Crispy Tahu Goreng (Deep Fried Tofu) with Peanut Sauce

This recipe for Tahu Goreng (Indonesian Deep Fried Tofu) highlights Brick Lane’s finest tofu, paired with a rich, nutty peanut sauce. Perfect as a main dish or snack!

Ingredients

For the Tofu and Vegetables

16 oz firm or extra-firm tofu
Oil for deep frying
½ cabbage, shredded
2 large tomatoes, diced
3 cups fresh bean sprouts

For the Sauce

1–2 red chillies, finely chopped
5 shallots, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 Tbsp oil
½ tsp dried shrimp paste or fish sauce
200g coarsely chopped peanuts or crunchy peanut butter
⅔ cup water
4 Tbsp brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
4 Tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp salt
4 kaffir lime leaves (tear edges to release flavour)
2 bay leaves

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Tofu

Press the tofu between two pieces of kitchen roll under a heavy object for 30 minutes. Repeat until the kitchen roll is only slightly damp.
Cut the tofu into large chunks.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

Steam the cabbage for 5 minutes and set aside.
Place the bean sprouts in a heat-proof bowl, cover with boiling water, and let sit for 5 minutes. Drain and set aside with the cabbage.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a saucepan, then add the shrimp paste or fish sauce and cook for 30 seconds.
Add the chillies, shallots, and garlic, and stir-fry for 1 minute.
Stir in peanuts, kaffir lime leaves, bay leaves, sugar, and water. Simmer for 15 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in soy sauce and salt. Adjust seasoning to taste; the sauce should be sweet and nutty.

Step 4: Fry the Tofu

Heat oil in a deep pan and fry tofu chunks until crispy and golden. Drain on kitchen paper.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Arrange cabbage, bean sprouts, and diced tomatoes on a serving plate or over rice.
Add the hot, crispy tofu on top.
Drizzle the peanut sauce generously over the dish and sprinkle with crispy fried shallots. Add extra soy sauce if desired.

Enjoy this traditional Indonesian delight fresh and hot for the ultimate flavour experience!