Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Tofu: Firm tofu is used for its ability to hold shape and absorb flavors during cooking.

Garlic: Minced garlic adds a robust and aromatic flavor to the dish.

Soy sauce: Soy sauce provides a savory and umami taste that complements the tofu.

Olive oil: Olive oil is used for frying the tofu, giving it a golden brown and crispy texture.

Cornstarch: Cornstarch helps to coat the tofu, making it crispy when fried.

Black pepper: Black pepper adds a hint of spice and enhances the overall flavor.

Green onions: Chopped green onions are used as a garnish, adding a fresh and vibrant touch to the dish.

When preparing the tofu, make sure to press it well before cubing to remove excess moisture. This will help the cornstarch adhere better and result in a crispier texture when frying.

• shrimp - Substitute with 400 g drained and cubed firm tofu: Tofu is a versatile plant-based protein that absorbs flavors well, making it an excellent substitute for shrimp in vegan recipes.

• garlic - Substitute with 4 cloves minced garlic: Garlic is already vegan and provides the essential flavor needed for the dish.

• soy sauce - Substitute with 2 tablespoon soy sauce: Soy sauce is vegan and adds the necessary umami flavor to the dish.

• olive oil - Substitute with 1 tablespoon olive oil: Olive oil is a plant-based oil that is suitable for vegan cooking and helps in sautéing the ingredients.

• cornstarch - Substitute with 1 teaspoon cornstarch: Cornstarch is vegan and helps in thickening the sauce, giving the dish a nice texture.

• black pepper - Substitute with 0.5 teaspoon black pepper: Black pepper is a spice that enhances the flavor of the dish and is naturally vegan.

• green onions - Substitute with 2 tablespoon chopped green onions: Green onions add a fresh, mild onion flavor and are a perfect garnish for vegan dishes.

• Allow the tofu to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the tofu soggy.
• Transfer the cooled tofu and garlic mixture into an airtight container. Ensure the container is clean and dry to maintain the freshness of the dish.
• Store the container in the refrigerator. The garlic tofu can be kept for up to 3-4 days. For best results, consume within this timeframe to enjoy the optimal flavor and texture.
• If you wish to freeze the dish, place the cooled tofu and garlic mixture into a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Label the container with the date to keep track of its storage time.
• When ready to reheat, thaw the frozen garlic tofu in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process helps retain the texture and flavor of the dish.
• Reheat the garlic tofu in a frying pan over medium heat until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking and to refresh the flavors.
• Garnish with freshly chopped green onions before serving to add a burst of freshness and color to the reheated dish.

• Microwave: Place the leftover tofu in a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Check if it's hot enough; if not, continue heating in 30-second intervals.

• Stovetop: Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil to the pan. Once the oil is hot, add the leftover tofu. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure even heating. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until the tofu is heated through.

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover tofu on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover the tofu with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Bake for 10-15 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it's heating evenly.

• Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover tofu in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating. This method will help retain the tofu's crispy texture.

• Steaming: Place the leftover tofu in a heatproof dish. Set up a steamer and bring the water to a boil. Place the dish in the steamer, cover, and steam for about 5-7 minutes or until the tofu is heated through. This method will keep the tofu moist and tender.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine the tofu, cornstarch, and black pepper evenly.

• Frying pan: A flat-bottomed pan used to cook the tofu until it is golden brown on all sides.

• Spatula: A tool used to flip and stir the tofu in the frying pan to ensure even cooking.

• Knife: A sharp blade used to mince the garlic and chop the green onions.

• Cutting board: A flat surface used to safely chop the garlic and green onions.

• Measuring spoons: Tools used to measure out the soy sauce, olive oil, cornstarch, and black pepper accurately.

• Serving dish: A plate or bowl used to present the finished dish garnished with green onions.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Chop green onions and mince garlic ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.

Use pre-pressed tofu: Purchase firm tofu that has already been pressed to save time on draining and pressing.

Pre-mix seasonings: Combine soy sauce, cornstarch, and black pepper in a small bowl before starting to cook.

Cook in batches: If your pan is small, cook the tofu in batches to ensure even browning and save time on flipping.