Crispy Tofu Aci Bites with Spicy Soy Dipping Sauce

Tahu Aci: Crispy Indonesian Tofu Bites with Spicy Soy Dipping Sauce

Tahu Aci is a delightful Indonesian street food that combines crispy tofu with a savory tapioca filling, served with a spicy soy sauce dip. This recipe brings together the crunchy texture of tofu with a flavorful, chewy interior, perfect for snacking or as an appetizer. Follow these steps to make this delicious treat right at home.

Ingredients

For the Tofu Filling:

• 10 pieces of yellow tofu, cut into triangles
• 5 tablespoons tapioca flour
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 stalk green onion, finely sliced
• 1 teaspoon finely minced garlic
• To taste: chicken or vegetable bouillon powder
• To taste: salt
• Hot water, as needed

For the Spicy Soy Dipping Sauce:

• Sweet soy sauce
• Coarsely ground bird’s eye chili (cabe rawit)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Tofu:

   • Cut the tofu into triangles and carefully hollow out the centers using a spoon. Set the tofu aside.

2. Make the Filling:

   • In a mixing bowl, combine the tapioca flour, all-purpose flour, finely minced garlic, green onion, and chicken or vegetable bouillon powder. Add salt to taste.
   • Incorporate the tofu filling that was scraped out earlier into the flour mixture.
   • Gradually add hot water, a little at a time, until the mixture reaches a thick, paste-like consistency. Be careful not to add too much water; the batter should be dense.

3. Stuff and Fry the Tofu:

   • Carefully fill each tofu triangle with the prepared filling.
   • Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, gently place the filled tofu triangles into the pan.
   • Fry the tofu until they are golden brown and crispy, turning occasionally for even cooking.

4. Optional Storage:

   • If you wish to store the tofu for later use, steam the stuffed tofu instead of frying. Once steamed, you can refrigerate the tofu until needed.

5. Serve:

   • Serve the crispy tahu aci hot with a dipping sauce made from sweet soy sauce and coarsely ground bird’s eye chili.

Enjoy these crispy, savory tofu bites with a deliciously spicy kick. They make an excellent snack or appetizer for any gathering. Happy cooking!