Crispy Tofu With Palm Sugar Dressing

Looking to throw together a fast and fuss-free recipe after a long and busy day? Try this crispy tofu recipe, which will be ready in a jiffy with an air-fryer. Served with broccolini and kai lan, the dish doesn't lack in nutrients – and even packs a punch thanks to its delicious palm sugar dressing. A heavenly combination of sweet and savoury.

Yield: Serves 4
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Difficulty Level: 1/5

Ingredients

• 600 g medium-firm tofu
• 2 bunches broccolini (700 g), trimmed, thick stems halved lengthways
• 170 g gai lan, trimmed, cut into 5cm lengths
• 3 egg whites
• 1 cup (180 g) rice flour
• 2 tbsps sesame seeds
• 1 tbsp ground white pepper
• 2 tsps freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tsps salt
• Olive oil cooking spray
• Sliced green onions, sliced red chilli, extra sesame seeds and lime cheeks, to serve

PALM SUGAR DRESSING

• 1 tbsp finely grated ginger
• ¼ cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsps fresh lime juice
• ¼ cup (60ml) mirin
• ¼ cup (60 ml) soy sauce
• 1 tbsp finely grated palm sugar
• 1 small red chilli, chopped finely

Steps

01. Cut tofu horizontally into four slices. Cut each slice in half to make eight pieces in total. Line a board with paper towel. Place tofu slices on paper towel; lay more paper towel on top of tofu, then top with a heavy tray (or small chopping board) to weigh the tofu down. Leave for 10 mins to drain.

02. Preheat a 5.3 litre air fryer to 180 C for 3 mins.

03. Rinse broccolini and gai lan. Taking care, pull out the air-fryer pan and basket; place damp vegetables in basket. Slide pan and basket back into appliance. Keep temperature set at 180 C; set timer for 5 mins. Cook until vegetables are just tender. Transfer vegetables to a platter; cover to keep warm.

Meanwhile, make palm sugar dressing. Place ingredients in a screw-top jar; shake well to combine.

05. Beat egg whites in a shallow bowl. Combine rice flour, sesame seeds, peppers and salt in a second shallow bowl. Dip tofu slices in egg white, then coat in rice flour mixture; spray generously with oil.

06. Place half the coated tofu in basket. Keep temperature set at 180 C; set timer for 15 mins. Cook, turning halfway through cooking time, or until tofu is crisp and golden. Transfer to a wire rack. Repeat with remaining coated tofu.

07. Top vegetables with crisp tofu, sliced green onion, sliced chilli and extra sesame seeds; drizzle with dressing. Serve with lime cheeks.

Photo: bauersyndication.com.au