This vegan take on pork belly-style tofu is a flavorful and satisfying dish that's perfect for a meatless meal. The tofu is marinated and layered with a vegan fat layer and bread, then steamed, sliced and pan-fried until crispy and golden brown!
114-oz blockextra firm tofu (400g)drained and pressed
1slicesandwich breaduse the end piece!
2tablespoonscornstarch
2tablespoonssesame oilfor frying
1tablespoontamari soy sauce
For the marinade:
¼cupdark soy sauce (60 ml)
2tablespoonshoisin sauce
2teaspoonChinese five-spice powder
¼teaspoonblack pepper
For the 'fat layer':
½cuprice flour (75g)
½cuptapioca starch (80g)
1cupcoconut milk (240 ml)
⅔cupswater (160 ml)
1pinchsalt
For garnish (optional):
1tablespoonthinly sliced scallionsspring onions
1tablespoontoasted sesame seeds
Instructions
First, make the marinade by mixing together the dark soy sauce, hoisin sauce, Chinese five-spice powder, and black pepper in a bowl.
Next, place the tofu block in a container that is of the same size. Pour the marinade over the tofu block and marinate it for 2 hours. After 2 hours, remove the block and store the remaining marinade for later. Slice the tofu block into 2 large slices.
To create the fat layer, combine rice flour, tapioca starch, coconut milk, water and salt in a pan on low heat. Stir the mixture constantly until it becomes a thick white paste, then remove from the heat.
Spread half of the fat on top of one tofu slice. Then, top with the second tofu slice and evenly spread the rest of the fat on top.
Use a rolling pin to flatten the slice of bread, and place it on top of the tofu/fat block. Cut the bread to size if needed.
Firmly wrap the tofu first in a clean muslin, then aluminum foil and steam it for 25-30 minutes. Let it cool down entirely, unwrap and then slice and cut the block into bite-size pork belly pieces.
Coat the tofu in cornstarch and pan-fry it in hot oil until the edges get crispy.
Once crispy, drizzle in the tamari and stir to coat. Then, remove from the heat after 1 minute. Instantly pour the remaining marinade over the tofu and stir to evenly coat.
Serve the vegan pork belly-style tofu right away and enjoy!