tofu manchurian

Directions:

1. Take your block of tofu and press it well to remove all water.
2. I also dry it well with paper towels.
3. Remove as much water as you can for crispy tofu.
4. I generally use firm tofu so that it does not fall apart while cooking.
5. Now cut into cubes and keep aside.
6. Finely slice scallions or green onion.
7. Cut one green pepper and onion into petals.
8. Also slice 2 green chillies for the spice hit.
9. Assemble the Asian sauce or Manchurian sauce.
10. Mix together soy sauce, minced ginger and garlic, chilli garlic sauce, vinegar and tomato ketchup (if using).
11. Also prepare a slurry of cornstarch in water.
12. Take tofu cubes and toss them in cornstarch and salt and pepper.
13. Dust off excess cornstarch.
14. Preheat air fryer at 380F or 160C.
15. Spray with oil. Lay seasoned tofu cubes in the air fryer basket.
16. Now spray/brush lightly with oil.
17. Air fry tofu cubes for 6-8 minutes at 360F or 180C shaking the basket a couple of times.
18. Once tofu cubes are crispy, take them out to toss in the sauce later.
19. Take a couple of tbsp. of oil in a skillet.
20. Place seasoned tofu cubes in the pan.
21. Pan fry on all sides till crispy. Drain and keep aside.
22. Preheat oven to 400°F.
23. Place tofu cubes on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes till crispy.
24. Flip the cubes once in the middle.
25. Take out when crispy.
26. Heat oil in a pan. Toss in the whites of scallion or green onion.
27. Saute for a minute.
28. Add green pepper and onion cubes and pan fry for a couple of minutes till translucent.
29. Also add sliced green chillies if using.
30. Add in the prepared Manchurian sauce.
31. Cook it for about 2-3 minutes till bubbling.
32. Add in the cornstarch slurry slowly to the bubbling sauce.
33. It will thicken instantly. Depending upon how thick you want your sauce to be, add the slurry and cook.
34. Finally add crispy tofu and toss.
35. Garnish with scallion greens and serve hot.
36. Your delightful tofu manchurian is ready to serve. Enjoy.