Tofu with Garlic Sauce (Tahu Saus Bawang)
Tofu with Garlic Sauce is a simple yet flavorful Indonesian dish that elevates crispy fried tofu with a rich and aromatic garlic sauce. This easy-to-make recipe brings together the earthy taste of tofu with the bold flavors of garlic, spring onions, and green chilies. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a side dish for a larger spread. Let’s dive into the recipe to make this delicious dish!
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tofu (white block) | 1 block |
| Spring onions (scallions) | 5 stalks |
| Garlic cloves | 7 cloves |
| Green bird’s eye chilies | 10 pieces (adjust to taste) |
| Sweet soy sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Cornstarch | As needed |
| Water | 100 ml |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sugar or broth powder | To taste |
| Cooking oil | For frying |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Tofu:
Start by rinsing the tofu block under cold water to remove any packaging residue. Pat it dry using a clean kitchen towel. Once dried, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes based on your preference. -
-
Coat and Fry the Tofu:
In a bowl, lightly coat the tofu cubes with cornstarch, ensuring that each piece is evenly covered. Heat cooking oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the tofu cubes until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove the tofu from the oil and set it aside to drain any excess oil on a paper towel. -
Prepare the Aromatics:
Roughly chop the garlic cloves for a chunky texture and coarsely slice the spring onions. For the green chilies, you can adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance. Cut them into small pieces, leaving the seeds in for extra heat, or remove them for a milder flavor. -
Sauté the Aromatics:
In a separate pan, heat a little cooking oil over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic, spring onions, and green chilies. Sauté the mixture until fragrant and the garlic becomes slightly golden, taking care not to burn it. -
Add the Seasoning:
Once the aromatics are cooked, add the sweet soy sauce into the pan and mix well to coat the ingredients. This will infuse the sauce with a sweet, savory note that complements the spiciness of the chilies. -
Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix 100 ml of water with a little cornstarch (about 1-2 teaspoons) until it forms a smooth slurry. Pour this mixture into the sautéed garlic and spring onion mixture. Stir continuously to avoid lumps as the sauce thickens. Season with salt and sugar or broth powder to taste. Adjust the flavor as needed, and allow the sauce to simmer and thicken slightly. -
Assemble the Dish:
Place the fried tofu cubes on a serving plate. Generously pour the garlic sauce over the tofu, ensuring that each piece is coated with the aromatic mixture. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Your Tofu with Garlic Sauce is ready to be served! Enjoy it as a side dish or a light meal alongside steamed rice. This dish is best enjoyed warm when the tofu is still crispy on the outside and the sauce is freshly poured.
This Tofu with Garlic Sauce recipe combines the simplicity of tofu with the bold and exciting flavors of garlic, spring onions, and chilies. Whether you’re looking for a plant-based option or simply want to try something new, this dish brings a delightful blend of textures and tastes that will surely become a household favorite.
