Ottolenghi’s Black Pepper Stir-fry

Directions

  1. 1Pour enough oil into a large frying pan or wok to come 0.2 inches up the sides and heat.
  2. 2Cut the tofu into large cubes, about 1.2 x 0.8 inches.
  3. 3Toss the tofu cubes in some cornstarch and shake off the excess.
  4. 4Add the tofu to the hot oil and fry, turning them around as you go, until they are golden all over and have a thin crust.
  5. 5As the tofu pieces are cooked, transfer them onto kitchen paper.
  6. 6Remove the oil and any sediment from the pan.
  7. 7Add the butter to the pan and melt it.
  8. 8Add the shallots, garlic, and ginger to the pan.
  9. 9Sauté on low to medium heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the ingredients have turned shiny and are totally soft.
  10. 10Add the soy sauces and sugar and stir.
  11. 11Add the crushed black pepper.
  12. 12Add the tofu to warm it up in the sauce for about a minute.
  13. 13Finally, stir in the spring onions.
  14. 14Serve hot, with steamed rice.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs extra-firm tofu
  • Neutral oil for frying
  • Cornstarch to dust the tofu
  • 11 tbsp butter
  • 12 oz shallots, thinly sliced
  • 15 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 3 tbsp chopped fresh root ginger
  • 3 tbsp sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
  • 3 tbsp light soy sauce
  • 4 tsp dark soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 3 tbsp ground pepper
  • 16 small and thin spring onions, cut into 1.2-inch segments

Equipment

large frying panwokkitchen paper

Tips

  • Fry the tofu in batches to prevent stewing.
  • Serve hot with steamed rice.