Chinese fragrant fried tofu is a delicious and aromatic dish that is popular in Chinese cuisine. Made with crispy tofu cubes seasoned with fragrant spices and herbs, this dish is a perfect vegetarian option for those looking to try something new. The key to making perfect Chinese fragrant fried tofu lies in the right ingredients and cooking techniques. In this recipe, I will guide you through the steps to make this flavorful and crispy dish at home.

Ingredients:

1 block of firm tofu

2 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp Chinese cooking wine (Shaoxing wine)

1 tbsp sesame oil

1 tbsp cornstarch

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp ginger powder

1/2 tsp white pepper

1/2 tsp five-spice powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp sugar

1/4 cup vegetable oil for frying

1 green onion, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the tofu: Start by draining the tofu and patting it dry with a paper towel. Cut the tofu into small cubes, around 1-inch in size. Place the tofu cubes in a bowl and set aside.

2. Marinate the tofu: In a separate bowl, mix the soy sauce, Chinese cooking wine, sesame oil, cornstarch, garlic powder, ginger powder, white pepper, five-spice powder, salt, and sugar. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Pour the marinade over the tofu cubes and gently toss to coat each piece evenly. Let the tofu marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the tofu.

3. Heat oil for frying: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the marinated tofu cubes in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the tofu cubes in batches if necessary to ensure even browning and crispiness.

4. Fry the tofu: Cook the tofu cubes for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to carefully flip the tofu cubes to ensure they cook evenly. Remove the tofu cubes from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain off excess oil.

5. Garnish and serve: Transfer the fried tofu cubes to a serving plate and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve the Chinese fragrant fried tofu hot as a main dish or as a side dish with steamed rice or noodles.

Tips for making Chinese fragrant fried tofu:

- Use firm tofu: Firm tofu is ideal for this recipe as it holds its shape well and crisps up nicely when fried. Avoid using silken tofu as it is too soft and delicate for frying.

- Marinate the tofu: Marinating the tofu cubes ensures that they are well-seasoned and flavorful. Letting the tofu sit in the marinade allows the flavors to infuse the tofu, resulting in a more fragrant and tasty dish.

- Fry in small batches: Frying the tofu cubes in small batches ensures that they cook evenly and become crispy on all sides. Overcrowding the pan can cause the tofu to steam instead of fry, resulting in soggy tofu cubes.

- Adjust seasoning to taste: Feel free to adjust the seasoning in the marinade to suit your taste preferences. Add more soy sauce for a saltier flavor, or increase the five-spice powder for a stronger aromatic taste.

In conclusion, Chinese fragrant fried tofu is a simple and flavorful dish that is easy to make at home. With the right ingredients and cooking techniques, you can create a delicious and aromatic tofu dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you are a vegetarian looking for a new favorite dish or a tofu lover wanting to try something new, Chinese fragrant fried tofu is sure to satisfy your cravings for a flavorful and crispy dish. Enjoy!