Protein·intermediate

Salt and Pepper Tofu

Name: Salt and Pepper Tofu (Air Fryer)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: Serves 2 to 3
Ingredients: 1 block extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon oil; 1 teaspoon coarse salt; 1 teaspoon coarse black pepper (freshly cracked, not pre-ground); 1/2 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder; 1/4 teaspoon white pepper; 1 tablespoon [For finishing] oil; 2 cloves [For finishing] garlic, sliced thin; 1 [For finishing] red chile (Fresno or Thai), sliced; 2 [For finishing] green onions, cut into 1-inch pieces

Yield

Prep

Total

Serves 2 to 3

15m

30m

Spray SurfaceMeal-Prep

Teriyaki Salt Pepper Classic See all on food page →

This salt and pepper tofu recipe mimics the popular Cantonese dish. Five-spice powder adds an authentic restaurant flavor. The full ingredient list and air frying directions are on this page.

Ingredients

1 block extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon oil
1 teaspoon coarse salt
1 teaspoon coarse black pepper (freshly cracked, not pre-ground)
1/2 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
1/4 teaspoon white pepper

For finishing:

1 tablespoon oil
2 cloves garlic, sliced thin
1 red chile (Fresno or Thai), sliced
2 green onions, cut into 1-inch pieces

Shop key ingredients at Walmart →

Season it upPairs with Thai Basil Chili, Korean BBQ, Nashville Hot, and 4 moreSee all seasonings →

Steps

01Press, cube, and toss the tofu with cornstarch and oil.
02Season with salt, black pepper, five-spice, and white pepper before cooking.
03Ready for the air fryer.
04While the tofu cooks, heat oil in a small pan. Quickly fry the garlic slices, chile, and green onion for 30 seconds until fragrant.
05Toss the hot crispy tofu with the fried aromatics.

This is a Cantonese restaurant dish called "salt and pepper" anything. The five-spice is the secret ingredient that makes it taste like a restaurant and not just seasoned tofu. The quick-fried garlic and chili finish gives you bursts of heat and crunch against the crispy tofu. White pepper adds a sharper, more aromatic heat than black pepper alone.

people love this variationShare your own version →