Tahu Gejrot

The method

Step by step

1. 1

   Cut the firm tofu into 2 cm (¾ inch) cubes.

   Cook’s note: Ensure uniform cubes for even frying and better presentation.

2. 2

   Finely chop the shallots, garlic, red chili, and bird's eye chilies.

   Cook’s note: For a milder sauce, remove the seeds from the chilies before chopping.

3. 3

   Heat 300 ml of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or wok over medium-high heat until it reaches 170°C (340°F).

   About 3 min

   Cook’s note: Use a kitchen thermometer to accurately gauge the oil temperature; too cool and the tofu will be greasy, too hot and it will burn.

4. 4

   Carefully add the tofu cubes to the hot oil in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.

   Cook’s note: Overcrowding the pan lowers the oil temperature, leading to soggy rather than crispy tofu.

5. 5

   Fry the tofu for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally with a slotted spoon, until golden brown and crispy on all sides.

   About 7 min

   Cook’s note: Achieving a good crisp on the tofu is crucial as it will absorb the flavorful sauce without becoming mushy.

6. 6

   Remove the fried tofu with a slotted spoon and transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

   About 1 min

   Cook’s note: Draining excess oil helps maintain the tofu's crispiness and prevents the final dish from being greasy.

7. 7

   In a small saucepan, combine the chopped shallots, garlic, red chili, bird's eye chilies, palm sugar, tamarind paste, soy sauce, and 100 ml of water.

   Cook’s note: Break up the palm sugar if it's in a solid block to help it dissolve faster.

8. 8

   Bring the sauce mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring continuously until the palm sugar is fully dissolved.

   About 3 min

   Cook’s note: Stirring prevents the palm sugar from sticking to the bottom and burning.

9. 9

   Continue to simmer the sauce for another 2-3 minutes, allowing it to slightly thicken to a syrupy consistency.

   About 3 min

   Cook’s note: The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, but not overly reduced.

10. 10

    Pour the warm sauce evenly over the crispy fried tofu in a serving bowl.

    About 1 min

    Cook’s note: Pouring the sauce while it's warm helps the tofu absorb the flavors more effectively.

11. 11

    Gently toss the tofu to ensure each piece is thoroughly coated with the sweet, spicy, and tangy sauce.

    About 1 min

    Cook’s note: Use a spatula or tongs to gently toss, avoiding breaking the crispy tofu.

12. 12

    Serve immediately, optionally garnished with a fresh squeeze of lime juice for an extra bright finish.

    Cook’s note: The lime juice adds a refreshing zest that cuts through the richness of the sauce.