Garlic Chili Oil Cold Tofu
A refreshing yet really hearty garlic chili oil cold tofu that you can enjoy as a starter, a side dish, or as a main with a bowl of noodles or steamed rice. This is a super easy and delicious meal that’s ready in no time. It’s also great for summer months or those days when you want something easy yet delicious to make. A generous amount of minced garlic takes this garlic chilli oil to the next level, along with a delicate balance of sweet, savoury, and sour notes from the sugar, soy sauce, and vinegar.
Ingredients
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 tbsp gochugaru (, Korean chili pepper or other chili powder of choice (see notes))
- 1/2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (or more to taste)
- 1 tsp dark mushroom soy sauce (optional for color)
- 2-3 tsp vinegar (, I used rice vinegar (adjust to taste))
- 1/8 tsp Chinese five spice powder (optional (or sub with a pinch of white pepper))
- 2-3 tbsp neutral oil (, see notes)
- 1-2 servings cooked wheat noodles ( of your choice)
- 1 lb soft or silken tofu
- Chopped coriander/cilantro or green onions
- Soy sauce (to taste for noodles)
- Noodles or steamed rice
Instructions
- 1
Prepare the garlic chili oil: add the minced garlic, chili powder, and sugar in a heat proof bowl.
- 2
Heat the oil: Heat the oil in a small pot for around 2 minutes or until small bubbles start to appear. You can test the heat by adding a small piece of garlic, it should immediately sizzle. Turn off the heat and carefully pour the oil into the garlic, chili, and sugar mix. Mix well.
- 3
Add in the vinegar, soy sauces, and Chinese five spice powder. Mix the chili oil and feel free to adjust to your desired taste by adding more soy sauce, vinegar, or sugar, if needed. Set aside and allow to cool for a few minutes.
- 4
Cook noodles: Meanwhile, you can heat some water in the same pot used for the oil. Cook your noodles of choice. Once cooked until chewy/al dente to your liking, remove from the water and transfer to a bowl.
- 5
Prepare the tofu: Open your package of tofu. Drain any excess water. Place the tofu, as-is, cold, on a deep plate or bowl.
- 6
To finish: Pour the garlic chili oil over your tofu. Top with cilantro/coriander or green onions.
- 7
Serve and enjoy: The tofu will be completely soaked in the garlic chili oil mixture so you can pour the remaining garlic chili oil over your noodles and add soy sauce, to taste. Mix and enjoy your noodles and cold tofu on the side for a delicious and hearty meal.
- 8
You can see the notes below for more prepare head tips.
Cook it from the original
This recipe comes from thefoodietakesflight.com. Their page has the author’s own photos, notes and tips — the best place to cook it from.
Open the recipe on thefoodietakesflight.com