Salt and Pepper Tofu (Jiao Yan Dou Fu, 椒盐豆腐)

Step 1

Cut tofu into cubes (about 2.5 cm/1 inch each side).

Step 2

Sift flour, starch and baking powder into a large plate. Add ½ tsp of salt and pepper seasoning then mix well.

Step 3

Use a clean kitchen towel or kitchen paper to pat dry the tofu cubes then put them into the flour mixture. Evenly and thinly coat all sides. Use hands to remove excess flour.

Step 4

Heat up oil in a wok/pan over medium-high heat (the oil should be generously covering the entire surface). Gently put in tofu (Don’t overcrowd. Fry in two batches if necessary). You should see bubbles appearing around the tofu straight away, otherwise, the oil isn’t hot enough yet.

Step 5

Use chopsticks or tongs to flip the tofu several times to ensure each side is evenly fried. Transfer out to a plate lined with kitchen paper (to soak excess oil) when all sides are nicely golden.

Step 6

Remove most of the oil leaving about ½ tablespoonful in the wok/pan. Add shallots, chili pepper and garlic. Fry over medium heat for about 1 min.

Step 7

Add the fried tofu cubes, chopped scallions and ½ tsp salt & pepper seasoning (or to taste). Toss briefly to season evenly. Dish out and serve immediately.

Step 8

Put Sichuan pepper, star anise, sesame seeds, fennel seeds and salt into a pan. Toast over low heat while stirring from time to time.

Step 9

Once the salt darkens slightly and the spices become very fragrant, remove from the heat then grind in a mortar or a spice grinder (see note 3).