Fried Tofu with Ponzu Sauce

One of the foods that I wish I had discovered earlier in life is tofu. It has a multitude of uses and can taste however you want it to, with a little help. You can make smoothies with it, you can add them to stir-fry for extra texture, or even turn it into a delicious hamburger patty for your vegetarian friends.

I recently have been craving sushi but haven't been able to go grab any yet so to feed my craving I decided to make some fried tofu and dress it up with some homemade ponzu sauce (my favorite sauce, I can honestly eat it with everything). After researching a few different sauces and playing mad kitchen scientist, I was able to come up with a recipe that is tasty and full-bodied. Make this dish as either a side dish or serve it as your main course. Either way it will be a very tasty night! Enjoy!

• 14 oz package Firm Tofu
• 1/4 cup Orange Juice
• 1 Tbsp Lemon Juice
• 1 Tbsp Lime Juice
• 1/3 cup Soy Sauce
• 2 Tbsp Rice Vinegar
• 2 Tbsp Mirin (Sweet Cooking Rice Wine)
• 1/4 tsp Wasabi or Horseradish Paste
• 2 Tbsp Green Onions (diced)
• 1 egg
• 1 cup Flour
• Canola Oil (for frying)

Step 1: In a container, combine orange juice, lemon juice, lime juice, Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar, Mirin, and Wasabi and mix until the Wasabi has been thoroughly mixed in. Add in the green onions and set the mixture aside.

Step 2: Open the tofu container and slice it into 8 equal pieces. Place these pieces in the mixture and let marinate for at least 1 hour. 

Step 3: When you are ready to cook the tofu, grab a sauce pan and place canola oil in the pan so that it goes up the side about 1-2 inches. Heat oil on medium-high heat, and while the oil is heating lightly beat an egg in a separate bowl. Once oil is hot enough, dredge tofu in the egg and then cover with flour. Cook the tofu for 4 minutes on each side in the oil (the edges will start to turn a golden brown). When done cooking, pull the tofu pieces out of the oil and pat with a paper towel to soak up some oil. Place tofu on a plate and cover with your marinade (it is ponzu sauce). Serve warm. Enjoy!


Yield: Serves 2.