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Popcorn Tofu
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Popcorn Tofu

Is anyone else excited for NIGHTMARKETS to be back again? Here is my super easy Night market-style Popcorn Tofu! Crispy on the outside, JUICY on the inside, and the batter is GLUTEN-FREE. If you love Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken, this popcorn tofu recipe is made for you. Get a nice glass of ice-cold beer ready because you need to give my Popcorn Tofu a try this weekend!
Prep Time20 mins
Active Time20 mins
Total Time40 mins
Course: Appetizer, Dinner, Main Course, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: American, Asian, Chinese, Taiwanese
Keyword: Appetizers, Asian Recipe Easy, Asian Recipes for Dinner, Authentic asian recipes, Chinese american food, Chinese Food, dinner Ideas, Easy, Easy Recipes, Healthy Asian Recipes, Night market, QUICK RECIPES, snack, Taiwanese Food, Taiwanese Recipes, VEGETARIAN, Vegetarian Recipes
Yield: 4 People

Materials

  • 1 pack of Medium Firm Tofu cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tbsp of Salt
  • 1.5 cups of Tapioca Starch
  • 0.5 tsp of White Pepper
  • ⅔ tbsp of Five Spice Powder
  • Pinch of salt

Seasoning Powder

  • 1/2 tsp of Chili powder
  • 1 tsp of Paprika
  • 1 tbsp of Five-spice powder
  • 0.5 tbsp of White pepper
  • 3/4 tsp of Garlic Powder
  • 1-2 tsp of Mushroom Powder optional
  • A pinch of salt

Instructions

  • Soak the tofu in 2 tbsp of salt and 2 cups of water. Make sure all the tofu is soaked in the water for at least 20 minutes.
  • Mix tapioca starch, white pepper, five-spice powder, and salt.
  • Coat the tofu in tapioca starch mixture. Let the tofu rest in the tapioca starch for 5 minutes while you heat the oil.
  • In a pan, add oil, and turn the heat up to medium-high. Once the oil is hot, add tofu and let it fry for 7-8 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
  • Remove and set aside, optional but highly recommended, turn the heat up to high, and double fry for another 1 minute to make it EXTRA crispy!
  • Season with seasoning mix and enjoy!

Notes

the secret to making it stick is always to let the starch sit for 5 minutes before frying. This extra step will prevent the starch from falling off and ensure the tofu is EXTRA crispy.