Forget everything you thought you knew about bland, rubbery tofu. Felicity Cloake, in her quest for culinary perfection, has engineered a recipe that transforms this humble bean curd into a crispy, flavour-packed sensation that could easily become your new weekly staple.
This isn't just another tofu dish—it's a masterclass in texture and bold flavour, featuring an irresistible homemade chilli crisp that will have you reaching for seconds. The beauty lies in its simplicity and the spectacular contrast between the crunchy exterior and soft interior of the tofu.
The Secret to Perfectly Crispy Tofu
Cloake's method begins with a crucial step many home cooks overlook: proper pressing. By thoroughly draining and pressing firm tofu, you eliminate excess water, allowing the cubes to achieve maximum crispiness when fried. She recommends a thorough press between kitchen paper with a heavy weight on top for at least 15 minutes.
The coating—a simple combination of cornflour and seasoning—creates that coveted golden crust that stays crunchy even when tossed in the bold sauce.
Homemade Chilli Crisp: Your New Pantry Essential
While store-bought versions abound, Cloake's homemade chilli crisp elevates the dish to extraordinary heights. She gently toasts Sichuan peppercorns, star anise, and cinnamon to release their aromatic oils before combining them with crushed chillies, garlic, and shallots.
The magic happens when this spice mixture meets shimmering hot oil—a technique that simultaneously cooks and infuses the oil with complex flavours. The result is a versatile condiment that's spicy, slightly numbing (courtesy of the Sichuan peppercorns), and utterly addictive.
Bringing It All Together
The final assembly is where the magic happens. Crispy tofu cubes meet the fiery chilli crisp in a hot wok or pan, creating a sizzling symphony of textures and flavours. Cloake recommends serving this immediately over steamed rice with some quick-pickled cucumbers or steamed greens on the side to balance the heat.
This dish proves that with the right technique, tofu can be the star of the show—crispy, flavourful, and satisfying enough to win over even the most dedicated meat-eaters at your table.
