Crunchy Tofu Tacos

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From his Pepto-pink truck, Joe Kim of the Flying Pig sells French-Asian tacos and sliders all around L.A., playfully combining ingredients like the fried tofu and peanuts here. More Tasty Tacos More Tofu Dishes

Crunchy Tofu Tacos
Photo: © Con Poulos
Active Time:
30 mins
Total Time:
45 mins
Yield:
12 tacos

Ingredients

  • One 14-ounce package extra-firm tofu, cut into 1-inch cubes

  • 3 tablespoons Korean chile powder or hot paprika

  • 1 tablespoon Korean pepper paste (kochujang)

  • 1 tablespoon finely grated garlic

  • 1 tablespoon finely grated ginger

  • 1 tablespoon toasted-sesame oil

  • Kosher salt

  • 1 cup cornstarch

  • 2 cups vegetable oil, for frying

  • 12 corn or 5-inch flour tortillas, warmed

  • Hoisin sauce, kimchi, Asian pear, scallions and chopped honey-roasted peanuts, for serving

Directions

  1. Place the tofu on a rack lined with paper towels and drain for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of the chile powder with the pepper paste, garlic, ginger and sesame oil and season with salt. In another large bowl, whisk the cornstarch with the remaining 2 tablespoons of chile powder and 1 tablespoon of salt.

  2. In a medium, deep skillet, heat the oil until it reaches 365°. Add the tofu to the chile sauce and stir gently to coat. Scrape the tofu into the cornstarch mixture and toss to coat. Transfer the coated tofu to a colander to tap out the excess cornstarch. Fry the tofu in one batch, stirring occasionally, until golden and crunchy, 3 to 3 1/2 minutes; maintain the heat near 360°. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the crunchy tofu to a paper towel–lined rack and sprinkle with salt. Serve the tofu right away with the tortillas, hoisin sauce, kimchi, Asian pear, scallions and peanuts.

Suggested Pairing

Strawberry-scented dry rosé from California.

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