Fried Tofu with Almonds

By Mari Fujii, Author, The Enlightened Kitchen: Fresh Vegetable Dishes from the Temples of Japan

Serves 4

2 blocks firm tofu (about 1 ¾ pounds)
1 teaspoon salt
dash of white pepper
3/8 cup all-purpose flour
1/5 cup water
5/8 cup sliced almonds
vegetable oil, for deep frying
salt, for serving
½ lemon, cut into wedges

Wrap the tofu in a paper towel, cover with a plate and refrigerate for 30 minutes to remove excess moisture. Cut each block of tofu into 6 pieces and sprinkle with salt and pepper. To make the batter, mix the flour and water. The batter should be slightly lumpy. Coat the tofu pieces first with batter, then with almond slices. Heat the vegetable oil to 315ºF, add the tofu pieces and deep fry until golden brown. Arrange on a serving plate with salt or lemon wedges.

Chef’s Quote: Tofu is a light and simple ingredient that can be cooked in many ways for a variety of flavors. Deep fried tofu is particularly delicious. In this dish, the tofu is encrusted with almond slices before frying. The outside is crispy and aromatic, while the inside is soft and moist. This dish tastes best served hot with a sprinkling of lemon juice.