Craving a delicious and healthy Asian-inspired dish? Look no further than this vibrant recipe for Crispy Tofu Prawns with Black Bean Sauce! This recipe offers a delightful vegetarian twist on a classic, combining the satisfying crunch of pan-fried tofu with the delicate sweetness of prawns, all enveloped in a rich and savory black bean sauce. It's a perfect weeknight meal that's surprisingly easy to prepare, even for novice cooks. Forget complicated techniques and lengthy prep times – this recipe prioritizes simplicity and flavour.
The combination of crispy tofu and juicy prawns creates a wonderful textural contrast, beautifully complemented by the umami depth of the black bean sauce. This recipe is packed with flavor and is sure to become a new family favorite. Ready to create this flavorful masterpiece? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions to make your own Crispy Tofu Prawns with Black Bean Sauce.
Tools Needed
- Frying Pan
- Deep Fryer (or large pot for deep frying)
Ingredients
- Soft Tofu: 200g
- Young Ginger: 10g
- Fermented Black Beans: 1 tbsp
- Garlic: 3 cloves
- Spring Onions: 1 bunch
- Shiitake Mushrooms: 60g
- Oyster Sauce: 0.5 tbsp
- Light Soy Sauce: 1 tbsp
- Sugar: 0.5 tsp
- Dark Soy Sauce: 1/3 tsp
- Water: 400ml
- Prawns (with shell and head on): 400g
- Cooking Wine (optional): 0.5 tbsp
- Cornstarch or Potato Starch
- Egg (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare and Crisp the Tofu
- Cut the soft tofu into desired shapes. Pat it dry to prevent splattering.
- Deep fry the tofu in hot oil over medium heat until golden brown and crispy (about 6-7 minutes). Don't stir or touch them initially.
- Remove tofu and set aside. Remove most of the oil from the pan, leaving about 2 tbsp.
Step 2. Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables
- Add sliced ginger to the pan and fry until fragrant over medium-low heat.
- Add rinsed and chopped fermented black beans and fry until fragrant.
- Add chopped garlic and the white parts of the spring onions, fry until fragrant.
- Add shiitake mushrooms, cut into thin strips, and fry until fragrant and slightly limp.
Step 3. Simmer with Sauce and Tofu
- Increase heat slightly. Add water, oyster sauce, light soy sauce, sugar, and dark soy sauce. Mix well.
- Add the fried tofu to absorb the sauce. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add prawns (heads removed, tails on) and cook for 3 minutes over medium-high heat.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Thicken the sauce with a cornstarch or potato starch slurry.
Step 4. Finish and Serve
- Add optional egg and cooking wine. Stir gently.
- Add remaining spring onions, stir lightly, and turn off the heat.
Read more: Authentic Chinese Mapo Tofu Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tips
- Using soft tofu is ideal for frying, but firm tofu or egg tofu can also be used.
- Ensure the oil is hot when deep-frying the tofu to achieve a crispy crust and evaporate moisture.
- Move the tofu gently while frying to avoid breaking it.
- If you don't have shiitake mushrooms, use other mushrooms or omit them entirely.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen prawns?
Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to ensure they crisp up nicely.
2. What can I substitute for black bean sauce?
If you don't have black bean sauce, you can use a mixture of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and a little rice vinegar for a similar savory flavor.
This Crispy Tofu Prawns with Black Bean Sauce recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a delicious and satisfying meal without the fuss. The perfect balance of textures and flavors makes it a versatile dish, suitable for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Enjoy the delicious results of your culinary adventure!