Crispy Stuffed Tofu Bites with Savory Chicken and Veggies

Tahu Isi: Savory Stuffed Tofu Delight

Indulge in the delectable flavors of Tahu Isi, a classic Indonesian treat that combines savory tofu with a flavorful vegetable and chicken filling. This recipe guides you through creating crispy, golden-brown tofu pockets filled with a delightful mix of vegetables, chicken, and spices. Perfect for a snack or a delicious appetizer, Tahu Isi is sure to impress your family and friends with its unique taste and texture.

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 handful of bean sprouts
• 2 sheets of napa cabbage, finely chopped
• 1 piece of chicken breast, cooked and finely shredded
• 2 cloves of red onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Salt, to taste
• A few small red chilies, finely sliced (adjust to your spice preference)

For the Tofu:

• 8 pieces of firm tofu
• Flour and water (to create a thick batter)
• Salt, to taste
• Optional: seasoning or MSG (if desired)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Filling:

   • Heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped red onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant.
   • Add the julienned carrot, bean sprouts, and chopped napa cabbage. Stir-fry briefly until the vegetables start to soften but remain crisp.
   • Incorporate the shredded chicken, ground black pepper, and salt. Mix well and cook for a few more minutes until all ingredients are combined and seasoned. Adjust seasoning if necessary. Remove from heat and set aside.

2. Prepare the Tofu:

   • Carefully cut a pocket into each piece of tofu, creating space for the filling. Scoop out a small portion of the tofu’s interior, leaving the outer layers intact to form a pocket.
   • Mash the scooped-out tofu and mix it with the prepared vegetable-chicken filling until well combined.

3. Stuff the Tofu:

   • Fill each tofu pocket with the vegetable and chicken mixture, pressing gently to ensure the filling stays inside.

4. Prepare the Batter:

   • In a bowl, mix flour with water to form a thick batter. Season with salt and optional seasoning or MSG if desired.

5. Fry the Tofu:

   • Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Dip each stuffed tofu piece into the batter, ensuring it is fully coated.
   • Fry the battered tofu pieces in the hot oil until they turn a crispy, golden brown. This should take about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and drain on paper towels.

6. Serve:

   • Enjoy your Tahu Isi hot, straight from the pan, or at room temperature. They make a wonderful snack or appetizer, perfect for sharing with friends and family.

This recipe for Tahu Isi brings together the rich flavors of Indonesian cuisine in a crispy, satisfying form. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a tasty treat, these stuffed tofu pockets are sure to be a hit!