Spicy Fried Tofu, or Tahu Cabai Garam, is a popular and viral Indonesian snack known for its crispy texture, savory taste, and spicy kick. Inspired by Chinese-style “salt and pepper tofu,” this dish has been adapted using local ingredients like white tofu, chili peppers, and garlic. It’s loved for being easy to make, addictive in taste, and perfect as a side dish, snack, or even something to enjoy while watching TV.
Added bonus: Its perfect for vegetarians!
The main features of this dish are crispy tofu coated in a thin layer of cornstarch, stir-fried with sliced red chilies, garlic chips, and chopped scallions. Seasonings like salt, stock powder, and sometimes a bit of sugar or pepper balance the flavors. While you can find it in cafés or restaurants, it’s also easy to cook at home using simple ingredients and a quick method like the recipe below.
Spicy Fried Tofu Recipe
Ingredients:
- 10 medium-sized white tofu blocks, cut into cubes
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- Cooking oil
- 5 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 5 red bird’s eye chilies (adjust to taste), thinly sliced
- 3 red chilies, thinly sliced
- 2 stalks of green onion, thinly sliced
- Salt to taste
- Stock powder or flavor enhancer (optional)
How to Make It:
- Cut the tofu into cubes and drain the water.
- Coat the tofu evenly with cornstarch and a little salt.
- Heat enough oil in a pan.
- Fry the tofu until golden and crispy. Remove and set aside.
- Leave about 2 tablespoons of oil in the pan.
- Smash and roughly chop the garlic.
- Sauté the garlic until fragrant and slightly golden.
- Add sliced chilies and green onions, stir briefly.
- Add the fried tofu into the pan.
- Stir well and season with salt or stock powder to taste.
- Serve hot as a snack or side dish.
Fun fact:
Tofu comes from China and has been eaten for over 2,000 years. It was likely discovered by accident when soy milk mixed with sea salt and curdled. Rich in plant-based protein, tofu is a great meat alternative, especially for vegetarians. There are many types of tofu such as white, silken, yellow, crispy, and Sumedang tofu. Each of them has different textures and uses. Today, tofu is enjoyed worldwide and is often used as a healthy meat or cheese substitute, especially in Western countries.
