Tahu Goreng Bumbu Kuning - Turmeric Fried Tofu

Method6 steps · about 1 hr 45 min

1. 1

   Step 1: Cut each of the two tofu blocks into eight pieces, making sixteen pieces. Grind the shallot, garlic (4 cloves), candlenuts (6) and galangal (1-inch piece) into a smooth paste. Add the separate optional 1–2 tbsp blending water only if needed for a smooth paste.

   Uses 900 g firm OR extra-firm tofu (two blocks) · 75 gram (2.5 oz) shallot · 4 cloves garlic · 6 candlenuts (Indonesian: kemiri) (Note 2) · 1-inch piece galangal · 1–2 tbsp extra water for blending paste, only if needed

2. 2

   Step 2: Bring the prepared spice paste, 750 ml braising water, lemongrass (2 stalks), optional Indonesian bay leaves (2), salt (1 1/2 teaspoon), coriander powder (1 teaspoon) and turmeric powder (1 teaspoon) to a boil. Add the prepared tofu and simmer until the broth is close to dry. Once about half the broth remains, stir carefully every 10–15 minutes and more often as it concentrates so the tofu does not stick.

   Braise tofu until broth nearly dryUses sixteen cut tofu pieces · smooth ground shallot-garlic-candlenut-galangal paste · 750 ml water for braising · 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised and knotted · 2 Indonesian bay leaves (Indonesian: daun salam) (Note 1) · 1 1/2 teaspoon salt · 1 teaspoon coriander powder · 1 teaspoon turmeric powder

3. 3

   Step 3: Strain: Strain braised tofu until dry before frying to prevent the oil from splattering.

   Uses spice-braised tofu

4. 4

   Step 4: Choose this deep-frying route OR the following pan-frying route. Heat about 2 inches of oil to 180°C/350°F. Deep-fry the well-drained braised tofu in uncrowded batches for about 2–3 minutes until golden, then drain on a wire rack.

   Deep fry tofu · 3 minUses well-drained braised tofu for option 1 · Deep-frying oil for option 1 (quantity unspecified)

5. 5

   Step 5: Alternative pan-frying route: heat 3 tbsp oil over medium heat in a non-stick or well-seasoned skillet. Pan-fry the drained braised tofu until golden on every side. Use this route instead of the preceding deep-fry option.

   Uses well-drained braised tofu for option 2 · 3 tbsp oil only for alternative pan-frying route

6. 6

   Step 6: Transfer the tofu from your chosen frying route to a serving plate and serve immediately.

   Uses deep-fried tofu, only if option 1 chosen · pan-fried tofu, only if option 2 chosen