This tofu recipe makes the CRISPIEST rice paper dumplings!

ground pork

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground chicken

Ground turkey is leaner and lower in calories.

sesame oil

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Canola oil is more affordable and has a neutral flavor.

peanut butter

🥗Healthier: almond butter

💰Cheaper: sunflower seed butter

Sunflower seed butter is often less expensive and nut-free.

chili oil

🥗Healthier: sriracha

💰Cheaper: red pepper flakes

Red pepper flakes provide heat at a lower cost.

Prepare the filling by finely mincing half an onion, half a large red bell pepper, four cloves of garlic, and a couple little carrots. Separate the light parts from the dark parts of the green onions and finely chop them.

Heat a skillet and add about 1 tablespoon of oil. Once hot, add the minced bell pepper, onion, garlic, and the light parts of the green onions. Sweat the mixture for about 3 minutes until they lose moisture.

Crumble a whole block of extra firm tofu into the skillet with the veggies. Add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, Sichuan peppercorns, Chinese five spice, and a pinch of salt. Mix well.

Stir-fry the mixture for about 2 minutes, then add the shredded carrot and dark parts of the green onion. Stir until well combined and then remove from heat to let cool.

Prepare the dandan sauce by combining 1/3 cup tahini, 1 tablespoon coconut sugar, 1 teaspoon ground Sichuan peppercorns, 1 teaspoon black vinegar (or rice vinegar), and soy sauce in a bowl. Add 1/3 cup hot water and mix until smooth.

Set up a workspace with a shallow plate of water, a damp cutting board, and a lightly greased plate for the dumplings. Dunk a rice paper sheet in water until fully saturated, then shake off excess water and place it on the cutting board.

Take about a heaping 1/4 cup of the filling and place it in the center of the rice paper. Fold one side over the filling, then fold in the other sides, pressing down to seal. Place the dumpling on the greased plate and repeat with remaining filling.

For air frying, line the air fryer basket with parchment paper, spritz with cooking oil, and lay down the dumplings in an even layer. Spritz the tops with oil and optionally sprinkle sesame seeds. Set the air fryer to 380°F for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

For pan frying, add about 2 tablespoons of oil to a skillet and heat until sizzling. Carefully place the dumplings in the hot oil, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and pan fry for about 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden and crispy.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

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Allergens