Lemon Tofu
This fresh and zesty take on the popular Chinese takeout classic is full of bright, citrusy flavour. It's sweet, sour, tangy and tasty, perfect on its own or in a Chinese-style spread. As long as your tofu is pressed, it can be on the table in the time that it takes to cook your rice, so it's a great midweek option for when you want something light and flavourful in a hurry.
Serves
Ingredients
For the tofu
<item-todo-done>3 tbsp flour<item-todo-done><item-todo-done>1 x 280g block of firm tofu<item-todo-done><item-todo-done>60g cornflour<item-todo-done><item-todo-done>250ml vegetable oil - for deep-frying<item-todo-done>
For the marinade
<item-todo-done>2 tbsp soy sauce<item-todo-done><item-todo-done>1 tbsp water<item-todo-done><item-todo-done>1 garlic clove<item-todo-done><item-todo-done>2 inches of ginger<item-todo-done><item-todo-done> chilli flakes<item-todo-done>
For the lemon sauce
<item-todo-done>3 tbsp water<item-todo-done><item-todo-done>1 tbsp cornflour<item-todo-done><item-todo-done>15ml agave syrup<item-todo-done><item-todo-done> salt to taste<item-todo-done><item-todo-done> Juice of 1 lemon<item-todo-done><item-todo-done> juice of ½ lemon<item-todo-done>
For the rice
<item-todo-done>150g basmati rice<item-todo-done><item-todo-done>475ml boiling water<item-todo-done>
To serve
<item-todo-done>1 tbsp sesame seeds<item-todo-done><item-todo-done>2 spring onions<item-todo-done>
Before you start
Tofu press or 2 clean kitchen towels and a weight l Small saucepan l Small saucepan with a lid l Wok l Line a large plate with paper towels
Prepare the ingredients
- Press the tofu for at least 10 minutes using the tofu press or place it between two clean kitchen towels, lay it on a plate, and put a weight on top
- Peel and grate the garlic and ginger
- Zest the lemon for the sauce and cut it in half
- Slice the spring onions
- Make the marinade by putting the soy sauce, water, garlic, ginger, and chilli flakes into a bowl and stir to combine
- Take the tofu out of the press and rip it into strips no more than 1/2 inch thick
- Put them in the bowl and stir to coat them in the marinade
- Cover and set aside
Make the lemon sauce
- Put the 3 tablespoons of water and tablespoon of cornflour into a small bowl and mix to make a slurry
- Put the small pan over medium heat
- Add the syrup, lemon zest, and juice and bring to a gentle simmer
- Add the cornflour slurry and stir to combine
- Turn the heat right down
Cook the rice
- Rinse the rice under cold running water and tip it into the saucepan
- Put the pan on the stove, add the boiling water, and a pinch of salt, cover, and bring to a boil over high heat
- Stir once to loosen, then reduce the heat to a very low simmer, cover and cook for exactly 12 minutes
- Take the pan off the heat and set it to one side, leaving the lid on but with a small gap to let out steam
Cook the tofu
- Place the wok on high heat and add the oil
- Heat to 180°C, or until the oil sizzles around the edges when you dip in a wooden spoon
- Add the cornflour and flour to a bowl and stir to combine
- Transfer the marinated tofu to the bowl and toss it in the flour to coat
- Deep-fry the tofu in batches until the strips are crispy and golden
- Transfer to the lined plate
Finish the lemon tofu and serve
- Toss the crispy tofu pieces in the sticky lemon sauce, adding a splash more water if needed to loosen it
- Spoon the rice into bowls then lay the tofu pieces over the top
- Slice the remaining lemon half and place a wedge on each bowl
- Garnish with the sliced spring onions and the sesame seeds and serve immediately