How to Make Fried Bean Curd

Fried bean curd is a savory Chinese snack that can also be eaten as a first course appetizer or as a buffet menu item. While it's easy to make, care must be taken when adding and removing it from the hot oil, so be sure that this is something you're comfortable with doing.

Ingredients

10 squares of bean curd
1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons salt and freshly ground black pepper, mixed together
Oil suitable for deep frying (for example, peanut oil)

Steps

1
Prepare the bean curd. Drain the bean curd pieces and sit in a wire strainer.
2
Pour the oil into the wok or deep pan or pot.

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3
Heat until the oil is almost smoking.
4
Lower a few pieces at a time into the hot oil. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to hold and place the bean curd pieces in. Do this very carefully, as spattering oil can burn skin.
5
Cook quickly. When the bean curd pieces turns a light golden color, remove using the tongs or slotted spoon.
6
Place the fried pieces of bean curd on a plate lined with absorbent paper. Sprinkle with soy sauce and the salt and pepper mixture.
7
Serve immediately. It can be served with stir-fried Chinese greens for a meal, by itself for a snack, on a warming plate for a buffet or as a small meal for children. It can also be chilled.

Things You'll Need

Wok or deep pan/pot suitable for deep frying
Wire strainer
Tongs, slotted spoon or similar for handling the hot bean curd pieces in the fryer
Absorbent paper (such as kitchen paper towel)
Plate