Figi Recipe: Authentic Taiwanese Vegetarian Dish

Figi

Figi Recipe: Authentic Taiwanese Vegetarian Dish
Region / culture: Taiwan | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4 | Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Figi
Figi

This recipe for crispy tofu with ginger and scallions is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a vegetarian or vegan meal. The tofu is fried until golden and crispy, then topped with a savory and slightly sweet sauce made with soy sauce, honey, and ginger. The dish is finished off with a sprinkle of fresh scallions for a burst of freshness and color.

History

This recipe is inspired by traditional Asian cooking techniques that use tofu as a main ingredient. Tofu is a versatile and nutritious food that is commonly used in vegetarian and vegan cooking. The combination of crispy fried tofu with a flavorful sauce made with ginger and scallions is a popular dish in many Asian cuisines.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. Wipe the tofu dry with paper towels.
  2. Cut the tofu into halves, and then cut each half into four equal portions.
  3. Lightly flour each portion.
  4. Heat vegetable oil to medium hot (350°F (177°C) to 375°F).
  5. Add the tofu, a few pieces at a time.
  6. Fry until golden and remove to drain on paper towels.
  7. Prepare the sauce by placing water, soy or tamari sauce, sweetener, and stock in a saucepan.
  8. Bring the mixture to a boil and mix well, ensuring that the sugar (if using) is dissolved.
  9. To serve, place a small amount of the sauce on four warmed plates.
  10. Divide the tofu evenly among the plates, placing them on the sauce.
  11. Garnish with grated ginger and chopped scallions.

Variations

  • Add vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to the dish for added texture and flavor.
  • Use a different protein such as tempeh or seitan instead of tofu.
  • Make a spicy version of the sauce by adding chili paste or sriracha.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to dry the tofu thoroughly before cutting and frying to ensure a crispy texture.

- Fry the tofu in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan and ensure even cooking.

- Be careful when frying the tofu as it can splatter hot oil.

- Adjust the sweetness of the sauce to your taste by adding more or less honey.

- Garnish the dish with extra chopped scallions for added flavor and freshness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Frying

- Boiling

Ingredient Substitutions

Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version of the dish.

- Substitute maple syrup or agave nectar for honey for a vegan version of the dish.

Make Ahead Tips

The tofu can be fried ahead of time and reheated in the oven before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the tofu pieces on a platter and drizzle the sauce over the top for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve this dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this dish contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this dish contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of this dish contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of this dish contains approximately 12 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of calcium, iron, and magnesium from the tofu.

Alergens

This dish contains soy and wheat (from the flour used for coating the tofu) allergens.

Summary

This dish is a nutritious and balanced meal that provides a good amount of protein and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

This crispy tofu with ginger and scallions is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a vegetarian or vegan meal. The crispy fried tofu pairs perfectly with the savory and slightly sweet sauce, creating a flavorful and nutritious dish that is sure to impress.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe. It was given to me by an old friend of mine, Mrs. Thompson, who had traveled to Fiji and brought back a cookbook filled with traditional recipes from the island. As someone who has always been passionate about cooking and trying new dishes, I couldn't wait to dive into this new culinary adventure.

The recipe for Figi caught my eye immediately. It was a dish made with fresh fish, coconut milk, and a variety of spices that promised to create a flavorful and aromatic meal. As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I could practically taste the dish already. I knew I had to give it a try.

I set out to gather all the ingredients I would need for the Figi recipe. I made my way to the local market, where I picked out a beautiful piece of mahi-mahi, some fresh ginger, garlic, and chilies, and a can of coconut milk. I also made sure to grab some fresh herbs and vegetables to serve as sides for the dish.

Back in my kitchen, I began to prepare the ingredients for the Figi. I started by marinating the fish in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, which would infuse it with a delicious flavor. While the fish marinated, I chopped up the vegetables and herbs, getting everything ready for when it was time to cook.

As I heated up the pan and added the marinated fish, the kitchen was filled with the enticing aroma of ginger and garlic. I could already tell this dish was going to be a winner. I added in the coconut milk, chilies, and spices, letting everything simmer together until the fish was cooked through and the flavors had melded together perfectly.

When the Figi was finally ready, I plated it up alongside some steamed rice and a fresh salad. I couldn't wait to dig into this dish that had brought me on such a culinary journey. As I took my first bite, I was transported to the tropical shores of Fiji, with the flavors of coconut, ginger, and spices dancing on my tongue. It was a dish unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I knew it would become a staple in my recipe collection.

I made sure to jot down the recipe for Figi in my trusty notebook, alongside all the other recipes I had collected over the years. Each one was a treasure, a piece of culinary history that I could pass down to future generations. I knew that my grandchildren would one day inherit these recipes, just as I had inherited them from my own grandmother.

As I sat down to enjoy my Figi, I couldn't help but think about all the places and people that had inspired me to become the cook I am today. From Mrs. Thompson and her travels to Fiji, to my own grandmother who had taught me the basics of cooking, each recipe I had collected was a testament to the love and passion I had for creating delicious meals.

And so, as I savored every bite of my Figi, I knew that this dish would always hold a special place in my heart. It was more than just a recipe – it was a connection to a world of flavors and experiences that had shaped me into the cook I had become. And for that, I would always be grateful.

Categories

| Firm Tofu Recipes | Green Onion Recipes | Taiwanese Appetizers | Taiwanese Recipes | Taiwanese Vegetarian |

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