Salt and Pepper Tofu (椒盐豆腐)
Mar 18, 2026 05:33 AM
These Salt and Pepper Tofu bites are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and seasoned with a warm spice mix that makes it impossible to stop snacking. I coat firm tofu in cornstarch and pan fry it until golden, then toss it with salt, white pepper, and brown sugar. It takes 20 minutes and converts even the biggest tofu skeptics.
Salt and pepper tofu is a popular Chinese appetizer where cubes of tofu are fried until crunchy and tossed in a savory, slightly sweet spice blend. It is a vegan dish that works as a snack, appetizer, or side, and it is gluten free adaptable by swapping Shaoxing wine for dry sherry.
So many people tell me they do not like tofu, and I always point them to this recipe first. The cornstarch coating creates a crunch that surprises people, and the brown sugar caramelizes in the pan to add a layer of flavor you do not expect. I marinate the tofu, coat it, pan fry until golden on all sides, then toss it with the spice mix while it is still hot.
The crispy coating stays crunchy even as it cools, which makes it a great appetizer to set out before dinner. A squeeze of lime right before eating brings all the savory and spicy flavors together. Try it once and you will add it to your regular rotation.
Ingredients:
Tofu
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar (or regular sugar)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 block (16 ounces / 450g) firm tofu , cut into ½ inch (1 cm) squares
- 1 tablespoon peanut oil
- 1 teaspoon Shaoxing wine
Spice Mix
- 1 teaspoon white pepper powder
- 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar (or regular sugar)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon five-spice powder
Cooking
- 4 to 6 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 to 1/3 cup peanut oil
- sliced pepper , for garnish (Optional)
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
10 minutes
Total Time:
20 minutes
can I ask you a question please?
can I ask you a question please?
is it ok if I upload an image?