Delicious and Nutritious Black Pepper Tofu Recipe

Tofu Inspired by Nan’s Crispy Chicken

When I think back to the days spent at my nan’s house, I can’t help but reminisce about the delicious homemade crispy chicken and potato crisps she used to make. Wanting to honour her classic recipe, I’ve reimagined it to be completely vegan, gluten-free, and a healthier option. This vegan crispy tofu dish pays homage to my grandma’s cooking expertise and embodies the spirit of creating inclusive, wholesome family recipes.

The Power of Black Pepper: A Small but Mighty Ingredient

In this recipe, I’m using just a quarter teaspoon of black pepper due to personal preference. Despite its small quantity, black pepper offers significant benefits, especially during times of health challenges like the current pandemic, environmental crises, and toxic exposure.

Black pepper acts as a potent metabolism and digestion booster, contributing to its inclusion in Trikatu, an Ayurvedic supplement known for enhancing metabolism. When combined with cumin and coriander, black pepper enhances the body’s absorption of zinc. Additionally, black pepper provides relief from sinusitis and nasal congestion, offering particular significance for individuals exposed to environmental pollutants such as smoke from fires. Notably, black peppercorns are essential for long-term lung health and detoxification, making them a preeminent herb for conditions like asthma.

Refer to the notes at the end of the article for suitable substitutes.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 block organic extra-firm tofu (If you’re in the US, we REALLY love Hodo brand, though it is pricey, so we save it for special occasions!).

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil.

• 1 tablespoon gluten-free tamari or soy sauce.

• 1 heaping tablespoon cornstarch.

• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper (or to taste).

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and prep an oven-safe baking tray- I love my Pyrex– by oil-spraying it.

2. To prepare the tofu: Drain the tofu and gently squeeze out some of the water, either use your palms or use a cutting board. If you make tofu quite often, I recommend investing in a tofu press. This helps drain the tofu so you get a crispy result every time. Anywho, after draining, let the tofu rest for around 10-15 minutes.

3. In the meantime, prepare the sauce. In a bowl, mix the cornstarch, oil, tamari and black pepper. Blend well so that there is no starch piece left visible.

4. You’ll love this part: Pour this mixture, along with the drained and cubed tofu pieces, in a zip-lock bag. Zip it and give it a good shake until the tofu pieces are coated with the mixture.

5. Pour the coated tofu pieces over onto your prepared baking tray. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the tofu is golden on the edges. You might want to give it a toss after the first 15 minutes and then continue baking.

6. If the tray is broiler-safe, I recommend broiling for a few minutes just to get even more crunch!

You can use this dish as is, as a side dish, in salads, in stir-fries, and so on.

Sweet and Sticky Sauce Recipe as an Alternative to Black Pepper

When craving a sweet and sticky sauce to elevate your dish, consider trying a homemade alternative to the conventional black pepper seasoning. By mixing soy sauce and coconut sugar in a 1/4 cup and 4 tablespoons ratio respectively, you can create a delectably sweet and sticky sauce. Simply boil this combo until it thickens to a syrup-like consistency. Once cooled, add it to a sealed ziplock bag along with other desired ingredients for marinating.

Moreover, for a vibrant golden hue and an added punch of flavour in your tofu dish, incorporate Your Super’s Golden Mellow mix. This blend combines turmeric, ashwagandha, ginger, cinnamon, and lucuma predominantly infusing the flavour of turmeric and pepper. Not only does this infusion offer the benefits of its constituent ingredients, but it also imparts a visually appealing golden tint to your tofu, enhancing the overall culinary experience.

By utilizing this sweet and sticky sauce recipe as a substitution for black pepper and incorporating Your Super’s Golden Mellow mix, you can elevate the flavours and visual appeal of your tofu dish while incorporating the benefits of these wholesome ingredients.

 

 

 

 

 

Editor’s note: The information in this article is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

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