Craving sisig but looking for a healthier, vegetarian twist? This Tofu Sisig with Mayonnaise recipe is your answer! It's a vibrant, flavorful dish that's surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend meal. This recipe delivers all the satisfying textures and umami punch of traditional sisig, but with a lighter, plant-based approach. Get ready for a delicious and healthy explosion of flavors!
Ingredients:
- 1 block (14 oz) extra-firm tofu, pressed and crumbled
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons calamansi juice (or lime juice)
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- Mayonnaise, for serving (optional)
- Chopped cilantro, for garnish (optional)
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Press the tofu to remove excess water. Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object on top (like books or a cast iron skillet) for at least 15-20 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving a crispier tofu.
- Once pressed, crumble the tofu into small pieces.
Cooking the Tofu Sisig:
- Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the onions and garlic and sauté until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the crumbled tofu and cook until lightly browned and crispy, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the red bell pepper, chili garlic sauce, soy sauce, calamansi juice, black pepper, cumin, and turmeric powder. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Finally, stir in the green onions and cook for another minute.
Serving Your Delicious Creation:
- Serve the Tofu Sisig hot, either on its own as a side dish or over a bed of cooked rice. Top with a generous dollop of mayonnaise for extra creaminess (optional) and garnish with fresh cilantro (optional).
Cooking Tips for the Best Tofu Sisig:
- Pressing the tofu: Don't skip this step! Pressing the tofu removes excess water, resulting in a crispier and more flavorful dish.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Cook the tofu in batches if necessary to ensure it browns properly.
- Adjust the spice level: Feel free to adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce according to your preference.
- Get creative with veggies: Add other vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrients.
Variations:
- Spicy Tofu Sisig: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped chili peppers for an extra kick.
- Pineapple Tofu Sisig: Add 1/2 cup of chopped pineapple for a sweet and savory twist.
- Kimchi Tofu Sisig: Incorporate 1/2 cup of kimchi for a fermented, tangy flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300 calories (depending on ingredients and serving size)
- Protein: Approximately 15-20 grams
- Fat: Approximately 10-15 grams
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20 grams
This delicious and easy Tofu Sisig recipe is perfect for anyone looking for quick dinner ideas or healthy meals. The homemade cooking experience is both satisfying and rewarding. Enjoy this best recipe, a true testament to how flavorful and versatile tofu can be!