Cook this fusion Indian-Chinese chili tofu
Fusion Indian-Chinese chili tofu is a vegetarian, eggless dish that merges the bold flavors of Indian cuisine with Chinese cooking techniques. Celebrated for its spicy, tangy taste and tofu's protein benefits, it's a culinary delight. This dish is a testament to the harmonious blend of two distinct food traditions, offering a unique flavor experience. Let's begin the cooking journey.
Gather the following ingredients
For this dish, gather 200 grams of firm tofu in cubes, two tablespoons of cornflour, one teaspoon salt, half a teaspoon black pepper, two tablespoons vegetable oil, one chopped green bell pepper, one chopped onion, two slit green chilies, three minced garlic cloves, a minced inch of ginger, two tablespoons soy sauce, one tablespoon vinegar, one tablespoon tomato ketchup, and spring onions for garnish.
Preparing the tofu
Drain the tofu and pat it dry with paper towels to remove moisture. In a bowl, mix cornflour with salt and black pepper. Evenly coat the tofu cubes in this mixture. Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat, then shallow fry the tofu until each side turns golden brown. Finally, transfer the tofu onto paper towels to drain off any excess oil.
Sauteing vegetables
Use the same pan after frying tofu, adding more oil if needed. Saute onions, green bell peppers, green chilies, garlic, and ginger over medium heat. Stir them until they're soft but still vibrant and not browned. This process is key to infusing the oil with a rich blend of flavors, crucial for achieving the authentic fusion taste that characterizes this dish.
Creating the sauce
To make the sauce that brings this dish together, add soy sauce, vinegar, tomato ketchup to the sauteed vegetables in the pan. Stir well to combine all ingredients over low heat until everything is well mixed. If you find the sauce too thick or too spicy according to your preference, adjust by adding a little water or reducing chili.
Combining tofu with vegetables and sauce
Reintroduce the crispy tofu to the pan with the aromatic vegetables and tangy sauce. Mix gently, coating each tofu piece thoroughly with the sauce to infuse it with flavor. Simmer the mixture for two more minutes, allowing the tofu to fully absorb the spices and seasonings. After this final cooking step, turn off the heat and prepare to serve.
