food coloring, if using, together in another bowl. Once incorporated, add the cold water. Gradually, add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly to remove any lumps. Set aside.
• While the batter is resting, preheat the grape seed oil in a deep heavy skillet, over medium heat, to around 350 degrees F. Make sure, for safety, that the oil only comes 3/4 of the way up the pan.
• Alternate the vegetables and tofu on the skewers to form a colorful stick of vegetables.
• In a large shallow dish and the flour and season it with salt and pepper, to taste. Gently roll the tofu and vegetable skewers in the flour, coating it well and shaking off any excess flour. Dip the skewers into the tempura mix, and let the excess batter drip back into the bowl. Add the skewers to the hot oil, in batches if necessary, and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter and serve with a simple dipping sauce of soy sauce and chopped chives, if desired. Enjoy.