Salt and Pepper Crispy Tofu

Crisp-edged tofu with salt and pepper seasoning is a simple Chinese-inspired appetiser or snack, valued for the way a light cornflour coating turns firm tofu golden outside while keeping the centre soft. The flavour is direct and aromatic: white pepper brings a clean, warming bite, fine sea salt seasons the crust, and a quick toss with garlic, spring onion and chilli gives the hot tofu fragrance without weighing it down. It is best served straight from the pan, when the coating is still delicate and crisp, with lime on the side for a sharper finish if you like.
Cuisine style Chinese takeaway-style appetiser
Flavor profile Salty • Peppery • Garlicky
Techniques Cornflour coating • Batch frying • Quick stir-fry finish
Key equipment Wok or large frying pan
Spice level Medium
Time commitment Under 1 hour

Why this recipe works

  • Light, crisp coating: Cornflour gives the tofu a delicate crust that fries quickly and stays crisp when tossed briefly with the aromatics.
  • Classic salt-and-pepper flavour: Fine sea salt and white pepper cling to the hot tofu, creating the sharp, savoury seasoning that defines the dish.
  • Aromatic finish: Garlic, spring onion and chilli are stir-fried just before serving, adding fragrance without weighing down the crisp tofu.

Get the most out of this recipe

Adjust the heat

  • For a milder version: Replace the red chilli with extra spring onion, or remove the seeds before slicing.
  • For more heat: Use a hotter fresh chilli or add a small pinch of dried chilli flakes when frying the aromatics.
  • Keep the peppery balance: White pepper should remain the main seasoning note; increase chilli gradually so it does not overpower the salt-and-pepper finish.

Ingredient notes

  • Choose firm tofu: Firm tofu holds its shape better during coating and frying, giving neat cubes with a crisp outside and tender centre.
  • Use white pepper: White pepper gives the dish its distinctive sharp, savoury warmth; black pepper will taste more floral and less classic here.
  • Finish with citrus if needed: A squeeze of lime or lemon cuts through the fried coating and makes the seasoning taste brighter.

Texture tips

  • Let the coating settle: After coating the tofu in cornflour, let it sit briefly so the starch hydrates and grips the surface more evenly.
  • Fry in batches: Give the tofu enough space in the pan so the oil stays hot and the coating crisps rather than steaming.
  • Toss only at the end: Return the tofu to the aromatics just long enough for the seasoning to cling; prolonged tossing can soften the crust.

Common mistakes

  • Oil that is too cool: If the tofu does not sizzle as it goes in, the coating can absorb oil and become heavy instead of crisp.
  • Browning the aromatics: Garlic and spring onion need only a short stir-fry; cook them until fragrant, not browned or bitter.
  • Serving too late: Salt and pepper tofu is at its best immediately after frying, while the coating is still hot and crisp.

Equipment you'll need

Ingredients
Instructions
Print
  1. Cut the tofu into 2 cm cubes. Tip the cornflour into a mixing bowl and add the tofu, tossing gently until each piece is evenly coated.
  2. Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Fry the tofu in batches for 3–4 minutes, turning, until pale golden and crisp. Lift out with a slotted spoon and drain briefly before frying the next batch.
  3. Carefully pour off most of the oil, leaving about 1 tbsp in the pan. Add the garlic, spring onion and red chilli and stir-fry for 30–60 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Return the tofu to the pan and sprinkle over the fine sea salt and white pepper. Toss for 30–60 seconds so the seasoning clings to the hot tofu, then serve straight away with lime wedges for squeezing, if you like.

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Recipe notes

Tips

  • For the lightest crust, let the cornflour-coated tofu sit for 2 minutes before frying so the coating hydrates slightly and clings better.
  • Keep the oil hot enough that the tofu sizzles immediately; if it is too cool, the coating can turn heavy rather than crisp.
  • If serving to anyone vulnerable to food poisoning, make sure the tofu is heated through and served piping hot.

Substitutions

  • Replace the red chili pepper with extra spring onion for a milder version.
  • Replace the lime with a squeeze of lemon for a similar bright finish.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 2 days
  • Best eaten straight away. Cool leftovers quickly, refrigerate in a sealed container, and reheat in a hot frying pan with a small splash of vegetable oil until piping hot and re-crisped.

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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 3 servings
  • Total time: 40min (30min active)
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • Cuisine: Chinese
  • Allergens:
    Soybeans
One pot

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