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Rujak Tahu

Crispy fried tofu tossed with cucumber and fresh bean sprouts in a sweet, tangy palm sugar dressing.

25 minEasyServes 4280 cal/serving

IndonesianSaladStovetopVeganVegetarianHalal-friendlyKosher-styleGluten-FreeDairy-FreeEgg-FreeShellfish-FreePork-FreeAlcohol-FreeLow-Sodium

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Ingredients

  • 14 oz firm tofu, cubed
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 2 cups fresh bean sprouts, blanched
  • 1/4 cup palm sugar, shaved
  • 2 tsp tamarind paste
  • 2 Thai red chillies, sliced
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, crushed
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup warm water

Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

  2. 2

    Fry 14 oz cubed firm tofu until golden brown and crispy on all sides, then drain on paper towels.

  3. 3

    In a bowl or mortar, grind 1 minced garlic clove, 2 sliced Thai red chillies, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 cup crushed roasted peanuts into a coarse paste.

  4. 4

    Mash in 1/4 cup shaved palm sugar, 2 tsp tamarind paste, and 1/4 cup warm water to create a smooth, sweet sauce.

  5. 5

    Arrange fried 14 oz cubed firm tofu, 1 cup diced cucumber, and 2 cups blanched fresh bean sprouts on a serving platter.

  6. 6

    Pour the prepared sauce over the dish and serve immediately.

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Questions

Why blanch first in Rujak Tahu?

Step 5 reads: "Arrange fried 14 oz cubed firm tofu, 1 cup diced cucumber, and 2 cups blanched fresh bean sprouts on a serving platter." The quick boil in step 5 sets the color and takes off the raw edge. If the step follows it with cold water, that is to stop the cooking at once so the vegetables stay bright and crisp.

Is there a substitute for tamarind in Rujak Tahu?

The entry for Rujak Tahu calls for 2 tsp tamarind paste. In its place: Equal parts lime juice and brown sugar give the same sour-sweet effect. Pomegranate molasses also works where you have it.

Can I use a different firmness of tofu instead of tofu in Rujak Tahu?

Go firmer, not softer. Extra-firm stands in for firm anywhere; anything softer breaks up when it is fried or stirred. Press it for 15 minutes either way. As written, the entry for Rujak Tahu uses 14 oz firm tofu, cubed.

Can I make Rujak Tahu less spicy?

Yes. The heat in Rujak Tahu comes from 2 Thai red chillies, sliced. For a milder plate, remove the seeds and ribs from the chillies, or use half; nothing else in the method changes.

Does Rujak Tahu contain peanuts?

Yes: 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, crushed. The full allergen list for this entry is peanuts and soy. Where the peanuts are a garnish, toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds give the same crunch. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

Serve it with

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