🥢 Salt and Pepper Tofu (椒盐豆腐) – Crispy, Spicy & Irresistibly Addictive

If you love bold flavors and crispy textures, Salt and Pepper Tofu is about to become your favorite Chinese appetizer. Known in Chinese as Jiao Yan Dou Fu (椒盐豆腐), this dish is famous in Cantonese cuisine for its golden crust, soft interior, and punchy seasoning made from salt, white pepper, garlic, and chilies.

It’s simple, vegetarian-friendly, and incredibly satisfying — perfect as a starter, snack, or even a main dish with steamed rice.

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🌶️ What is Salt and Pepper Tofu?

Salt and Pepper Tofu is a popular dish in southern China, especially in Cantonese-style cooking. Traditionally, small cubes of tofu are lightly coated with cornstarch and deep-fried until crispy. They are then tossed with a fragrant mixture of garlic, chilies, spring onions, and the classic Chinese salt-and-pepper seasoning.

Unlike saucy tofu dishes like Mapo Tofu, this recipe focuses on dry seasoning and crispiness rather than gravy.

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🧂 Ingredients

For the Tofu:

400g firm or extra-firm tofu

3–4 tablespoons cornstarch

Oil for frying

For the Salt & Pepper Mix:

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon white pepper powder

½ teaspoon sugar (optional)

Aromatics:

3 cloves garlic (finely chopped)

1–2 fresh red chilies (finely sliced)

2 spring onions (chopped)

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Method

1️⃣ Prepare the Tofu

Drain the tofu and press it gently for 15–20 minutes to remove excess water.

Cut into bite-sized cubes.

Pat dry using a kitchen towel.

👉 Removing moisture is important to achieve maximum crispiness.

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2️⃣ Coat the Tofu

Lightly toss the tofu cubes in cornstarch.

Shake off excess starch to avoid clumping.

This thin coating creates a beautiful crispy crust.

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3️⃣ Fry Until Golden

Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat.

Fry tofu cubes in batches until golden brown and crispy (about 4–5 minutes).

Remove and drain on paper towels.

🔥 Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan.

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4️⃣ Prepare the Flavor Base

In a separate pan, add 1 tablespoon oil.

Sauté garlic until fragrant.

Add sliced chilies and cook for 30 seconds.

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5️⃣ Toss & Season

Add fried tofu to the pan.

Sprinkle salt, white pepper, and sugar.

Toss gently to coat evenly.

Finish with chopped spring onions.

Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

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🥡 Serving Suggestions

Salt and Pepper Tofu pairs beautifully with:

Steamed jasmine rice

Fried rice

Stir-fried noodles

Sweet chili sauce on the side

It also works as a perfect party appetizer.

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🌱 Is It Healthy?

Compared to heavily sauced dishes, Salt and Pepper Tofu is relatively light. To make it healthier:

Use air-fryer instead of deep frying

Use less oil

Add bell peppers or onions for extra vegetables

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💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Texture

✔ Use extra-firm tofu

✔ Press tofu well before frying

✔ Use cornstarch — not flour

✔ Fry at medium heat (not too high)

✔ Serve immediately for maximum crispiness

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🌍 Why You’ll Love This Dish

Vegetarian & vegan friendly

Quick (ready in 30 minutes)

Crispy outside, soft inside

Bold garlic-chili flavor

Restaurant-style at home

If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also love exploring other tofu classics like Steamed Tofu with Soy Sauce or Braised Tofu with Mushrooms.

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📝 Final Thoughts

Salt and Pepper Tofu proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavor. With just tofu, salt, pepper, and a few aromatics, you get a dish that’s crispy, spicy, and completely addictive.

Try it once — and it may become your go-to Chinese comfort food!