Recipe-Spicy Sauce Flavored Black Pepper Tofu

Tofu cooked in a spicy sauce flavored with lots of freshly ground black peppercorns. If you love spicy food, then you have to try this Black Pepper Tofu! It is also vegan.Tofu is such a versatile ingredient. You can pretty much flavor it any way you like it. Some people are of the opinion that tofu is bland and honestly yes if not seasoned well it can be pretty bland.

Ingredients

Sauce

3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
1.5 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 tablespoon gochujang
1 teaspoon chili bean sauce adjust to taste
1/3 cup water can add up to 1/2 cup for saucier tofu
1 tablespoon cornstarch

Tofu

1 lb tofu extra-firm, cut into cubes
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon avocado oil or use any other oil of choice
6 large garlic cloves chopped
1 inch ginger chopped
1/2 jalapeño de-seeded and chopped
1 medium red onion chopped into 1/2 inch pieces
1 medium red pepper chopped into 1/2 inch pieces
1/2-3/4 tablespoons whole black peppercorns 6 tp 9 grams, adjust to taste (refer notes)
3-4 stalks green onion chopped

Method

* Before you start, make sure to press your tofu for 20-30 minutes with a heavy object to get rid of excess moisture from the tofu. Also using a spice grinder, grind 1/2 tablespoon (6 grams) or 3/4 tablespoons (9 grams) of whole peppercorns (adjust to taste). You don't want a fine powder, just ground it coarsely and keep it ready.

* To a large bowl or jar, add all the ingredients listed under "sauce"- soy sauce, dark soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, gochujang, chili bean sauce, 1//3 cup water and cornstarch. Set aside.

* Pre-heat air fryer to 390 F for 2 minutes. Then add in the cubed tofu (which was pressed for 20 minutes and then cut into cubes). Spray with a oil spray and air fry at 390 F for 12 minutes, shake once in between. If you want you can also season this tofu before air frying with salt, pepper or soy sauce. I simply air fried tofu directly.

* You can also pan fry your tofu on a pan with 1 tablespoon oil until it's light golden brown if you don't have an air fryer..

* While the tofu is air frying, heat a cast iron skillet on medium heat. Once hot, add sesame oil and avocado oil. Then add in the chopped garlic, ginger and jalapeño.

* Sauté for few seconds then add the onion. Cook the onion for 1 minute, you want it firm.

* Add in the peppers and continue to cook for another 1 minute. Veggies should cook a little but not become super soft.

* Add in the prepared sauce and stir. Remember to whisk the sauce once before adding to the pan as cornstarch settles at the bottom. The sauce will begin to thicken immediately.

* Add in the air fried tofu and stir until all of the tofu is well coated with the sauce.

* Stir in the freshly ground black peppercorn. You can grind 1/2 tablespoon for milder black pepper flavor and 3/4 tablespoon for a stronger flavor. Stir well and remove pan from heat. Garnish with green onions and serve.