Sticky Chilli Tofu

Trying to cook a vegan meal that isn't pasta or vegetable curry, I recalled various recipes for sticky crispy tofu.  This is my first attempt. I'm sure there is room for improvement in the future.

Serves 3

400g firm tofu
2-4 tbsp sunflower oil
2+1 tbsp cornflour
100ml apple juice
2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce
2 tbsp light soy sauce
1 cm grated ginger
1 garlic clove, peeled and grated
Sesame seeds to garnish (optional)
3 chopped spring onions to garnish (optional)

Carefully open the pack of tofu, reserving the liquid.

Place the tofu on a plate, cover with a couple of layers of kitchen paper, then a clean plate with some weights (tins) on top for 10 minutes.  Pour off the liquid as it accumulates on the plate.

After 10 minutes, dab the tofu dry with more kitchen towel and cut into bite sized cubes.  Place 2 tbsp  of the cornflower into a small plastic bag with no holes and, holding the top of the bag tightly closed in your hand, shake the tofu in the bag to coat it with cornflour.

Heat 2 tbsp oil in a small non-stick pan over medium heat.  Carefully place the cubes of tofu one by one into the pan so they do not touch.  I got about a third on my cubes in the pan. Fry until the underside is golden brown. Using chopsticks, or a fork, gently turn each cube over onto what was once the top and brown that too.  You could brown all six sides but I did not have the patience. Place the browned tofu onto a plate with a dry piece of kitchen paper, and continue to fry the tofu in batches   until it is all browned. You may need to add a little more oil before frying each subsequent batch.

When the tofu is all browned, quickly stir fry the garlic and ginger in the oil remaining in the pan for a few seconds. Add the apple, chilli, and soy and bring to the boil.  Mix the remaining tablespoon with a tablespoon of apple juice and mix into the sauce in the pan to thicken it.  Return the crispy tofu   to the sauce to heat up again.

Serve with steamed rice and greens.

Twitter: leesashomemade

Instagram: leesashomemade

Facebook: Leesa's Homemade